I’ve watched Tony Bourdain for years. I read his book Kitchen Confidential quite a while ago and while it contained an enormous amount of snark, it was interesting. Over time, Bourdain has become more snide and unbearably more egocentric and egoistic. Some of his fans drool in adoration:
I’m not telling the whole truth. Yes, I reached out to Bourdain because I’m a journalist and journalists reach out to people for comment, but I also got in touch for my own reasons. Spend any time in contemplation of the astronomical map of food-world celebrities, and it becomes clear that Bourdain is not actually a star — he is a nebula. His fame is almost incomprehensibly vast, his brightness — or sometimes, his darkness — defines the very shape of the expanse, he’s so influential and creatively fecund as to regularly birth stars of his own.
Good grief. Bourdain is a celebrity chef with the emphasis on celebrity. He did not become famous for being a chef. I’ve never seen any evidence of his culinary brilliance. He is famous mostly for his first book. Bourdain is sort of the culinary Kim Kardashian but with writing skills. The interviewer then goes on to dwell on the topic that Bourdain’s shows have devolved into- politics. Once again, someone cares what a celebrity thinks about politics, and Bourdain never hesitates to pontificate about his views of the political landscape and his purview is decidedly liberal.
As a liberal, Bourdain is very willing to be critical of others and that includes Donald Trump.
I’m not saying I know the guy personally, not like I’d hug him, but I’m saying that as a New Yorker, we pretty much are neighbors. And my many years of living in his orbit have not left me with a favorable impression, let’s put it that way.
In a tweet Bourdain clarified his refusal to eat in any of Trump’s restaurants.
I am not “boycotting” anything. I choose to not patronize chefs who tacitly support deporting half the people they’ve ever worked with.
Nor will he dine with Trump:
“Absolutely f—ing not,” Bourdain said in an interview with the entertainment site TheWrap.
But he was entirely willing to eat with obama. And he continued to hammer Trump and his crew:
This is the thing that shocks me. All of these guys [working with Trump], they’re like the cast of — they were the bad guys in Animal House, all grown up! Every frat movie, every meathead movie, Porky’s, Meatballs, the jocks versus the nerds, the jocks versus the hippies, any dystopian thriller, every film America’s ever done. These are clearly the bad guys!
“Rex Tillerson” is the most evil name. It’s straight out of DC Comics.
I mean, “Reince Priebus”! And Rudy, I mean he looks like he comes out of Powerpuff Girls. He’s absolutely, slaveringly demonic.
But not before making a perfectly ironic assertion:
But nobody wants to hear some successful Hollywood actor or TV person’s opinion on politics. I certainly don’t. It’s enraging.
Except for his, obviously. Personally, Bourdain has been less than a great success. He has two failed marriages and he is a heroin addict. In 2006 he famously said
“I would have been a shit parent. I’m a very good uncle. The evil uncle who lets them do everything. But a parent? Up until very recently, I could hardly take care of myself.”
He has a daughter via his second marriage.
Bourdain’s climb to the top has included a path stomping on the backs of his fellow TV chef personalities, who are routinely eviscerated on his programs.
On Adam Richman:
“Why did we watch the show?” Bourdain asked the crowd, in reference to “Man vs. Food,” the show in which Richman ate his way across America, gluttonously downing the likes of 5-pound sandwiches. “Admit it. You wanted him to die.”
And about Richman’s show:
“The show confirms their worst suspicions—that Americans are fat, lazy, slothful, [and] wasteful. I know what [the viewer] is thinking, ‘America is a terrible place. I want to join ISIS.’”
On Sandra Lee:
“Pure evil. This frightening Hell Spawn of Kathie Lee and Betty Crocker seems on a mission to kill her fans, one meal at a time. She Must Be Stopped. Her death-dealing can-opening ways will cut a swath of destruction through the world if not contained.”
On Guy Fieri:
“I sort of feel in a heartfelt way for Guy Fieri. I wonder about him. He’s 52-years-old and still rolling around in the flame outfit. What does he do? How does Guy Fieri de-douche?”
