Finally read it after all these years. Bourdain was a treasure and the world is worse without him. I finished in a day because it was so good.
The audio book is narrated by Bourdain, so even if you don't typically listen to audiobooks, perhaps make an exception here.
A few tidbits that stuck with me:
- Kitchen knife sets are lame. Get yourself a G2-Global 8-Inch knife and that's all you need.
-Don't wash your non-stick pans. Wipe them down but don't wash them. Don't use metal on them when cooking.
-Avoid eating seafood at restaurants on Sunday and Monday. Deliveries are on Tues/Thursday so by Sun/Mon you are getting some old ass stuff.
-Best nights to eat at restaurants are on Tuesday and Thursday. In addition to the fresh deliveries, you get a fresh and on their game staff and chef.
-No brunch. Brunch is designed for the restaurant to get rid of all the shitty food they didn't sell on Friday/Saturday. Also, its likey the Chef has the day off and the A team staff does too. You are getting the B/C staff or trainees.
-No Mussels unless you really know the chef. apparently they are difficult to store properly and restaurants won't do it right.
There are a few more tips in the book but the vast majority of the book is anecdotes from his life and inside looks at how commercial kitchens operate.
Here's a link to the book:
https://amzn.to/4982V0y