Reviews with content warning for Drug abuse - Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly

This book wasn't necessarily for me. It's an interesting mix of autobiography and kitchen expose. I would have preferred more of the biography than the expose, but it is what it is.

Still enjoyed. It was a good book for book club. Funny, enlightening. Learned a bit. 4 really good chapters and the rest I probably could have taken or left.

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redhothabanero's review

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funny informative medium-paced

4.0

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viasavona's review against another edition

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funny informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced

3.0

I was expecting more about Bourdain himself (and there was a lot about that) but it was more so a "behind the scenes" of the industry. That's on me though! I enjoyed it but if you've ever worked in restaurants before you probably won't gain much from this book?

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art_books_chemistry's review

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emotional funny informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75

Must read for anyone who has worked in the food business if they want to affirm the fact that every kitchen is equally as insane as theirs! Alright, maybe they aren't all completely crazy but there are definitely common adult themes in a lot of them. And Kitchen Confidential is FULL of adult themes. If you're squeamish about sex, drugs, cursing, or blood I recommend steering away from this. Granted if those are true, I'd avoid commercial kitchens in general.

I do also recommend this book to all those who have never worked in a kitchen and are at all curious about what goes on. Bourdain gives some interesting tips on what he will or will not eat depending on whether he knows the chef or not. Like which days you should or shouldn't order the fish.

I loved listening to Anthony Bourdain read this book himself even if it was a bit depressing at the same time. It was sad to hear that he overcame so much addiction and issues over the course of his life just for him to ultimately lose the battle with himself. There is a certain amount of self-deprecating humor that allows you to see some of where his head was at in hind sight.

Highly recommend this book (especially listening to Bourdain reading it)!! I did take off the smallest amount of star because he says "mise en place" Way. Too. Much. My (chef) Mom laughed when I said that and said clearly I didn't work with my Uncle much. Anyway, Read this!

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mkeesler's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny medium-paced

4.0

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samiaba15's review against another edition

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informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

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