I like to cover Anthony Bourdain’s interviews whenever I come across one. I mostly enjoy Bourdain because he’s a judgy, sh-t talking curmudgeon and we need to stick together. Honestly though, I find Bourdain’s personality grating but I do love the shade he throws. He hates Guy Fieri, Paula Deen, almost everyone on the Food Network (except Ina Garten). He’s like the New Yorker version of Karl Lagerfeld – it’s probably easier to name the very short list of things and people Bourdain enjoys. Anyway, we have two new things to add to the massive list of Things/People Hated By Bourdain: pumpkin spice and BS “artisanal” whatever.
Anthony Bourdain has a point: The adjective “artisan” — which connotes an item produced in limited quantities, using traditional methods — is grossly overused. And he makes that point in a way that only Anthony Bourdain could.
“These artisans make beautiful things in a world where the word ‘artisan’ is cheapened,” Bourdain told The Daily Meal in a new interview. “Like big brand potato chips being called ‘artisanal,’ I mean come on, let’s get real.”
The Parts Unknown host proceeds to riff on McDonald’s new “artisan” burgers, a reasonable target considering the mass-produced nature of the fast-food chain’s offerings.
“Yeah, well, maybe the McDonald’s burger is made up of ground up artisans, but that would be the only way McDonald’s would be able to convince me that they make artisan burgers,” Bourdain said.
Another trend he can’t stand? Pumpkin spice. (Of course he decided to insert himself into the most controversial debate of our time.)
“I think pumpkin spice is disgusting. I certainly don’t want it in my coffee,” he told PEOPLE in September. “I like pumpkin just fine. I like pumpkin pie. Pumpkin tortellini. I make a decent pumpkin soup. But I can’t think of the last time I woke up in the middle of the night and thought, ‘You know what? I could really go for some pumpkin.’”
Oddly, I’m with him on all of this. The “artisanal” branding has gotten WAY out of hand. It’s a product of hipster culture too – the Brooklyn tastemakers have decided that “artisanal” is “in,” so the corporations follow suit. You knew the artisanal thing was over as soon as Blake Lively launched Preserve. And now it’s totally over because Preserve is dead in the water. As for pumpkin spice… yeah, I agree. I don’t get the pumpkin-flavored stuff. Around Thanksgiving/Christmas, I do enjoy some pumpkin spice candles, but that’s about it. Then again, I’m the kind of non-tastemaker who enjoys novelty Christmas and Easter candy, so what are you going to do?
Photos courtesy of WENN.
I agree with him. I love Bourdain…love love love him.
I’m with you.
Me, too!
So agree on the artisanal thing. I recently read a running magazine wherein a runner described his style of trail running as “artisanal” because he scrambles up rocks. I died inside.
And pumpkin spice? Bleh.
please tell me you’re joking….. an ‘artisanal’ style of running?
JFC!
Last week I experienced synaptic misfiring and ordered a pumpkin spice late. I spit out the 1st sip right in front of Starbucks. This was triple shame -1- entering Starbucks 2- ordering a trendy expensive thing, and 3 an obtuse display of antisocial behavior.
Bourdain is just a sexy old grumpy dude and I love him completely. I would listen to you complain all day, Anthony honey!!!
I loved “Kitchen Confidential”, when he called Emeril a “fuzzy-headed little bitch”!
He tells it like he sees it, that’s for sure.
I’m not a coffee drinker admittedly but I couldn’t give less of a f*ck about the fuss over pumpkin spice lattes and the rush to have them every year.
“Maybe the hamburger is made of ground up artisans”LOLOLOLOL oh my god the bitch is strong with this one. And he ain’t wrong.
^Truth. Bourdain is the real deal. He takes no prisoners, talks the talk, walks the walk.
+1,000,000
Never change, Tony, never change.
I love how bitchy he gets! He cracks me up. And candor is in such short supply nowadays, which makes me enjoy it even more.
Yes! We need a low tolerance for bullsh*t to become the norm. In love with the man.
I had to do a double take reading that. Hilarious man.
