Kitchen Confidential

This book is a raw, funny and unfiltered dive into the chaotic world of professional kitchens, told in Bourdain’s bold voice.

I’ve been a fan of Anthony Bourdain’s way of portraying food and the culture around it. He’s one of the main reasons I was a part of the hospitality industry and I continue to visit places and try to write about them (My Food/Travel Blog >)

Kitchen Confidential has been on my reading list for quite some time. It’s part memoir, part behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant world and all Bourdain - unfiltered, witty and brutally honest. He doesn’t hold back on anything, from the gruelling kitchen culture to his own struggles with drugs and ego. It felt like sitting down with him at a bar, listening to story after story about the madness that goes on behind the swinging doors of a restaurant. And the most fun aspect for me was, that I could relate to a few things he shares.

What I loved most was his passion for food and the people who make it happen. He had a deep respect for hardworking chefs, line cooks and dishwashers - the unsung heroes of the industry. And he made it clear that being a chef isn’t just about creating fancy dishes; it’s about surviving in a high-pressure, cutthroat world. His dark humour made even the most shocking moments entertaining, though I can see how some of the book’s rougher edges might not be for everyone.

Some parts felt a little scattered and the macho, chaotic kitchen culture he describes hasn’t exactly aged well. Even Bourdain himself later admitted that some of the things he once celebrated probably weren’t the best aspects of the industry. But in a way, that makes the book feel like a time capsule of a grittier, messier restaurant era. It’s raw, real and never tries to sugarcoat anything.

Smash Hit Score: 4/5

I had a blast reading Kitchen Confidential. Bourdain’s storytelling is sharp, his energy is contagious and his love for food is undeniable. Whether you’re a foodie, a restaurant worker or just someone who enjoys a good memoir, this book is worth picking up.

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