Bourdain also referred to Fieri’s Time Square restaurant as a “terror dome, if Ed Hardy f**ked a juggalo.” That had to hurt.
Rachel Ray:
“My wife watches her, I hate to admit it. I think people respond to her because of her personality and not her cooking, which is pretty damned awful. She’s very nice, and I base this on no inside information: She’s big now, like Oprah big; the sooner she stops cooking, the happier we’ll both be.”
Paula Deen:
“The worst, most dangerous person to America is clearly Paula Deen. She revels in unholy connections with evil corporations and she’s proud of the fact that her food is f**king bad for you. Plus, her food sucks.”
Emeril was one of Bourdain’s earliest targets. All the way back in Kitchen Confidential, Tony casually references his “naked contempt for… the cooking of Ewok-like Emeril Lagasse.” He then spent many years bashing Emeril’s numerous shows, and generally giving the guy no respect.
Ridicule and ad hominem constantly fly from his lips and then he utters this:
But I think to mock constantly, as so much of the left has done — to demonize, to ridicule, to treat with abject contempt people who live in a very different America than they live in — is both ugly and counterproductive.
Bourdain fancies himself as above everyone else- the final arbiter of not just food, but of life. He’s awfully critical of food people but who’s actually seen him cook? Not
“When was the last time you saw Anthony Bourdain actually cook anything? I’ve spent 14 years cooking my own food on television and I’ve never seen him cook a meal.”
Bourdain is both a hypocrite and completely full of sh*t. It’s doubtful Donald Trump gives a rip about where Bourdain eats. I know I don’t.

DrJohn has been a health care professional for more than 40 years. In addition to clinical practice he has done extensive research and has published widely with over 70 original articles and abstracts in the peer-reviewed literature. DrJohn is well known in his field and has lectured on every continent except for Antarctica. He has been married to the same wonderful lady for over 45 years and has three kids- two sons, both of whom are attorneys and one daughter who is in the field of education.
DrJohn was brought up with the concept that one can do well if one is prepared to work hard but nothing in life is guaranteed.
Except for liberals being foolish.
What a total idiot this the effects of addictive drugs on the brain its just like that anti drug commercial THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON DRUGS this fool has had their brain fried
So DJ, is this bashing those that refuse to suck Trump butt going to be your main gig for the next 4 years ( when of course, you’re not on a howling Obama rants)
I like his TV shows.
@Spurwing Plover: who the hell is ‘what’s his name’? Until he came out and announced that he wouldn’t go to Trump Restaurant, I had never even heard his name How does he know that Rachael Ray or Paula Deen’s food is terrible. I’ll bet he’s never had either one. I certainly can’t say anything about his food, in fact I don’t even know if he can cook, as I said, I’ve never heard his name before a week ago.
I have never known such terrible losers. This is the 19th presidential election of my lifetime and the only one that I can remember where the losers couldn’t accept the fact that their guy lost. Face it losers, Trump is the president and like him or not, he’s here to stay for at least 4 years. So if you need to stock up on coloring books, I’ve heard that Toys R Us has a new supply of the ones with thick lines and coloring codes (these made for Dimocrats)
And as bad as they want you to think it is, how many of the Libs that said they were going to leave the country have left. Zero.
@Ryang: Who’s tv shows?
I’ve had a Trump steak (years ago) at a Trump-owned restaurant.
Other than a Japanese restaurant’s Kobe beef, it was the BEST beef I’ve ever had made by someone other than me.
The side dishes were nothing special.
But there was an array of American sides to pick from.
Dessert was amazing!
So, Anthony is missing out, in my opinion.
And, since I cannot recall even ONE recipe by Anthony that I would make, I guess he’s the real loser.
(I mean, Korean Army stew? with fresh, gutted anchovies? and hot dogs?)
(Pork Chop Sandwich? On WHITE bread???)
(Or, Super-hot spicy fried chicken with these common household staples: roasted chili oil, gochugaru, potato or tapioca starch, gochujang, fish sauce, cheongju, MSG???!!!)
A food show on CNN?
