The Nasty Bits

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Books
Genre:	Cooking, Food & Wine
Author:	Anthony Bourdain

I've never watched any of his TV shows (save a glimpse of an interview clip on the Internet), nor read any of his books other than Confidential Kitchen. My impressons after reading Confidential Kitchen? An interesting read, no-nonsense contents, very bold and with a choice of spicy expressions. Needles to say, his writing loudly describes his personality; a typical "Bourdain" style. Having enjoyed reading that book, I eagerly took The Nasty Bits off its shelf at Waterstone's not so long ago and rightaway devoured the pages.

The Nasty Bits contains a collection of articles and essays by Bourdain, which were published in various publications. The contents, divided into Salty, Sweet, Sour, Bitter and Umami, are a variation of stories and thoughts, ranging from the kinds of music in the kitchen to restaurant etiquette, from a pampered lifestyle on a luxury ship to the harsh environment of an Inuit tribe, from a delicate US$ 350,-/head sushi dinner and an exclusive food-lab to daring experiences of eating virtually any part of any breathing creature. The collection is followed by a short fiction: A Chef's Christmas, which (I quote from Bourdain himself) is exactly "...a children's Christmas fable - but with language that children probably shouldn't read". The book ends with a Commentary section, where Bourdain made remarks about each article.

Having joined Jalansutra mailing list for a couple of years, I admit, have increased my consciousness towards food and travel, more than ever. But it still does not make me an expert. I have yet to learn many gastronomical terms that Bourdain threw into his writing. However, aside from occassional unfamiliarities of terms, particular points and the overall story are comprehensible. Mainly because this book covers beyond food business: it explores people's passion towards food (something that I share with most of my friends)! I like it how Bourdain tirelessly express and proves, in many ways, that good food doesn't always come with night gowns, hushed atmosphere and silver cutlery, but sincere affection, pleasant (can be either relaxing or lively) surroundings and good companions.

I like it also how Bourdain gives graphic descriptions of his adventures, with brutal honesty. He doesn't hesitate to mention and comment on well-known names (given his expertise, I can see he's entitled to do so). And, being seemingly straight-forward in all aspects as he is, in the commentary section he admits a change of viewpoints. Well, I can imagine it's just like myself looking at my own works from years ago - I must be embarrassed or proud by some - but it's all a process towards maturity, isn't it. Best of all, I find myself very much amused by the harshness of his jokes and the liveliness of his stories. I recommend this book as an entertaining reading material (although not for those who are easily offended by obscene words), a mind-opener, but not as a food guide (I just exchanged words with a friend, "Well, we don't have to eat up to Bourdain's standards" :D).


Nasty Bits
Anthony Bourdain
ISBN13: 9780747579816
ISBN10: 0747579814
Publication Date: 01/05/2006
Format: Paperback
Publisher: BLOOMSBURY PUBLISHING