Medium Raw

Anthony Bourdain seems to be a "love him or hate him" personality. Over the years I've read many criticisms of him, saying that he's egotistical, "wasn't a great chef", tries too hard to come across as a "bad boy", among other things.I find his books to be very honest and open, and his tv shows in general are excellent, but don't always have the same opportunity to present how he really feels. Which in my mind is fine - tv is a different medium and he likely has much different expectations put on him by the network.Personally, I don't think he really tries to cultivate any particular image and I think he brings a tremendous amount of insight, sensitivity, empathy and eagerness to explore and understand other cultures in a genuine way, not just what will look good for the cameras (or to the reader, as it were).I think he's an excellent writer, as well. He's not afraid to wax poetic, go into lyrical prose to describe something of beauty, or to call himself on his own BS.This book is the spiritual successor to Kitchen Confidential (one of my favorite books of all time). It is a series of semi-unrelated essays on various topics - one of which is the best description/justification/explanation of "selling out" I've ever seen. (He says he arrived at this conclusion after discussing the topic with Emeril - one of his former targets of scorn). You get insights into the food industry, great meals he's had, life at The Food Network (where his original "A Cook's Tour" was shown), cooking as a profession, food writers, and fine dining in general, among other things.If you don't like Bourdain, this won't change your mind about anything, most likely. If you already like him, then this is just more of his view on things, and you'll probably enjoy it.He's crass and profane, so be aware that this is him, uncensored. (Just in case you haven't read his books before). To me this is a better book than The Nasty Bits, which I liked just fine, but it felt more disjointed, being a collection of previously published essays - at least I think they were all previously published.As I said, I really enjoy AB's writing. Though he can be vulgur, sure, he is also capable of elegant descriptive prose and he's particularly good at delving into topics beyond surface expectations or preconceptions. What I also like about this book is that AB reassesses his past, his prior views on various things, Kitchen Confidential, his career and his previously-stated views on others. He's not trying to live up to an image at this point and has come to realize that there are more important things in life. He also repeatedly states how lucky he is and how blessed his life has been, considering the dark corners he'd previously inhabited.Recommended highly. I can't wait for the next one.

Book DescriptionFocusing primarily on food and restaurant related topics--ranging from tasting menus to chef David Chang to Bourdain's list of culinary heroes and villains--Medium Raw is a collection of essays that meanders far and wide. Although primarily focused on the restaurant/chef business, Bourdain also includes personal essays dealing with the break-up of his first marriage, a psychotic weekend with a crazed heiress, and fatherhood.My ThoughtsI very much enjoyed listening to this book. Bourdain lives up to his reputation as a no-nonsense straight-talker. Most importantly, his criticism of others is balanced by self-depreciation. I actually found him to be relatively reasonable and likable. Despite mellowing since Kitchen Confidential (by his own admission), Bourdain still isn't afraid to call out people for being pretentious, fake or unskilled. He owns his opinions (the essay dealing with his dislike of vegans bristles with anger and passion) and has an eloquent way of cursing that is amusing and almost artistic.My favorite essay dealt with his efforts to keep his young daughter from liking McDonalds--with Bourdain waging a war of misinformation and outright lies ("I heard Ronald has cooties!"). This essay was very humanizing; there is nothing quite like parenthood to soften even the most debauched and self-centered person. (And, by his own accounts, Bourdain was this kind of person for years.)Despite his feuds with various celebrity chefs and disdain for the Food Network, Bourdain genuinely loves and enjoys food. This passion is apparent throughout the book. Whether describing an illegal dinner or various meals he's eaten in almost pornographic terms, Bourdain made me think differently about food and cooking. One essay outlined the cooking skills that Bourdain believes should be required for all citizens--including simple knife skills and knowing such basics as making an omelet, roasting a chicken, cooking vegetables, selecting produce, steaming a lobster or crab, preparing potatoes, and cooking. After listening to this essay, I was inspired to roast a chicken--a process that turned out to be rather easy!I plan on reading/listening to more of Bourdain's books. Although I'm not a foodie, Bourdain's writing held my attention and inspired me to care more about what I put into my mouth and how I prepare it.About the Narration: Bourdain narrated his own book, which is very fitting for a collection of personal essays. He has a pleasant voice and knows his way around a curse word. The book was a fun and easy listen, and the short essay format made it perfect for listening to in short bursts.Recommended for: Bourdain fans, foodies, and readers who enjoy essays with a strong point of view

Tony wrote like he spoke. Such interesting perspectives on life, food, people. Get it!

Se você gostou de kitchen confidential provavelmente gostará de medium raw também. Intenso, interessante e com um bom ritmo de entretenimento. Super recomendo.

Kitchen Confidential was a classic, a must read, and this is the next best thing out there. Even though he's not is young, intoxicated self while writing this book, he shows true class in writing, bold in every way, never shy to take people down and leaves you wanting more!

Me encantó!

Anthony Bourdain has the rare gift of being able to write the way he talk and get away with it. Hard and gritty, no punches pulled, you are taken on some blasts through his pasts of alcohol and drug infused foggy drama. Made me feel a bit knackered just reading it. An excellent insight into the business background of the restaurant game, what has made money and what has failed and why. Unthreads the "cool" of chefdom, artistry, ethics, new developments, new movements, from the ability to make cash/fame out of the profession. He begrudgingly gives respect, for example, to Food Network, who he says has none of the former but plenty of the latter. A few of the chefs that have plenty of the former, (and I have therefore never heard of them), he describes to the point that there are plenty of opportunities for follow up reading. An absorbing enjoyable book that reads like the plot of a Marlon Brando movie and still manages to be about the art and commerce of cooking.