Anthony Bourdain has risen to celebrity status with a high-profile position as executive chef at New York bistro Les Halles, and as bestselling author of "Kitchen Confidential" and "A Cook's Tour." The dishes include such classic fare as Onion Soup Les Halles, Steak au Poivre, Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin and Chocolate Mousse. Nearly all the recipes are within reach of competent home cooks, and those that are more complicated or time-consuming—Bouillabaisse, Cassoulet and Roulade of Wild Pheasant—are thoroughly spelled out to quell most kitchen nightmares- sorry Gordon. Foie gras, duck fat and dark veal stock are frequent components, but a list of suppliers makes just about every ingredient attainable. Even though many of the dishes can be found in other cookbooks, what sets this one apart is Bourdain's pervasive, signature smart-ass attitude throughout the explanatory notes and chapter introductions. His ubiquitous profanity adds frequent color. Anyone who is offended by pearl onions being called "little fuckers," a cook who prefers boneless meat in Daube Provençal a "poor deluded bastard," or a person nervous about making these recipes a "dipshit," will want to steer clear of this cookbook. Anthony Bourdain directs the user brilliantly through delicious recipes, with explanations that are crystal clear. If you can set Anthony Bourdain's witty, irreverent style aside, his Les Halles Cookbook is solid, smart, and informative, and his recipes are bona fide bistro fare. Nobody else writes with such respect for real food. Bourdain shows himself to be one of the country's best food writers. His opinions are as strong as his language, and his tastes as infectious as his joy.Read full review
I first came across Anthony Bourdain on the Travel Channels No Reservations. When the show aired I thought to myself "who is this obnoxious, chain smoking, Ramones tshirt wearing freak?" Although, like a skin cancer over time he grows on you. So when I came across this cookbook no eBay bidder could get my way. The recipes in the cookbook are straight forward and easy to follow. Also included are quips from, Im assuming, Mr. Bourdain himself mostly about how to avoid third degree burns and other kitchen dangers. The book is well written (unlike this review Im sure your thinking)and most of the recipes are well within the grasp of anyone that can turn on a stove. Good book to add to your cookbook collection.
Amazing book. Great, easy to follow recipes with Bourdain's trademark sarcasm and humor. As you read, you can basically hear him saying the words. Plus, it's an all around great group of French bistro recipes. The mousse and french onion soup are especially great.
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Fantastic must have, easy to follow and fall in love with. Muscles recipe which is a go to for Sunday afternoons with a bottle of French white. If you love French food and Bourdain's gloves off approach to cook books this should be on your buy list. Also, try the Steak Frite Recipe. I've gifted this particular book on three separate occasions. Happy reading!
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Learn how to make the most perfect french fries to the most delicious coq au vin! Shared Techniques from the grand master and much missed, Anthony Boudain!
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