Anthony Bourdain is a bombastic, self-aggrandizing name dropper. But you knew that already. Famous for his lusty, irreverent, behind-the-scenes bestseller Kitchen Confidential, Bourdain is back with Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook (Ecco, $26.99). In it, he skewers some of the big names, and lavishes high praise on a few as well. Tonight you can hear what he thinks about Food Network star Emeril Lagasse, the notion of molecular gastronomy, Chicagos Alinea restaurant, and his world travel for the No Reservations TV show, which once included a U.S. Marine-led evacuation from Beirut. Bourdain still likes to shock, and his text could stand a few less references to murder. But hes eloquent and respectful when regaling us with tales of food star David Chang, the cuisine of Vietnam, and Justo Thomas, the exacting fish butcher of New Yorks three-Michelin-star Le Bournadin. Bourdain possesses an outsized personality, fit for the stage, which should make this an evening of theater as well as food. ADRIANA GRANT
Tue., June 22, 7:30 p.m., 2010
