Great story teller ( )

I wasn't sure what to expect from Bourdain, considering the title, but was pleasantly surprised to find this book to be a collection of his writings, gleaned from magazine articles, etc. I always enjoy Bourdain's witty observations of the culinary world. ( )

This is a diverse collection of essays about food, cooking, and travel assembled from previously published pieces. There are diverse topics most of which are quite interesting and many which are downright fun to read. Bourdain is a quirky character with a “tough guy” attitude but often revealing a surprising softer side, especially to people he either respects or has compassion for (especially the people he has met in the 3rd world countries he has visited doing his TV shows). He has strong opinions and doesn’t suffer fools gladly but for the most part I found this an entertaining and often informative read—especially in small doses. I felt the fiction added nothing to the book. ( )

Equal parts mescaline and Muscle Milk, Nasty Bits has a wonderfully snide streak tempered by a sharp self-awareness. But for godssake, skip Bourdain's sad, sad foray into fiction at the end. IT BODES BADLY.

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