I haven't ordered eggs benedict from a restaurant since putting this book down! What goes on in those back kitchens of the fabulously frenetic chefs is a marvel to read... and it's made me think twice about ordering fish any day of the week than a Friday!
Young Bourdain is fresh and hilarious ~ raunchy and honest.
A good read.

Being a cook in a kitchen, many of my friends I work with have told me about this book. There was a tv show based on it but only aired for one season. It's a long and detailed journey through Anthony Bourdain's many years in kitchens. While very popular among fellow cooks, I don't know if this book would be such a hit among people who are not familiar with the restaurant business. However, those who are looking to join, should definately read this book to prepare themselves for what they will be getting into.

Anthony Bourdain's 'Kitchen Confidential' is more about the man than 'the life', but it is still a great read. This re-invigoration of the foodie tell all made me laugh out loud so many times I lost count. He is so arrogant you can almost taste it. Well worth a read or re-read, this is just a fun title.

Tony Bourdain, a long time favourite of mine on TV (see "a Cook's Tour" - not so vain as to use "Chef" in the title) has proven to the masses that "the life", as he so appropriately calls it, is not for everyone. As a long time cookie, I can identify with the majority of the situations he has so delicately painted; and the ones I can't, I can certainly picture.

To anyone who enjoys cooking, be you a part-time family chef, or an aspiring liner, I would reccomend this book more than a fat-doctor would reccomend cholesterol reduction. Read it - you will not have wasted time.

Reading (or listening, as in my case, to the audio book) about Anthony recounting his personal growth from a kid fascinated by food to a well known chef is exciting to a foodie. However, the message (about his love for food and his love for using expletive) soon gets kind of old. The book, however, is still enjoyable since it's fast paced and full of strange tales.

This book is amazing. Bourdain' s style is out of this world- hella funny and entertaining. I recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a good read!

Who knew a world renowned chef like Anthony Bourdain could write as well as he cooks. Actually I don't know how well he cooks but I imagine he's pretty decent. I breezed through this book fairly quickly as it was so entertaining. I will forever remember his advice to NEVER have fish on Mondays. Bourdain writes honestly and manages to keep the reader laughing. Hope to visit him someday at Brasserie Les Halles in NYC so I can compliment him on his book ... and hopefully, his cooking.

Tony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential is the PERFECT book, describing the true culinary world. As a culinary student, it showed me how anything can happen in this industry.

A terrific read for all foodies. Bourdain does a wonderful job of describing the realities of the restaurant industry. A must read for those contemplating a career move as a chef after watching Jamie Oliver or Christine Cushing.

I don't think I've ever had so much fun reading a book. Mr. Bourdain is such a colourful writer...I just couldn't put the book down.

This book was a terrific read, providing witty insight and knowledge about the logistics and goings ons in many a typical restaurant.

As a restaurant owner myself, i recommend this book as a must read for all.

Cheers.
Jamieson

An excellent book. Entertaining and informative, some truly funny stories. Only down side is that he tends to run out of steam at the end. Last two chapters seem a bit forced and lack the high quality of the rest of the book. In spite of this you won't be disapointed.

very funny....an excellent read and a very good insight into the restaurant business. highly recommended.

I was looking forward to some exciting culinary stories from the kitchen. Boy was I dissappointed! What I got instead was the lament of a chef who gave up an ongoing culinary education for a life of sleaze and drugs. Extrememly depressing, especially if you were hoping to hone your interest in all things food. Didn't live up to the descriptions at all, give it a pass, as in fail!

An interesting glimpse into the culinary underworld. You may think twice now about going into a resaurant for a meal...
VERY funny and actually chock full of tips for those interested in professional cooking AT HOME. This is not a chef you're likely to see have a show on the Food Network, but he is a very engaging author. Recommended.