Anthony Bourdain

Prior to this trip.. I had never really paid any attention to Anthony Bourdain, but thanks to my dear friend David Dyer.. I am hooked.
I have already completed two of his books: Kitchen Confidential and Medium Raw. The man is genius.. he is incredibly crude but his writing is addicting. He is clever and witty. He is honest to the core- but also about himself. He is hilarious. Kitchen Confidential is about the chef business (basically in teh 60's-70s during his pre-fame era) and the absolute truth behind it. He was a drug/alcohol addict.. just barely lucky to live to see the next day. I am having a hard time even putting into words how great his books were. He hates vegetarians.. and it's hilarious. I am a vegetarian.. and yet his words dont repel me at all! I completely understand.. and his hate for Alice Waters. He despises the food network- of course he explains why. I didn't realize how quite neive I was about the Food network.. of course I do miss my wintry runs while watching Giada, the Neelys, Bobby Flay, and of course mocking Paula Dean (whose version of "cooking light" is using light mayo.. or light sour cream.. literally cooking light.. thanks Paula Dean.. I feel so enlightened!) Any way.. i couldnt put the damn books down.. I read them within a week. Let's be honest here.. I'm not a reader.. I have never been an avid reader.. and yet I absolutely LOVE his writing. He is a total smart ass.. but he is right in so many aspects. Yes, he can be a little rash sometimes.. but I get so into his descriptions of chefs, meals, countries, preparation, utensils, everything! I actually take time out of my day to youtube and google the people or methods that he refers too..
I googled chefs..and the illegal Ortolan that originated in France.. It's crazy.. it is this tiny bird.. that is force fed nuts and berries.. then drowned in Armagnac.. they are then roasted whole and eaten whole.. you eat them with a napkin over your head.. bones and all.. feet first!

Ortolan..ready to eat.