Kitchen Confidential

by Anthony Bourdain
Kitchen Confidential cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Biography and Memoir
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99–£12.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1014
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-14
  • ISBN: 9781408820858
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2010-12-20
  • Formats: 23
  • Reviews: 3

Kitchen Confidential is a no-holds-barred memoir by Anthony Bourdain, offering a raw and humorous look into the highs and lows of the culinary industry. From his early days as a dishwasher to his rise as a celebrated chef, Bourdain shares stories that are as shocking as they are entertaining, painting a vivid picture of the kitchen's chaotic and passionate environment. /n/n The book is not just a culinary journey but also a personal one, filled with Bourdain's signature wit and candor. His experiences range from the glamorous to the gritty, providing an unfiltered glimpse into the world of haute cuisine and the people who inhabit it.

Reviews
Bosphorus Review · 2025-09-24
entertaining 4.00

The book is praised for its distinctive voice and dry humor, making it memorable. The writing style is engaging and reflective of Bourdain's television persona.

The reviewer highlights Bourdain's unique voice and dry humor, which make the book as memorable as his television shows. They appreciate the engaging writing style that captures Bourdain's distinctive personality. The book is seen as a reflection of his charisma and wit, making it an enjoyable read for fans and newcomers alike. The reviewer emphasizes how Bourdain's storytelling brings the culinary world to life with a blend of entertainment and insight.

Quick quotes

    He is, however, a good writer with the distinctive voice and dry sense of humour that would make his television shows so memorable.

    Together he makes the book...

    Bourdain's distinctive voice and dry sense of humour

Bvitelli2002 WordPress · 2024-04-06
insightful 4.50

The book is described as both entertaining and insightful, with a mix of irreverence and crudeness. The reviewer enjoys Bourdain's candid and humorous approach.

The reviewer expresses gratitude for reading the book, noting Bourdain's skill as a writer. They find the book both entertaining and insightful, appreciating its irreverent and often crude nature. The candid and humorous approach is particularly highlighted as a strength. The reviewer enjoys how Bourdain's personal experiences and opinions are woven into the narrative, making it a compelling read. The book is seen as a unique blend of humor and honesty, providing a deep dive into the culinary world.

Quick quotes

    I'm glad I read it!

    Bourdain was a very good writer.

    It's also irreverent and often crude, but you...

Novel Notions · 2020-03-09
candid 4.20

The book is described as addictive and no-holds-barred, offering a raw look at the culinary industry. The reviewer appreciates Bourdain's unfiltered perspective.

The reviewer finds Bourdain's story incredibly addictive, providing a no-holds-barred look at the culinary industry and the people who work in it. They appreciate the raw and unfiltered perspective, which was groundbreaking at the time of its publication. The book is seen as a candid and honest exploration of the industry, with Bourdain's personal experiences adding depth and authenticity. The reviewer highlights how Bourdain's writing style makes the book both engaging and thought-provoking, offering a unique insight into the culinary world.

Quick quotes

    Bourdain's story was incredibly addictive.

    This was a no-holds-barred look at the industry and the people who populate it.

    Written when such honesty was less common.

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