Yes, the quote about ground up artisans made me laugh out loud!
Bourdain speaks truth in a world of pumpkin spice flavoured ground beef artisan crap.
“Pumpkin spice flavored ground beef”
Oh my god.
I agree, these words are meaningless. Companies just slap them on because market research says people like them. ‘Artisan’, ‘natural’, ‘old fashioned’, ‘home-style’, etc. Even the legal definition of ‘organic’ has been stretched and butchered by big companies looking to get in on the profits. It’s sad.
Not with him on the pumpkin, though. I love pumpkin! I don’t drink PSL though because the sugar content is ridiculous.
I am in 100% agreement, Wren. The marketing world knows that consumers are taking a bigger look at where their food comes from, and they try to fool them into thinking that something is made in smaller batches or more fresh by tacking on these words to their products. NOTHING about McD’s is small batch.
I think he is interchanging “pumpkin” with “pumpkin spice”…which is really the spices that accompany pumpkin in desserts (nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, etc.). Those are amazing spices and I will stand by them! Pumpkin is delicious and has many uses like a butternut squash. But I really do love the combo of those special spices with pumpkin (or sweet potatoes or squash, etc). They are aromatic and wonderful!
You are so right, Wren. But I think it’s not just companies that cheapen the meaning of words. The overuse of “artisinal” is infuriating, but what really gets in my craw these days is the overuse of the word “rescue” when it comes to adopting a pet. I think it’s so great when people truly rescue animals, but I notice the word is used when people adopt perfectly healthy dogs /cats who are being cared for but the owners need to find a new home for them.
Actually those pets are still at risk of getting killed. Vets have to kill perfectly healthy animals frequently because the original human can’t keep them and can’t find a home for them.
You will pry my homemade pumpkin donuts out of my cold dead hands.
I will help you defend them as long as you share with me! They sound AMAZING!!!!
They are so good and really easy to make. They are baked so you can make the batter at night and have fresh donuts out of the oven in the morning. Perfect for Sunday mornings.
Can you share the recipe? Baked donuts! Who knew there was such a thing (other than you, of course). 😀
Here you go: http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/pumpkin-cake-doughnuts-recipe
@Pedro45, @Tiffany 🙂 Many thanks, Pedro45, for sharing what looks to be a delicious recipe. KAF catalogues make me happy…so many delicious possibilities!
Thanks too, to Tiffany, for asking for recipe–great idea!
Those look so amazing I’m off to Fresh & Easy for some pumpkin… appreciated!
Absolutely. KAF is everything.
This recipe is really great and they even freeze perfectly — just wrap them up after they have cooled (but without dusting with sugar) and defrost on counter overnight.
Sorry. I am really excited about pumpkin donuts apparently.
Thank you so much! KAF is really great stuff. I’m so excited to try them out!
Cool recipe, can’t wait to try it!
Amen!!! And I don’t want to hear about “curated” anything or “iconic” either, they have been so abused and therefore devalued… I find it extremely annoying that you get a home magazine editor talking about an “iconic” chair that has been made for about, oh, fifty years. That doesn’t make something iconic, just makes it overpriced mid-century hipster stuff. And just because you are a celeb and try to sell five overpriced pairs of jeans out of the twenty thousand pairs of jeans out there, doesn’t mean you “curated” anything. You are just shilling. You are not an expert. you didn’t go to school and studies jeans and then did an exhaustive study of jeanery out there and came up with the ultimate five pairs. Boo. (Phew, end of rant).
Thank you. Top-notch rant. Saved us all a lot of trouble.
Yes. That was refreshing.
Is there a such thing as jeanery studies? 😀
Sign me up… I would love to do jeanery studies. Then I could “curate” my closet.
Agreed! And every mundane tip or shortcut does not have to be called a “life hack.”
“Hack” is one of the worst offenders IMO. There are no more “tips,” or “suggestions” — EVERYTHING is a “hack.”
