BOOK REVIEW - ANTHONY BOURDAIN, "KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL"

I'm not a big fan of Anthony Bourdain. I don't watch his Food Channel TV shows; I never visited his restaurant in New York. He has never been a part of my life, despite my self-professed passion for food. That is, until I read his book and realized that his man not only understands the basic elements of the professional kitchen, but he also has a fantastic sense of humor.

I recommend Bourdain's book to everyone, not just foodies. In it, you'll find interesting perspectives on the fundamentals of business; career planning; what types of people work best in a certain kind of a job; and many other pearls that transcend well beyond the kitchen. And all this, while LOL (laughing out loud, for those of you who don't have teen age kids who are into texting).

Bourdain's writing style is easy-going and totally relaxed. He doesn't talk up to you, nor does he talk down. He just seems to tell it like it is, a frankness which I greatly appreciate. He is SO candid that you get the feeling of peeping into some secret world that you're not supposed to know about, and feel both excited and a bit guilty all at the same time.

The author's description of the kitchen as anything but a sacred place might catch some of you by surprise. His tips on basic cooking implements and on-hand ingredients are spot-on for us amateurs who strive to be better than we are. His irreverence, mixed with practical tips, is refreshing to the point of being embarrassing. His words are provocative yet ring true to those of us who get to the kitchen door but do not live inside…

You might find this book too much about Bourdain, a self-serving serenade. I found it funny and insightful about a world that fascinates me.