Book Reviews: Medium Raw

Medium Raw

I have a short attention span. There, I’ve said it. While Broad A can plow through a book in an hour, I take days, weeks and if it’s NOT a great book – months (or it will sit 1/2 read on the coffee table for a year). That’s WHY you see most of the novels being reviewed by “A.” Add to that the fact that I only like things that are FUN (yeah, I’m THAT shallow) or that provide me with information that I can actually use. Of course, all of this goes to H^LL when it’s got to do with home, self ….and anything to do with my MAJOR CRUSH – Tony Bourdain. Well, after reading THAT sentence I just realized HOW shallow I really am.

I received Medium Raw and immediately dug in. Then as I always do, I put it down for a week (ok, so you can’t teach an old dog new tricks). BUT – the great thing is that Medium Raw is a series of ESSAYS by Tony on his greatest love: FOOD.

Tony’s anti-pop-culture attitude towards travel and food are probably what I find endearing (holy crap – Tony Bourdain and endearing in the same sentence). Just like in Kitchen Confidential and on his show No Reservations, Tony pulls NO punches and gives you the DIRTY on the world of food, chefs, and more.

Never one to hold his tongue (or keep his pen capped), Tony let’s us know why he thinks that “Alan Richman is a Douchbag”, what skills everyone should know in the kitchen (“Virtue”) and his “Heroes and Villains” in the world of food. In true Bourdain style his sarcasm for the world of food, as well as his great LOVE for it emulate throughout this book.

Yes, I put this book down, but only for a SHORT while. If you’re a fan of Tony’s or just want the inside information from a crotchety foodie, pick up a copy of this book.

Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook  is available for purchase from Amazon.com for $15.53 or at your local bookseller.

Also, check out the Medium Raw Challenge and enter for YOUR chance to win $10,000. Simply answer the question: What does it mean to cook food well?