Revisiting ‘Kitchen Confidential’

NPR's Book of the Day

Anthony Bourdain published his memoir Kitchen Confidential in 2000 as a little-known chef. In the 25 years since its publication, his writing – and subsequent work in TV and entertainment – has shaped the way we talk about restaurants and food. In today’s Books We’ve Loved, Andrew Limbong and B.A. Parker are joined by Eric Deggans, critic-at-large at NPR. They discuss Bourdain’s documentation of a particular time in the restaurant industry, the book’s impact on dining culture, and Bourdain’s personal legacy. Then, special guest Samin Nosrat shares her perspective on what’s changed in the culinary world in the years since.


Eric’s Recommendation: ‘Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets’ by David Simon

Parker’s Recommendation: ‘Land of Milk and Honey’ by C Pam Zhang

Andrew’s Recommendation: ‘Meet Me in the Bathroom’ by Lizzy Goodman


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Anthony Bourdain published his memoir Kitchen Confidential in 2000 as a little-known chef. In the 25 years since its publication, his writing – and subsequent work in TV and entertainment – has shaped the way we talk about restaurants and food. In today’s Books We’ve Loved, Andrew Limbong and B.A. Parker are joined by Eric Deggans, critic-at-large at NPR. They discuss Bourdain’s documentation of a particular time in the restaurant industry, the book’s impact on dining culture, and Bourdain’s personal legacy. Then, special guest Samin Nosrat shares her perspective on what’s changed in the culinary world in the years since.


Eric’s Recommendation: ‘Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets’ by David Simon

Parker’s Recommendation: ‘Land of Milk and Honey’ by C Pam Zhang

Andrew’s Recommendation: ‘Meet Me in the Bathroom’ by Lizzy Goodman


To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookoftheday

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

NPR Privacy Policy
2025-12-13 36 min
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