That’s weird in itself.
we live in a world in which criminals are memorized and accolades of praise are heaped upon them for the carnage they perform while the common man is exploited as a criminal for not sucking the asses of liberals. nice picture tony, heroine does change personalities and the fact that he might still be enjoying it is a question. chefs have become actors with narcissistic personalities as their status changes. cocaine and heroine are the DOC for these individuals.
On another note a total vegan restruant has closed its doors for good after it was unable to makea big buisness and they did’nt allow for tipping either I hope the owner gets carrot sticks up their nose
Here is my take. Most of those making a fuss are those ‘celebrities’ that are either little known or washed up. This is their chance to get their fifteen minutes and perhaps become relevant again.
On the other hand I can take my money elsewhere and or turn off his show. ( and I do). These so called celebrities need to keep their political views to themselves. However if they wish to commit financial suicide that is their choice.
These people can mewl and whine all they want. The person they are attempting to ‘hurt’ doesn’t feel the pain, is losing no sleep and probably doesn’t care. These people are only hurting themselves. I learned this a long time ago when I would get upset over something and make myself crazy; and the person I was angry at didn’t have a clue and went on with their life.
Who would want a stupid raving krackhead in their place anyway? he can go talk a long long walk though Death Valley
What an idiot you are doc. Bourdain hasn’t used in more than 30 years. I do agree that he’s starting to be hypocritical at times. You posters that don’t know who he is has their head buried very deep. You need to read, travel and stop watching Fox all day long and do something.
DJ Bourdain may have the best job in the world. He certainly thinks so.
@Rich Wheeler: DJ Bourdain may have the best job in the world.What does he do other than kiss Obama’s butt?
@RedTeam: If they’re not shit kickin country western singers you don’t know em.
@ redTeam, he was contacted by the White House. They wanted to do the piece on Air Force 1 and he refused. Bourdain suggested and paid for the meal in a very small place that caters to working class people. Don’t comment if you throw out idiotic statements like that.
I have always considered cooking shows women p#rn, My favorite Americas Test Kitchen, I have never seen that cuck cook anything, for him to bash others just shows he is a self absorbed unhappy little man. I really dont know how he stayed on the air I havent watched that “chef” for years.
@Rich Wheeler: So is he supposed to be a singer?
@Chris: he was contacted by the White House. They wanted to do the piece on Air Force 1 So he’s obozo’s boy? What did they want him to do for him and are you saying he refused Obozo’s request.
@Chris: Don’t comment if you throw out idiotic statements like that.well it kinda seems as of that POS had no problem interrupting when he had not been asked to do anything. Everyone seems to be describing him as a real heroin hound posing as a POS.
Go to bed @RedTeam… you’re not quite right now.
@RedTeam: You have no clue do you? lol
btw DJ was for Dr. John
This clown is simply like every other liberal whining about the end of their liberal utopia. The same hypocrites that happily looked the other way and condone racism, anti-Semitism, crime, corruption and election-fixing pretend to be upset over the propaganda-driven evils of Trump. In reality, they got slapped upside the head with a surprise loss and don’t have the mentality to accept the fact.
Bourdain is an interesting guy as far as TV foodies go.. I use to watch his stuff. He is entertaining which is what he is suppose to be.. been several years since I have watched though..
He definitely is opinionated, no big deal. One would probably need to expect that a person in Anthony’s position and business be of the left persuasion.. His lively hood depends on his ability to travel the world and he most likely must at times do some mighty large sucking up to some bad bureaucracies in order to gain the kind of access he gets in some of the places he gets into..
He’s a New Yorker for sure.. (attitude)
I am more than sure that many “liberals” , and I use that term when it should really just be “leftist”, the left is no more “liberal” than I am the man in the moon..,
anyways, many of the “liberals” will follow Anthony’s lead and dis everything Trump, those “liberals” are usually in need of a Shepard to follow… they do that so very well..
The one aspect that I do find a bit funny is, in all the years I watched I , like the article author, cannot tell you one thing Bourdain has done culinary wise that would indicate he knows how to do anything other than talk about cooking..