*Standing ovation* I couldn’t have said it better myself. All these buzzwords just become noise to me.
yeah, when people start talking about “curating” their social media, it makes the former gallery employee in me want to curl up and crawl into an early grave. Your blitherings about avocado on toast are not that important!
and the mid-century chairs can go in a fire. I hate Arne-Jacobsen!
Hip Hip Hooray!! It isn’t just me:-) Thank you everyone, (takes a bow). I am just so sick of the curated home salami platter and artisanal small batch limited print 50,000 litographies. Hello…
And yeah, I hate mid modern stuff, and nobody will ever convince me that it is iconic. I now hate using the word even if it applies to Gaudi and I just adore him. Hipsters have ruined everything.
@Teacakes, there are people who actually say that? I have not had the misfortune of meeting one yet. I really don’t think I would be able to not laugh right in their face. Good grief.
Applauds enthusiastically.
Vauvert, this is absolutely perfect! Totally accurate AND made me laugh. 👍🏻
>side eyes Celebitchy this morning, while sipping pumpkin spice heaven in my mug<
You non-fallworshippers are all sinners. Hmmph.
Exactly. BOO TO BOURDAIN! Leave pumpkin spice latte alone!
Heathens! Guttersnipes! Scallywags!
Fall is all about the apple cider donut here… sheepishly finishing my (delicious) pumpkin bagel, a crime against both pumpkins and bagels.
+1…nobody stands in the way of my end-of-week ritual treat to Starbucks to enjoy a fantastic “artisanal” pumpkin spice latte & pumpkin scone…aw hell no Bourdain lol 😀
He can speak/do no wrong. LOVE him.
Everyone’s looking for the new kale and pumpkin is filling the void. How about a “a shot of espresso from hand picked artisanal bean, added to essence of smoked, scraped sous vide pumpkin skins and gently fermented oak barrel aged milk from heirloom goats.”
Hahahaha. This probably exist in some obscure coffee shop in Brooklyn or something lol. Companies and consumers are SO obsessed with having something “special” and “different” and being in the know. It’s just so ridiculous.
LMAO.
I have a good friend who used to manage a Starbucks about ten years ago or so, and she is so glad to be done with it. She said it’s gotten SO much worse than even when she was there and frappucinos were all the rage!
Well, he’s right. The word has become diluted to such an extent that now it’s a marketing ploy and almost nothing more. To me, artisanal always meant that they’re making the food on site, there, in small batches. Or at the very least it’s being made that way elsewhere and sent in. There’s a sandwich place near my work where the guy actually stands there and makes the bread in front of you. Something like that counts to me. But McDonald’s? Nope, Bourdian is right on the money here. I can’t disagree.
And I’ve never liked pumpkin or anything related to it. don’t know why, I just can’t stand it. I was raised to believe that autumn is the season of apples, and that’s how I raise my kids. We’re an apple family this time of year.
couldn’t have said it better myself!
Love Tony Bourdain forever!!
Yay, pretentious man judging what people choose to consume.
I do not like him. I do not care what he says about ANYTHING.
(And I hate pumpkin, but if that’s your jam knock yourself out.)
He’s a lot of things, but pretentious isn’t one of them:-)
He continually demeans everyone on Food Network except Ina. He denigrates ANYONE who likes different things from what he says is good. He holds his opinions above all others. He is very pretentious.
Pretentious:
adjective
1.
characterized by assumption of dignity or importance, especially when exaggerated or undeserved.
He likes himself.
A lot.
I don’t know if his position is undeserved…he has been an executive chef in top restaurants and has such an education in global food and customs. He does come from a very enlightened perspective, even if he is a bit strong willed in his opinions.
Have you actually watched any of his shows, or read his work? He’s bitchy in interviews, but almost always admits he’s wrong when confronted, and is actually quite open and personable (if snarky). It’s fine if Bourdain isn’t your cup of tea, but it doesn’t sound like you’re familiar with him outside of his cranky interviews (and it’s not like he’s wrong on the Food Network stuff…). Plus his position is actually deserved. He was an Executive Chef at Les Halles, highly trained, and now highly traveled.
