Stuck on the Subway-with Anthony Bourdain

No, no, no.  Not in real life.  But his sarcastic, humorous voice has been my primary entertainment on the frustrating subway hold-ups these past two days.  It took the subway 15 minutes to inch from Central Square to Harvard (I could've walked in half that time) two nights ago, but with Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential I didn't mind one bit.

Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly
by Anthony Bourdain
published 2000
"Cooking is a craft, I like to think, and a good cook is a craftsman-not an artist.  There's nothing wrong with that: the great cathedrals of Europe were built by craftsmen-though not desigend by them.  [...]  Personally, I'd prefer to eat food that tastes good and is an honest reflection of its ingredients than a three-foot-tall caprice constructed from lemongrass, lawn trimmings, coconuts and red curry.  When a job applicant starts telling me how Pacific Rim cuisine turns him on and inspires him, I see trouble coming.  Send me another Mexican dishwasher anytime.  I can teach him to cook.  I can't teach character.  Show up at work on time six months in a row and we'll talk about red curry paste and lemongrass." -Chapter 4, "Who Cooks?"
Just Finished Reading

Life Without Ed: How one woman declared independence from her eating disorder and how you can too.
By Jenni Schaeffer with Thom Rutledge
published 2004
Two weeks ago, during winter orientation for the dietetic internship, one of the dietitians mentioned this book as a useful resource when counseling patients with eating disorders.  Though cheesy at times, the content is convicting.  Dietitians play an integral role in the recovery of individuals with eating disorders.  Thus as a future dietitian, I'm glad that I read this book.  Also, looks like Jenni Schaeffer has a new book. Goodbye Ed, Hello Me: Recover From Your Eating Disorder and Fall in Love with Life.
On Hold at the BPL

Local Flavors: Cooking and Eating From America's Farmers Markets
by Deborah Madison
I love libraries.  I LOVE the Boston Public Library.  Every week I stop by, and it's always fun to see what new books are waiting for me on the hold shelves.  Just want to give a shout-out to libraries everywhere-big or small!
On My Wish List

The Clinical Dietitian's Essential Pocket Guide
by Mary Width and Tonia Reinhard
One of my friends, also a Tufts dietetic interns, just bought this.  I leafed through her copy, and it looks very handy.  Plus it fits right into your lab coat pocket.  Sweet!
Coming Soon: MY FIRST GIVE-AWAY!
Be on the lookout, because I will be announcing my first give-away shortly (as soon as I figure out how to do the random.org selection process).
Here's a hint: It's going to be some books!
So get ready, and get excited!
bye for now,
Rachel
P.S. -I'm curious.  What are you reading these days?  Anything interesting?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great book reviews :)
Looking forward to the giveaway!

Lia Chen said...

Rachel, I pass you an award. Please pick it up here.

Dani Lee said...

Hey Rachel! Loving your blog. Great to hear you are still pursuing nutrition.

Current reads:
- The Center Cannot Hold, by Elyn R. Saks (really great! just finished it last night)
- Beyond the Fence, by Dori Stone (a friend of mine)
- The Blithe Tomato, by Mike Madison (Deborah's bro; he is Yolo Bulb at the Davis market...)
- Food Rules, by Michael Pollan
- Coming to the Table, by Wendel Berry
- Manifestos of Food and Seed, edited by Vandana Shiva

... quite a list, but I def. recommend the first three.

Keep up the good work, and stay warm.

-Dani

Kim at Rustic Garden Bistro said...

HI! Just cruising through. Nice site :)

- How to Pick a Peach, Russ Parsons
- Alice Waters and Chez Panisse, Thomas McNamee

Both great reads. [K]

Kim at Rustic Garden Bistro said...

OK, I forgot to mention... there's one more I REALLY REALLY think you'd like. It's fiction, but I promise you, a very quick and fun read.

"The School of Essential Ingredients" by Erica Bauermeister. Just finished reading it for a book club and loved it!

Kim

P.S. I LOVE reading too. There ought to be a food book club. hmmm... gonna add that thought to the idea shelf. Happy Tuesday!

Rachel said...

I'm so excited for all the suggestions!! thank you, THANK you! my BPL reserve list just grew a little longer : )

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Disclaimer. I am not a Registered Dietitian yet. I provide nutrition information intended for the general public, not for the treatment of a specific medical condition. I try to use scientific research and reliable sources when forming my opinions and messages.
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