Bookslut Reviews “Kitchen Confidential”
Posted on September 16, 2007 in Television
Remember Fox’s Kitchen Confidential - a TV tip of the cap to Anthony Bourdain’s memoir of the same name? No? That’s OK - neither does the rest of America. And I’m sure the higher-ups at Fox would rather erase any semblance of the failed show from the collective memories, Men in Black-style.
From BookSlut.com’s review of the show:
When Kitchen Confidential popped up in my Netflix recommendations earlier in the summer, I was a bit confused — mainly because I barely remembered that the show even existed. Based on the memoir by Anthony Bourdain, and one of Fox’s last efforts to create a show that might keep poor dear Arrested Development company, the Darren Star-produced half-hour tracked the adventures of Jack Bourdain (Bradley “Will on Alias” Cooper), recovering addict and master chef. The crew of his restaurant included Xander from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the Asian dude from Harold and Kumar, and an incredibly hot British guy; the production values were top-notch and the food on screen looked scrumptious. You could almost forgive that the show wasn’t actually that funny.
Well, maybe you could, but America sure didn’t — the show was canceled four episodes in, released on DVD two years later.
Indeed. And with good reason. I watched ten minutes of an episode back when Fox was first hyping it and I wanted to poke my eyes and ears out with kabob skewers. It was positively awful.
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From Bourdain's Blog
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About Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain is a celebrity chef, world traveler, bestselling author, and host of The Travel Channel's Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.
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Quotes
"My whole life, cooking has been about control. Traveling and eating are about letting things happen."
- Anthony Bourdain
this is not a chef, he is not even talented. I would not eat any of his food , he is an pompous ass.Full of himself.
Dear Anthony,
In one day I am half way through Kitchen Confidential. Recently I was forced to close my restaraunt. My food was basic home cooking. I so far have laughed, cried and was relieved to know I was smart enough to get out with my reputation intack. So after 6 years I do not feel like a failure but a smart business women.
Thank you I will be reading more of your excelent and enlightning books.
Patricia A Borgen
Des Moines Iowa
I love your book, Kitchen Confidential.
I read it over and over again.
Inspired me in every chapter. About mise en place, kitchen politics, dmitri, adam and steve characters (were they real?) …
Love the attitude and the brutal honesty in it.
as for TV show…Not to crazy for no reservation, though…
Love a cook tour better.
But i don’t think you do justice when you visit Indonesia…you don’t go to the best place to represent it, not like when you travel to singapore or any other place…so If you are planning to re-visit…
please do reseach the best food here. =)
Micki
Hey Anthony,
I’m hoping you check this; i’d love to pick your brain about honeymoon destinations. I watch your show all the time and enjoy your character. you are really down to earth! im a 30 yr old professional working in midtown. lets do lunch one day when your in the city- 51st and Park, i know a great whole in the wall on 45th and 2nd- trust me you will enjoy it!
I meant hole in the wall!
I recently saw the “No Reservations - Romania” show online. His blog claimed it to be an utter failure. For him I guess I agree, but as someone somewhat knowledgable about the country I was laughing hysterical at his failure.
It’s too bad he used a Russian as his guide. Romanians hate Russians. Strike One.
A Romanian (or someone who knew the ropes) would know a paper from the Ministry would never be a free pass to film. It’s Romania, for God’s sake! Strike Two.
And renting that Dacia 1310 might have been a joke for the Russian guy, but a 1310 is the oldest and worst car there - it would be like renting an unrestored ‘62 Ford Falcon. Strike Three.
Thanks again.
John
In the weeds….!!!
Great show Tony, nice to see you back on the line. It realy brought back some memories..!!
Thanks
i think i’m probably one of the last people on earth to read kitchen confidential, but it’s hilarious — i keep laughing out loud on the subway and getting crazy-lady looks from other passengers.
i will admit, though, i *might* have watched an episode or two of the show, back in the day…
I loved your book & the show. I have it on DVD…I love the rabit episode
hey anthony!
i’m Carmelo to Palermo,i speak inglesh no well bat i see everythings your television programm.
i want invite you in sicilia for a eat tour and for search a tipical wine we tasting and eating everithings,naturally if you want. i think it’s possible all if you want i can take a house for sleep.send me a mail.see you i hope.bye bye.
bello lock, im not from around here! im domenican resi in italy, i have a fuck up english, i can speak but i have hard time to write. i dont care for most all things around life, u r one of the few people person the ill love to pay a dinner, but u make more money that i do so!! this is the dial. i love ur show no reservetion, i really love the fact the u smoke durring the show. im a waiter!so u know how my life goes! i know that ill never meet u, but im drunk and happy now. i never ever did somethink like this. i write 1 email a mounth!! so i thought let do it let see what happen. no reservation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s really not that bad, especially compared to all the crap that’s fed to us on television. I watched the whole run this week when I had a bad cold, I laughed out loud a few times. That’s saying something.
Ok, Bourdain… You are one of the funniest, and most talented writers I’ve come accross. I’m not a chef, but I would eat with you anywhere. My wife and I really enjoy your show and EVEn in spite of your sometimes FOUL language! What would it take to get you to teach my wife how to cook! I mean really cook! How do you teach taste? Now there’s a good book for YOU to write. You can’t cook if you can’ taste.
Not only that, but i have a theory…the more sensitive soul you are, the better the chef you are, becuase when your sensitive, you are more aware of all sensory input.
Awe Yeah baby!!!
You Go AB!