He is a pretencious as all get out but does have self-depricating humor…..but he is still very pretencious. He’s just a likable pretencious cocky guy.
Railing against faux food labels isn’t pretentious, it’s calling out everyone from MacDonalds to Burger King on trying to put lipstick on a pig. If you’ve ever watched his program Parts Unknown, you’ll see him eating in everything from roadside BBQ pits to third world market stalls and relishing it. He just likes real food, well prepared, no matter where he eats it.
I have watched his shows. I find him insufferable, arrogant, pretentious. He likes what HE considers to be real food; anything else is beneath him and subject to his contempt. I’d rather undergo a root canal with no anesthetic than listen to him.
(And if you seriously think that anyone buys McDonalds and thinks it’s Artisinal, I’ve got a bridge to sell.)
“He likes what HE considers to be real food”
So you watched his show expecting that he wouldn’t feature food that he likes?
He eats tons of street food on his shows–do you consider Chicago hot dogs “pretentious”?
If you really have watched his shows you’d know they are more than just eating snobby food with snobs. They are compassionate and reveal much about the culture and history of the countries he visits. He eats with local families, enjoys their home-cooked food, and gets into the social and political turmoil in many places to the point where he’s been threatened by the military. He reveals what’s great and not-so-great and champions the regular folks.
Yes, he can be insufferable and pontificating at times but he deserves it as he’s extremely knowledgeable about good food. Would you call a university professor who’s an expert in English literature a prose snob? No, you’d appreciate the vast knowledge he has that he can pass on to his students. Same thing.
Also…to everyone who admires him for his “candor”–do you like Trump for the same reason?
Same personality.
And to answer whomever asked above if I’d feel that way about a Professor? If they talked down to and belittled everyone who disagreed with them? Absolutely. I don’t much like ANYONE who seems to get a pass for behavior my charm school educated grandmother told me to avoid.
Eta: I come from a family of chefs. Not one of them think he’s some all knowing food diety. Most think he’s a hypocrite.
What’s hilarious about that comparison is that Trump wouldn’t travel to the places that Bourdain has gone to because he’s a xenophobe who’s afraid of brown people.
Also, my standards for who I want representing my country are a little bit higher than my standards for who I want to entertain me on a television show.
But that should be obvious.
@Veronica and boredblond – I totally agree with Kitten. The Grand Canyon of difference between Trump and Bourdain is that Bourdain wouldn’t refer to women as “pieces of ass” or to an entire race of people as rapists and degenerates. He may be outspoken and doesn’t suffer food fools gladly (his disgust with Guy Fieri is completely justified) but he’s vastly more intelligent, appreciative and encompassing of different races and cultures – not only their food but their society, history and social differences.
@VeronicaCostello: That’s funny, because all the chefs I know really like Bourdain and really enjoyed Kitchen Confidential.
Big talk from a guy who would oooh and aahh over beetle-stuffed squid glands if they came from an interesting..albeit ratty–little wharf shack. I hate food snobs, and adore the 116 yr old woman who eats bacon daily.
Amen!!
I wouldn’t call him a food snob. He said he loves KFC sooo…I think he just likes what he likes you know?
LOL! I find it hard to believe that either you or Veronica have ever watched his shows or you would know that he’s not a “snob” who only eats fancy food. At least 70% of the time he’s eating food from street vendors or food trucks.
If you want to just say that you don’t like the guy, go ahead–you’re entitled to your opinion–but at least know what you’re talking about.
I think people take some Bourdain quote that they read somewhere and make an inference about what type of a guy he is, that he’s a food snob or whatever, when the reality is that he just has a passion for food in general–all different styles of food including fast food and street food.
Have you watched his shows? The guy just likes well done food. Sometimes its interesting, sometimes it’s just great french fries or a great sandwich.
He’s a certain type of cocky that makes my antennae go up… but I can think of so many other things to dislike in life that he escapes my wrath or focus (lol). I watch the show but still feel he’s tryin’ to be down & edgy. not a hater. just chiming in.
