Appetites

I purchased this cookbook when it first came out, and I still love it. That fried pork chop sandwich was simply amazing. And I mean absolutely amazing. I will make it again and again. I also love how he incorporates what his daughter loves to eat as well. It’s a cookbook for everyday food that’s good and fun to eat, regardless of how traveled or how not traveled you are. Food is always a comfort and song or the heart, and this book showcases all of his.

This one's a keeper. There aren't a ton a recipes but there is a good representation of the basics and the comfort foods to the fancy to the international. Recipes are presented with some history and helpful hints. I think I would try most of these. After reading some of the other reviews I have to admit I am perplexed. Who did we think Anthony was? I've heard complaints of profanity in this book and disturbing pictures. This did not come as a surprise to me. I saw this and thought. "oh, so Bourdain!" I've heard complaints that some recipes were so simple it insulted ones intelligence and some so out there who would make that? And I can only think, so Bourdain. I read the recipe for scrambled eggs, which I've made a biggilion times and thought, I'll have to try it that way. I'm a good cook, but I'm not a Chef. Now, I'm off the the book seller's site for a one star review because I bought a New book, but this one is used. It has grease stains on pp.s 1-10. 190-191, and 238-239. Note: I'm editing this review before it even got posted and approved. The seller was you know who and complaints about customers getting damaged and used books from them go back to 2016. I contacted you know who and was told they would contact admins about the problem.... (its too late to return it). well, admins have known about the problem for six years. they don't care. Thanks, you know who you are.

Awesome cookbook. If you are a fan of Bourdain you will love this cookbook. Learning alot. Grilled cheese was a wake up. And its not for kids! This is an adult cookbook because he doesn't hold off on using Colorful words. If you love to cook and are a fan of Bourdain, or even Ralph Steadman who did the cover (Hunter Thompson's best friend, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas?) Pick it up. You wont regret it....

Very good cookbook. Nice pictures and tasty recipes.

One of the very coolest cookbooks from one of the very coolest "Celebrity" chefs from before that was a total nonsense thing riddled with 'reality TV' hacks. One of the first 'reality Celebrity Chef' from before it was actually a thing. He also made a great point to focus on the food and culture, not himself. Too bad he was gone too soon. Great recipes in an easy to follow format that is hard to mess up, from everyday to special occasions. I especially enjoy the blunt directness that the recipes are written in, as well as the explicit warning if needs any special equipment in well advance that many 'classic' cookbooks severely lack. There is also some interesting stories and anecdotes from Anthony's experiences in various kitchens that make an engrossing read. A top pick for a VERY shortlist of essential general cookbooks.

This is a very strange cookbook, yet I'm intrigued by it. I don't know who the intended audience was. The recipes range from the extremely basic (like how to cook bacon), to mid-range (lasagna), to extreme (wild boar). There is no concentration on a cooking style, like Italian or French, nor on anything in particular at all. Rather, it is a mishmash of whatever sounded good at the moment. What is so entertaining is his conversational style around the recipes. If you've read any of his other works, you know that he lived hard, worked hard, and played hard, and his life experience is reflected in the authentic voice of his narrratives. There are plenty of other reviewers who have said the same thing -- so don't be surprised or offended when you hear the profanity. If it bothers you, don't buy the book. The other attraction of this book, for me, anyway, is the outstanding and sometimes shocking photography. You want halibut poached in duck fat? Get ready to see a slab of fish placed across a duck's body, with the eyes and feet still intact. There are other photos of beautifully arranged vegetables, or other animal parts. They are stark reminders of where our (animal) food comes from. There are not many photos of a completed dish; it is more likely to be a picture of the dirty casserole dish when dinner is over. The photographer seems to be so matched to Bourdain's personality, it's great to see their crazy imaginations on the pages of a cookbook. So.... There are a lot of things to complain about in this cookbook if you are offended by them. If you feel otherwise, there's much to be entertained by. You know who you are. Pick accordingly. There's room for all of us.

I bought this book twice: Once as a gift, once for myself upon previewing said gift. I enjoyed it immensely and most of the top reviews are spot on matching my over all impressions. In a few words: Accessible, informative, easy and engaging - and visually stimulating from cover to cover (in and out). It’s a work of art. Out of curiousity I peroused some of the negative reviews because I couldn’t find anything not to like about the book. Well, many of the negative reviewers seemed to own all of his other books and felt that this one didn’t introduce anything new or exciting. I can see that. However, this being my only Bourdain book (I plan to improve on that) it was all new material to me and the smattering of recipes was diverse in both complexity and specificity. I read it front to back - which is rare with a cookbook ... hello, The Silver Spoon looks like an unabridged dictionary (of course I live and die by that thing but I don’t sit around “reading” it inside and out).

Okay, this is one of those books that when you pick it up in your grubby little hands it says, yeah, I'm hella cool, I'm badass, I got a Ralph frigging Steadman cover and you will not be through with me until I say you are, punk! Now, first, as someone long in the publishing industry world this is a gorgeous book. It feels really good in your hand, has a wonderful weight and heft to it and a nice contrasting cover of high gloss and an almost burlap sensuality. 100%. Open it up and the gorgeous full color photos just don't stop. They are enticing, clear and evocative of the sensibility and meaning of the courses portrayed and there is that unmistakable Bourdain wit at work in most of them. 100%. Then you get to the recipes and it just doesn't let up. Bourdain is at work here too in his off the cuff repartee about food and dishes (wait till you get to his dessert "chapter") and it makes for as entertaining, and useful, a read as the best of the Bourdain essays. I think this is a book I will start at the beginning and read through like a potboiler (all puns shamelessly intended) and then flip it back over and just start making the damn things from the first page. Oh, I know some lucky people who are getting this for Christmas! A must have for any fan of Bourdain, any foodie, or anyone who just loves beautiful books. Buy one to get trashed in the kitchen and another to sit pristinely on top of the stack of books on the coffee table.

It's beautiful, the pics are fantastic, and it doesn't make me feel sloppy because the book comes with its own splotches on every page. Apart from that, the writing, the recipes.... everything is amazing.

I got this book just because..well Anthony Bourdain. Loved his raw, genuine style. The book looks good, quality cover/paper. The inside has mostly basic recipes described in the author’s style of writing. Measurements for recipes are in American sizes. I choose only 3 recipes to cook from the book, but I am happy with my purchase as I simply wanted to have smth from A.B in my book collection.

Book impeccable and delivered faster than the Amazon delivery tracker could keep up

The book is perfect from front to back, the recipes are great, the stories are great. It's exactly what you expect it to be and the quality of the pages and cover is excellent.

A great book with amazing recipes. Has some interesting recipes and definitely isn't a run of the mill book with the token recipes thrown in. Each recipe has a story behind it and has some interesting Italian recipes. Book quality is top of the line and arrived in perfect conditions. Great for any Anthony Bourdain fans and even has a few personal stories.