Medium Raw by Anthony Bourdain
by Jenners • 11/15/2011 • 4 Stars, Audiobook, B Authors, Essays, M Titles, Memoir, Non-Fiction • 43 Comments
Medium Raw written and narrated by Anthony BourdainPublisher: Harper Audio, 2010
Length: 9 hours
Genre: Non-Fiction, Essays, Memoir
Where I Got It: Audible
Why I Read It: Although I have to yet to read his bestseller Kitchen Confidential, I’ve always enjoyed Mr. Bourdain when I’ve seen him on shows such as Top Chef as he seems like a straight-talking, no BS kind of guy.
My Rating: 4 stars
Book Description
Focusing primarily on food and restaurant related topics—ranging from tasting menus to chef David Chang to Bourdain’s list of culinary heroes and villains—Medium Raw is a collection of essays that meanders far and wide. Although primarily focused on the restaurant/chef business, Bourdain also includes personal essays dealing with the break-up of his first marriage, a psychotic weekend with a crazed heiress, and fatherhood.
My Thoughts
I very much enjoyed listening to this book. Bourdain lives up to his reputation as a no-nonsense straight-talker. Most importantly, his criticism of others is balanced by self-depreciation. I actually found him to be relatively reasonable and likable. Despite mellowing since Kitchen Confidential (by his own admission), Bourdain still isn’t afraid to call out people for being pretentious, fake or unskilled. He owns his opinions (the essay dealing with his dislike of vegans bristles with anger and passion) and has an eloquent way of cursing that is amusing and almost artistic.
My favorite essay dealt with his efforts to keep his young daughter from liking McDonalds—with Bourdain waging a war of misinformation and outright lies (“I heard Ronald has cooties!”). This essay was very humanizing; there is nothing quite like parenthood to soften even the most debauched and self-centered person. (And, by his own accounts, Bourdain was this kind of person for years.)
Despite his feuds with various celebrity chefs and disdain for the Food Network, Bourdain genuinely loves and enjoys food. This passion is apparent throughout the book. Whether describing an illegal dinner or various meals he’s eaten in almost pornographic terms, Bourdain made me think differently about food and cooking. One essay outlined the cooking skills that Bourdain believes should be required for all citizens—including simple knife skills and knowing such basics as making an omelet, roasting a chicken, cooking vegetables, selecting produce, steaming a lobster or crab, preparing potatoes, and cooking. After listening to this essay, I was inspired to roast a chicken—a process that turned out to be rather easy!
I plan on reading/listening to more of Bourdain’s books. Although I’m not a foodie, Bourdain’s writing held my attention and inspired me to care more about what I put into my mouth and how I prepare it.
About the Narration
Bourdain narrated his own book, which is very fitting for a collection of personal essays. He has a pleasant voice and knows his way around a curse word. The book was a fun and easy listen, and the short essay format made it perfect for listening to in short bursts.
Recommended For
Bourdain fans, foodies, and readers who enjoy essays with a strong point of view
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I really like Bourdain and his frankness. He is always refreshingly honest when he guest judges on Top Chef.
I know!! I trust him and what he says. He is like the Simon Cowell of Top Chef!! : )
Interesting review. I enjoy watching his tv show, No Reservations but I’ve never thought about reading one of his books. After hearing your thoughts about it, I might give it a try. I might even get the audio version since I like the sound of his voice and hearing him say his essays would be pleasant.
If you like his show, you’d probably enjoy this book too. His voice is pleasant to listen to. I also think he is kind of attractive in a rough and tumble way.
So funny! I just found a copy of “Kitchen Confidential” in the basement the other night and was wondering what this guy was up to. Last I knew he had a cable travel/cooking show. Send it my way sometime? Please. And cheap Phillies stuff! Got the Murakami book for my birthday. You are my favorite sister! Shh, don’t let the others know. I hope they don’t read your bloog.
I can see it might be dangerous for you to read my blog! You’re going to want all my good books … then what will I do for giveaways!? : )
Glad you got the Murakami book. Guess what I’m listening to now? “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.” Of course, I had to get the audio because I DON”T HAVE A COPY OF THE BOOK. Ahem.