PS: I went to the same shop in Morocco where he interviewed the owner who complained about Americans not wanting to spend money in his store… let me tell you .. IT WAS THE MOST AMAZING WONDERFUL PLACE – several floors of gorgeous goods & rugs & jewelry etc.. but the staff were all over you CONSTANTLY to hammer you into buying everything… you had no peace to browse in any manner, they were on you like glue and it was very much a cultural thing – I could tell – its just how they roll there. They’re all over the tourists and they just don’t get the concept of browsing before purchasing. They were so harsh it was horrible. Believe me – we WANTED TO SHOP!!! I could have stayed in there for hours looking at all the jewelry, then buying what I wanted — but they made it an insufferable experience. Morocco was so far out!
@ Stinky-very jealous of your trip to Morocco. That store looked amazing but I cannot shop when people are over my sh*t like that.
@Stinky: Yep, that’s pretty par for the course. Some of it is just how tourists get treated, but also some of it is cultural. For example, in Turkey actively browsing and engaging signals serious interest, and then you barter. Obviously Turkey and Morocco are different places, but it’s that bazaar kind of culture.
But what’s wrong with eating food from a “ratty-little wharf shack” if it’s made well, tastes good and the guy making it needs to make a living? I think Bourdain eats a lot of food some people deem odd or disgusting, but he seems to do it because he respects different food cultures.
I think you’re confusing him with Steve Zimmern…he visits countries and oftentimes eats food from street vendors and very inexpensive restaurants or from the homes of his hosts…he’s actually said on numerous occasions that he hates those stuffy 5 star restaurants…
Bacon is one his favorites, the dude talks about it a lot.
But he’s not. He opens talks about loving crap food – Chinese takeout, Applebee’s margaritas, etc. I think he always makes it really clear that he’s only talking about his own food preferences. He IS slightly snobby about the “shortcut” foods that exist out there – like pre-chopped garlic, which he rails against. And he’s really big on respecting food traditions and how food is traditionally prepared. Sure, I disagree with him sometimes (especially on animal issues) but in reality he’s not very snobby about food.
+100000
He isn’t a food snob at all, think he eats whatever and respectful towards those that like it. One my favorite epsiodes was hi m decribing his great love of mac and cheese.
“I think pumpkin spice is disgusting. I certainly don’t want it in my coffee. I like pumpkin just fine. I like pumpkin pie. Pumpkin tortellini. I make a decent pumpkin soup. But I can’t think of the last time I woke up in the middle of the night and thought, ‘You know what? I could really go for some pumpkin.'”
I totally agree with this. I just had a pumpkin spice latte the other day and it was disgusting. If that is what people are drinking that has become so wildly popular, it’s not the pumpkin flavor they’re in love with, it’s straight up sugar. I like pumpkin as well, but a lot of these “pumpkin” flavored things, drinks particularly, are really atrocious and don’t even taste anything like pumpkin. So gross.
As for his remarks on artisan stuff, I get it and agree, but it’s nothing new. Ever since the Food Network became popular, everyone wants to be a foodie, so anything labeled “artisanal” becomes the new must-have item. I agree with Kaiser that the hipster culture is a huge part of this. It’s all about being trendy while trying to pretend you’re part of some exclusive little club.
Having watched so much American tv, I got so excited when I could try a pumpkin spice latte for the first time, but it was very dissapointing to me. There wasn’t anything spicy about it. I was expecting something that smelled more like chai, because of the spices being comparable, but it had no distinctive flavours at all and was very bland.
“Artisan” and “Pop-up” two things that get on my last nerve!
“Pop-up”, definitely belongs to the list too. I admit I can’t stand the term “foodie”. I’m a scrooge.
I love Anthony Bourdain. I want to go on an adventure with him. I’ve never had anything pumpkin spiced but I’m tempted because everyone on every blog, every YouTube post is always talking about it. Now I’m curious.
Yeah, he is dead on with the artinasal thing. You are basically changing me 5 more bucks for the name. Damn hipsters ;). Get off my lawn.
