Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook by Anthony Bourdain.

4/5 rating. 291 pages.

Book #12 of 2023. Read April 26, 2023.

 I just love everything Anthony Bourdain does (did?). His wry, sarcastic, and unapologetic humor just gets me and I find myself laughing my way through anything he writes. This book was no different.

I think if you’re going to read just one of his books, it has to be Kitchen Confidential, but this one with stories all about a lot of his time after his quick rise to stardom after that book and subsequent shows is worth a hilarious read. Just realize if you have any qualms about cursing, sarcasm, or crassness you’re not ready for Tony.

I’m honestly not really sure what else to add about this book besides prepare for an entertaining few hours listening to some of Tony’s travel stories, his experiences within kitchens, and some bluntly opinionated takes on some of the most-renowned restaurants around the world. Pour yourself a stiff drink and settle in for the hilarity about to ensue.

Quotes:

“I have long believed that it is only right and appropriate that before one sleeps with someone, one should be able—if called upon to do so—to make them a proper omelet in the morning.”

“In another telling anomaly of the meat-grinding business, many of the larger slaughterhouses will sell their product only to grinders who agree to not test their product for E. coli contamination—until after it’s run through the grinder with a whole bunch of other meat from other sources.”

“It is repugnant, in principle, to me – the suggestion that we legislate against fast food. We will surely have crossed some kind of terrible line if we, as a nation, are infantilized to the extent that the government has to step in and take the Whoppers right out of our hands.”

“But neither do I think it’s ‘okay’ to be unhealthily overweight. It is not an ‘alternative lifestyle choice’ or ‘choice of body image’ if you need help to get out of your car.”

“I got a good job. A good family. I live in peace.”

#anthonybourdain #chef #cooking #cook #travel #food #kitchenconfidential #mediumraw #bookrecommendations #book #booksread #bookstagram

IG Link.