It's true that I love Anthony Bourdain, so I'm probably not able to provide an unbiased review of this book....but it was really a fascinating glimpse into the food and dining "rituals" in a variety of cultures. Bourdain will go to any length and seemingly try anything at least once, and his lust for life and appreciation of good food and good people is pretty amazing. I have to admit there were a few pages that I had to skip because he does not shy away from some touchy descriptions of food preparation, including slaughter, but the book is an eye-opener. If you are a foodie, you really need to read this!

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After listening to his reading of his first book (Kitchen Confidential), I was excited to read this one. I wasn't disappointed either. Very enjoyable. A good book to read when you don't have large chunks of time to devote as it is broken up into smaller stories.

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Now being a vegatarian myself and knowing the author has said some pretty hateful things about us, I was still eager to read this book. This was such an enlightening read (now I'm not gonna run out and eat a cheeseburger) but the way he glorifies food and the preparation of it really fascinated me. His travels and mis-travels made for great reading, and to top it off he's one hilarious man. I found myself crackinig up and losing it more than once. He knows what he likes and he's not shy about saying why.

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Bourdain's books are books I do not share, do not exchange and reread when I can. He is a wonderful, open writer. His sense of humor is terrific and his language, while a bit salty, does not offend. In fact, it adds to the writing.

Yes, "A Cook's Tour" is a keeper and is fascinating. We have traveled to many countries and since we are both foodies and I am a very serious cook, food is always a major subject of interest to us.

(I once sent an order of chicken soup back to the kitchen in China because the soup was jet black with several noodle-looking things hanging from a foot. I was shocked and a bit disgusted to tell the truth. It was several years and 14 more trips to China later when I accidently discovered that it had come from a special jet black chicken and was supposed to be especially healthy. I'm a bit sorry now that I never tasted it.)

Bourdain shares some of his wonderful, interesting experiences and you may find yourself canceling appointments, putting off the dusting and washing to just keep reading. His writing certainly holds your attention. By all means, check it out.

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I enjoyed reading this book, I couldn't put it down. Being a "foodie" and I had watched all of Anthony Bourdain"s shows made the book even more interesting. He really "tells it like it is" in a professional kitchen. :-)

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