Atomic Fangirl

Originally written in 2010 for The Green Man Review.  But felt like posting it again today, as I’m still in shock from the news of his sudden passing.  May he rest in peace, with the knowledge that he made a positive impact in so very many lives.

I’m a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain.  Love No Reservations, thoroughly enjoyed (and sometimes eek-ed out by) Kitchen Confidential…heck, I even liked A Cook’s Tour.  Those of you who think this is gonna be a puff piece?  You’d pretty much be right.  But with The Nasty Bits that’s a good thing; anyone who wants to know what it’s like to eat, cook and enjoy food like a chef should read this book.  Folks into really getting to know places they travel to – or just armchair dreamers like me – will also find a lot to sink their teeth into.  (What, a gal can’t make a pun every now and then?)

The Nasty Bits is a collection of articles that have been previously published in foodie publications, travel magazines and elsewhere. The articles are sorted into five main sections that correspond to our basic tastes; Salty, Sweet, Sour, Bitter, and Umami, that difficult to put into English taste that is typically thought of as “savory”.  (Think sauteed mushrooms, lightly seasoned seaweed, roasted carrots….)  The articles in each section correspond to each taste, which makes sniffing around to find what you want pretty easy.  You want a glorious article about NYC?  Check out “My Manhattan” in the Sweet section.  Tony Bourdain smack-talking?  That’d be “Is Celebrity Killing The Great Chefs?” in Sour.  Or perhaps you’re like me and love to hear him when he’s on his soapbox.  “The Evildoers” in Salty or “Food Terrorists” in Bitter could be just the thing.  Continue reading →