If that pre-fab black bowtie is meant to be “ironic,” it’s still stupid. Eric Ripert (Col. Pickering to his Henry Higgins) wouldn’t wear THAT!
For the longest time I was convinced that pumpkin spice latte was some strange pumpkin flavoured drink. Only recently I discovered that pumpkin spice is something that is known here as gingerbread spice mix.
ha! I didn’t know that until I read your post. I too thought the coffee had pumpkin of some sort in it, like pumpkin juice at Hogwarts.
I was coming here to say that. But this year, Starbucks started adding pumpkin to their PSL’s and it is so freaking gross.
I love Bourdain, his travel show is by far the best travel/cooking show around.
I agree with him about the artisanal thing. About the pumpkin, I couldn’t care less.
I do agree that the label “artisan” is slapped on anything these days.
Pumpkin spice lattes are awesome though. I’ll get one today!
I’ve still never had a pumpkin spice latte, there was a whole segment about it on a podcast I listen to debating its merits and I almost got one but Nah.
Pumpkin pie is yummy though.
love him and his shows. He’s pretty pleasant when he’s on his shows going to different places, but I love when his inner kuntess comes out here and there.
Two things that need to be re-addressed are sriracha and pumpkin spice drinks. Both are just NO!!!!
*gasp* noooooo! I love sriracha! Never tried pumpkin spice but sriracha is zingy deliciousness – and I don’t even usually like hot sauces.
I love it when Bourdain gets bitchy! He always brings it in his interviews.
He’s not wrong. Cinnamon >>>>>>>> Pumpkin spice.
Though who cares if he doesn’t like those things and you (the general you) do? Like what you like and own it.
Well the actual spices (cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon) are amazing, I put them everywhere from curry to couscous and dessert (including in pumpkin pies), but I avoid anything that is said to have “pumpkin spices” in there. It’s sugar and perfume, it’s gross and covers any other flavor. I guess that’s my biggest beef with the whole thing: spices are meant to enhance flavors not hide them! (At least, since we can refrigerate stuff). But when I was working in a coffee shop a long time ago, a customer used to sprinkle cinnamon in his drip coffee and I still do that once in a while. A bit of the actual spices is ok, but what is usually sold to you is completely cheap, fake stuff
Anyone who hates the repugnant Guy ‘Ferry’ is okay with me.
@kimbers Totally agree on the siracha. Thank God somebody finally said it. It’s decent on Asian food- noodles stir fry etc. Which is its original intention. But this ridiculous trend of putting it on everything and acting like you’re a taste maven or something. … just no. Plus there’s this weird ego like American trait that making things as spicy as possible makes you a bad ass. Well sometime it just makes your food taste gross. Not everything is meant to be spicy. Cover up flavors? Why?
As for pumpkin, I love it and love pumpkin spice blend. But not those faux spice latte things. Doesn’t mix well with coffee. Works with black tea though. Also, canned pumpkin and spices with banana and milk makes a great smoothie that kids love and is nutritious. Those spices are great for digestion immunity and circulation too.
Bourdain is hit or miss for me. His shows can be insufferable but are informative and even hard hitting at times. But he travels as a white male with a well financed team. Hope he knoes how fortunate he is. As a female solo traveller, it’s frustrating at times bc male travellers don’t have to deal with many of the challenges women do as far as harassment or even being allowed into some establishment s etc.
The only pumpkin i like is pumpkin pie every thanksgiving. Never cared for the drinks.
Bourdain is awesome IMO. Loved him ever since reading his original book “Kitchen Confidential”. I too have worked in the restaurant business for over 20 years (high end fine dining as a server/manager) and love/appreciate his spot on assessments and his sense of humor. Just watching him tear apart Top Chef contestants is a sight to behold lol! I love how he just don’t give a s**t what other people think….Anthony Bourdain all the way 😉
“Yeah, well, maybe the McDonald’s burger is made up of ground up artisans, but that would be the only way McDonald’s would be able to convince me that they make artisan burgers,”
Thank you, for giving me a chuckle to replace the shame i feel everytime i bite into a quarter pounder.
