Title: Medium Raw

Author: Anthony Bourdain

Publisher: HarperCollins 2010

Genre: Memoir; Food

Pages: 308

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; ebook; 52 Books - W2

Medium Raw marks the return of the inimitable Anthony Bourdain, author of the blockbuster bestseller Kitchen Confidential and three-time Emmy Award-nominated host of No Reservations on TV’s Travel Channel. Bourdain calls his book, “A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook,” and he is at his entertaining best as he takes aim at some of the biggest names in the foodie world, including David Chang, Alice Waters, the Top Chef winners and losers, and many more. If Hunter S. Thompson had written a book about the restaurant business, it could have been Medium Raw.

I read Kitchen Confidential last year, and I have to say that I enjoyed this one more infinitely more. I think my main issue with KC was that at times it was so technical. Because I do not have a background in cooking, there are terms and techniques that I just don't know. I had to stop periodically to look something up to truly understand what Bourdain was discussing. This book is a lot more friendly to the average reader. We are treated to the personal views of Bourdain as they relate to the food industry. I loved his chapters about the Food Network and its stars. I loved the chapters highlighting specific chefs. And I really loved the chapters where he discussed his own transitioning thoughts and ideas. It was a nice companion to his No Reservations television series. Very enjoyable read!