Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly

Anthony Bourdain is a well-traveled, unapologetic chef who has been at the bottom of the barrel and can appreciate the stunning simplicity of sashimi or arepa as well as plates crafted through molecular gastronomy.

He knows the ins and outs of eating out and offers some valuable tips too along with some industry terms and Spanish you should never, ever repeat in polite company.

The observations about eating in any city, from New York to Tokyo, are stark and truthful. The man tells it like it is — jet lag is a bitch and sometimes all your soul needs is comfort food no matter where your are in this world.

If you follow Bourdain's television shows, then this book is right down your alley. If you're easily offended but still like reading food stories, then this book is worth stepping outside your comfort zone.