Scan barcode
mackellis's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
kieranyes's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Sexual assault
oliviak07's review against another edition
4.0
Despite discs 3, 4 and 5 of the six disc audiobook not agreeing with my car's CD player, and therefore missing a chapter or two of the book, I still found the late Bourdain's "A Cook's Tour: In Search of the Perfect Meal" to be a satisfying and stomach growling, culinary expedition across the globe in only a few days.
Hearing Bourdain's voice narrate each stop on his quest for the "Perfect Meal" gave each anecdote and summary, each dish and its ingredients, each high and low the flavor, bluntness, and humor we loved (and still love) about him. It was bittersweet like some of the experiences and meals he had along the way, but was by no means as horrid and draining as his experience with the vegans towards the end of the book.
If anything, his account makes one appreciate meals with a new set of nerves, reflect on old ones for their true potency and impact, and to always explore the roads less traveled for they lead you to the heavens (and a few hells) on earth. There will be someone there to welcome you in, offer a bowl or plate of something that they treasure, and hope you will treasure too.
Thank you Mr. Bourdain for sharing your treasures with us.
Hearing Bourdain's voice narrate each stop on his quest for the "Perfect Meal" gave each anecdote and summary, each dish and its ingredients, each high and low the flavor, bluntness, and humor we loved (and still love) about him. It was bittersweet like some of the experiences and meals he had along the way, but was by no means as horrid and draining as his experience with the vegans towards the end of the book.
If anything, his account makes one appreciate meals with a new set of nerves, reflect on old ones for their true potency and impact, and to always explore the roads less traveled for they lead you to the heavens (and a few hells) on earth. There will be someone there to welcome you in, offer a bowl or plate of something that they treasure, and hope you will treasure too.
Thank you Mr. Bourdain for sharing your treasures with us.
catherin9's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a fun, surprisingly educational read. I found myself learning a lot about each country, a sort of tongue-in-cheek collection of anthropological vignettes (each chapter is a new country). Each line drips with sarcasm, arrogance and self-deprecation, a funny combination that embodies Bourdain well. Written very honestly (and crudely), I enjoyed seeing someone as seasoned and calloused as Bourdain explore the world with a genuine sense of wonder. I was impressed by the level of respect and humility he approaches each culture, person and dish he encounters. I laughed out loud at the absurd situations (made more absurd by his too-cool attitude mixed with the occasional celebrity tantrum), cringed at some of the grosser food moments, and salivated through the rest - his love for good food is unmistakable. I never knew it could be so poetic - it's as if in the moment his words run through my mind, they're mine and I suddenly understand the art of food (accompanied by a few more expletives than usual...)
meekreadsbooks's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
tracks right into the tv series yet much more compelling
dalet3's review against another edition
3.0
Damn. I'm sure I would have loved this just like I did everything else of his I've read but having seen the TV show already this was just so close it felt like I'd read it already and although I'd like it to be, it doesn't seem to be re-read-grade material for me.
yourfavavery's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.75
We need more people like Anthony Bourdain. He isn't pretentious, he's just looking for good food. He outlines that he's traveling the world in search of the "perfect" meal, which is a combination of context, nostalgia, and great food.
Along the way, he saw humanity in everyone, global politics through a non-judgemental lens, and never exorcized any food or any culture (which would have been all too easy given the other "extreme" food books out there). He seemed very happy to be alive and experiencing the world. We need that kind of human curiosity.
Along the way, he saw humanity in everyone, global politics through a non-judgemental lens, and never exorcized any food or any culture (which would have been all too easy given the other "extreme" food books out there). He seemed very happy to be alive and experiencing the world. We need that kind of human curiosity.
vinacasti's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.0