Just what are Bourdain’s culinary accomplishments?
He does talk a good game though..
What’s the old saying? Those that can, do; those that can’t ..(talk)
This quote from the author pretty much sums up Bourdain rather humorously..
“Bourdain is sort of the culinary Kim Kardashian but with writing skills.”
Wonder if Anthony is laughing at that one..;)
.
Again, you guys have your head deep down in, not sand, mud….
“Bourdain went on to attend the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1978.
From there he went on to run various restaurant kitchens in New York City—including the Supper Club,[17] One Fifth Avenue,[17] and Sullivan’s.[17] In 1998 he became executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles, based in Manhattan with additional locations at the time in Miami, Washington, D.C., and Tokyo, Japan.[17] He remained executive chef there for many years.”
You guys are just pissy little idiots.
@Chris: And.. when did he ever share his vast experience on TV to improve anyones culinary skills? But he can bash those that do. He and his show, that cant rate the food channel, are useless…oh watch me eat, big flop. Those that enjoy him and that type of show are welcome to watch him scoop marrow out of beef bones with tiny spoons, If I put that on the table the ol boy would be calling pizza hut. The dog would be happy.
kitt, you can’t comment on Bourdain if you like Pizza Hut. I would bash the so-called celebrity “chefs” that he has contempt for. Do you know who he was influenced by, admired or are friends with? I don’t think so. Look it up lazy ol boy.
@Chris: Nobody truly cares he is a dried up cuck I hope he blows away, his opinion on politics, as he is a foodie, is it really important? I see the comparison was totally lost on you, no surprise, no surprise at all.
kitt, you’ve already shown the cards you have in your hand. As far as I’m concerned, you left the table.
@Rich Wheeler: You have no clue do you? lol
You kinda missed the message didn’t you Rich? Someone saying Bourdain and expecting everyone to recognize him because he is such a national hero is a bit naive. And from the links given, it seems as if the description of him being a heroin addict may be what he is best known for. To say that he has a cooking show on CNN is equivalent to saying he runs a burger joint in Northern Siberia. I have never seen a ‘cooking’ show where I was impressed by anyone doing any cooking, or the dishes they prepared. I do eat pizza from Pizza Hut, but I don’t put them on the list of outstanding cooking exhibits. Why anyone gives a damn what some burnt out heroin addict thinks about Trump is baffling to me.
@Chris: Do you know who he was influenced by, admired or are friends with? I don’t think so. Look it up lazy ol boy.
Chris, Why would you care? are you gay?
Anthony Bourdain Slams Liberals.
Well, at least he admits it.
Both that he sees himself as just another of those ”privileged Eastern liberals,” and that they all consider the Obama gov’t to be ”the temple.”
Then he tries to stand apart from those same privileged Eastern liberals by adding:
@RedTeam: He gets PAID WELL to travel around the world to the great cities and do nothing but EAT,DRINK and B.S.with the locals.
That’s a great job.
@Rich Wheeler: Sounds like a good job.
@Nanny G:
Notice how, while confessing the closed-minded ignorance of his ideology, he thinks other means are necessary to change the minds of others. Perhaps, it is YOU that needs to change your mind, Anthony.
Liberals have this attitude that their ideology, despite the well documented failures and the lies that support it, is superior to all others and, as such, it is simply a logical conclusion that all other considerations should be stomped out. So, Anthony confesses this is true and wrong and caused the loss of this election, yet he still takes the whiny position of attacking Trump with the falsehoods his failed ideology tried to use to make him look worse than their candidate.
Liberals are simply irredeemable.
@Rich Wheeler: The Nut is the person that is paying him for not being a very well known person. If I was paying someone to get attention for me and no one knew his name, I’d think him a failure. But apparently he is such a famous renown person that I, a very educated well informed person, had never even heard his name.
@RedTeam: That’s funny RT.
Fuck Tony Bourdain! I change the channel anytime I see this ignorant prick on the tube. Maybe he’ll do us all a favor and get him some of that heroin that’s going around that’s laced with elephant tranquilizer.