"If you are easily offended by direct aspersions on your lineage, the circumstances of your birth, your sexuality, your appearance, the mention of your parents possibly commingling with livestock, then the world of professional cooking is not for you."

Although I am what I would call an entry level "foodie," I'm not into food-related shows or celebrity chefs. For some reason, Anthony Bourdain caught a bit more of my attention than his peers before his death. There was just something about him.

When he intentionally ended this life, I became intrigued. Not in a morbid way. I just hoped to get a better understanding of what it is I had sensed and why he did what he did. So, I picked up Kitchen Confidential to see if I was right.

I'm glad I did! This was an enjoyable and insightful read. Eating at a busy urban restaurant will never be the same for me again...wow! I'd heard it was heavy on drugs and alcohol and high on stress, but Anthony opened my eyes wider. This is definitely not a habitat I would survive in...and, honestly, I have a difficult time understanding those who not only do, but who thrive in it.

Turns out I was right about Anthony. He was a sweet and sensitive man underneath his surly exterior — and, I can understand how the world was finally just too much for him.

Looking forward to reading Into the Weeds by Tom Vitale, Anthony's long-time director and producer.