I adore pumpkin anything, except beer.
Have you guys heard what he said about the Kardashians? OMG epically funny…there were like maybe 3 episodes of his show where he made really hilarious jokes about them, let me see if I can find which episodes they were…
Totally agree w/ every word he says regarding pumpkin spice & artisan sandwiches (fast food, etc). I love his shows- never miss them, love his books, and quite frankly his candor. I really enjoy all the different locations he covers. I have my hubby watching now as well.
Love Anthony Bourdain! I really enjoy his travel/eating shows. I agree about the artisanal thing, but I do love me some pumpkin spice anything, especially cheesecake, pancakes and cinnamon buns!
Agree on the artisanal issue, bread is bread/a sandwich is a sandwich, but I can’t help myself when it comes to any seasonal candy/food. I’m a holiday lover and I associate all those little Halloween fun size candies, pumpkin spice “flavored” items, pecan pie, caramel apples with Autumn, my favorite time of year, that includes my favorite holidays, Halloween and Thanksgiving. I swear I’d eat a turd if it was marketed as pumpkin spice anything…I’m basic like that 🙂
I do too… I love all pumpkin things around this time of year. I even just bought this pumpkin shaped Reese’s . I don’t care I like it
The hubs and I were in a supermarket over the weekend (grumbling about people who talk the whole time on their cell phones, even when the cashier is checking them out – ugh – rude, but I digress).
Anyhow, we got down the chips aisle, and went to grab our fav Lays Low Sodium. Well, they’re gone – replaced on the shelf by their 2015 flavors: Truffle, Biscuits & Gravy, Gyro, NY Rueben. What the HOLY HELL? Wrong, on so many levels.
Truffle potato chips?! My god that sounds f*cking terrible! ……. Brb….
Artisanal cocktail ice, you guys.
I used to hate this ex heroin addict bitch. Always thought him so smug. But secretly loved his candor. The first time I was aquainted with anything artisnal was under the tent of the Polo matches in the Hamptons. VOSS..artisinal well water in these gorgeous glass containers. This was around 2000.
Besides dissing Paltrow as a wannabe, he won me over on that episode of Parts Unknown? He visited Quebec and went on a seal hunt with some Eskimos. He sat in their kitchen eating raw seal meat placed over a cardboard box sitting on the kitchen floor. You can find it on youtube. WARNING: You’ll start heaving when grandma claims the seal eye delicacy as her own. Then she plays a tune on harmonica and ends the segment with a haughty “yee ha”. Bourdain can be seen drinking seal blood that is used in making a stew
His stoicism and non judgemental demeanor on that episode won me over.
I love me some pumpkin !!
I love Bourdain and I love pumpkin spice. :-/
Not a fan of the latte but pumpkin beer and ravioli etc is delicious!!!! Try the beer you guys – dogfish head and Sam Adams are good ones mmmm I need one after today
The next precious overused adjective is “bespoke” (shudder)
One of my favourite lines from the Sleepy Hollow TV series (I believe it was from Season 1) was Ichabod Crane explaining why he was refusing to part with his coat from the Revolutionary period. He said that he didn’t want it to be “purchased at a thrift store and worn ironically by a purveyor of artisanal jams.”
Here’s a link for those of you not familiar with his hot outfits (the coat he was talking about is the one he’s wearing in the first photo, at the baseball field):
http://tvatemywardrobe.com/2013/12/17/best-of-tv-costuming-2013-revolutionary-styling-of-sleepy-hollows-ichabod-crane/
There is definitely a trend in my city of hipsters “discovering” non-discoveries (e.g., homemade jam, bread, and salsa; knitting–which no one ever made or did before the turn of the 21st century! *sarcasm*), calling it artisanal, and charging through the nose for it. Enough already!
I live for Wa-Wa’s pumpkin coffee, but still loved his tirade @ artisanal everything.
I know I’m late commenting and I know I’ve said it before… Watch the Archer episode called Live and Let Dine and tell me you don’t love Bourdain just a little bit more (or a lot) when it’s over.