When I try to listen to a book I start to think of twenty other things. Do you think this is adult ADHD? I think your right.
The key to focusing on an audiobook is to listen to it while doing something mind-numbing or boring — like walking or cleaning the bathroom or yardwork. Otherwise, yes … you have adult ADHD or you’re picking the wrong books.
You sold me on it, seriously. I think the fact that he narrates it himself put it over the top for me.
He is one author who is very well suited to narrating his books.
I like Anthony Bourdain, he seems like a straightforward, down to earth guy with a grumpy attitude on occasion. And he will eat anything. I like to watch his show on television and I like to see him when he’s guesting on Top Chef. I probably wouldn’t buy the audio book, but I’d listen to it if I had it for free.
Check your local library. Maybe they have it to borrow. He’s pretty popular so your chances are good.
This does sound interesting. I like Bourdain and enjoy the show too.
Sounds like this would be a great fit for you then!
I have been casting about for a new audio since I have almost finished Unbroken for book club, and this one looks great! I loved Kitchen Confidential, and the fact that Bourdain narrates this one really gets me all excited! I think your review was wonderful and can’t wait to try this one for myself! Thanks, Jenners!
If you like Bourdain, then this one is really a no brainer. It was a great listen and his voice is well suited for an audiobook.
Not a programme we know here in England but reading your post and other bloggers sites this chef reminds me of our Gordon Ramsey though with a lot less swearing.
I don’t think anyone curses as much as Gordon Ramsey! : )
I could see similarities between them. In fact, he talks about Ramsey a little in this book.
I bought the printed version of Kitchen Confidential one time at an airport in a fit of panic that I might not have enough to read while flying. Haven’t read it yet though. Great idea, the audio. I am a foodie, and I love a guy that knows his away around the curse words! Particularly one that can poke fun at himself as well as other people. I’m off to the library website!
This is one that I think is just made for audio!
Kitchen Confidential makes a great audio — I both read and listened. I did the same with Medium Raw — what can I say, I’m a fan!
I agree with you … both about the audios and being a fan.
McDonald’s…have her read my post about the McRib from last week. that may help cure her.
I shall pass your McRib post along to Mr. Bourdain’s daughter. : )
I’d heard about this book but I hadn’t cared too much too read it until now. You make it sound like a really fun read not to mention informative! Thanks!
It was fun and informative … a great combination in my book.
I LOVE Top Chef and that is primarily my exposure to Bourdain, but it’s enough to make me curious about this one.
He comes across just like he does on Top Chef!
I really wanted to like his first book, and it was very interesting at the beginning but it just kind of fizzled out for me as it went on. It’s been so many months since I read it now that I can’t put my finger on why.
Interesting that you had that reaction. Mr. Jenners loved it (which is a rarity). I’m definitely going to check it out. You might like this one better since it is essays.
I adored this one as well… Bourdain was a delight to listen to on audio and made me really appreciate food – good food, all the more.
I know!! I really felt like I could start cooking basic, simple nutritional food for my family after listening to this book. No one has ever really made me feel that way before!
I’ve been wondering what to listen to next. This is now on the shortlist.
I think this book and his voice is ideally suited to an audio. I’m so glad I listened to it. I got it as a total whim and it paid off big.
Sounds good.
It was.
Sounds like an audio book both my husband and I would enjoy, and believe me when I say, that’s a rare thing.
I totally believe that. I thought it was one that Mr. Jenners and I could share too but he is dead set against audiobooks for some reason. He actually bought the print copy for himself!
I really like Anthony Bourdain. I’ve watched his shows for a long time and read nearly all of his books (not this one and none of his crime thrillers!) but the other ones. I find his sense of humor to be very much like my own. Sarcastic and quippy but self-deprecating as well.
I totally enjoyed him and plan on checking out the rest of his stuff. I even started watching his show a little bit on the Travel Channel.
I read this on my Kindle and enjoyed it, as I did “Kitchen Confidential”. I don’t do well with audio books, but imagine it was very entertaining having him narrate it himself! He’s quite a likable curmedgeon!
“Likable curmudgeon” is a perfect description for him. And it was a pleasant listen. I”m planning on reading Kitchen Confidential next.