Do take note that all reviews of that kind will be tagged as “Moolah Reviews” for obvious reasons. *duh! Just so you’d know.
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Traveling, photography and food enthusiast are in for a treat. It’s the new book from Anthony Bourdain, titled “No Reservations-Around the World on an Empty Stomach“. To tell the truth i have no idea who the heck was Anthony Bourdain till i read… or more specific… see this book (coz it’s mostly populated by awesome photographs).

I am not going to launch into the detail history of this guy *even though i think he’s friggin’ damn hot for a 51 year old! So, just a short intro will do. Anthony is a New Yorker and was a chef running kitchens in New York before he shot to fame, and he is a contributing authority for Food Arts magazine. He was the executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles. He is author for a few books on culinary art. In 2005 he was involved in a TV series called “Anthony Bourdain – No Reservations” screened on Travel Channel. This book is the latest book published based on the series following the first book with title “No Reservations“.

Hot bad boy chef!

This edition of “No Reservations” took him to all over the continent, from Asia to places such as India, China and even Malaysia, to North America‘s New York and Las Vegas, to Africa and many other exotic cities and countries looking for the best food in town. Mind you, Anthony doesn’t take you to exclusive 5 star restaurants but rather hunt for food at small hidden stalls (like mamak stalls or somewhat) for the best and maybe the most disgusting tasting dishes.

What i found interesting is that this book is not all about food but about his cultural and social experience as an ang moh mingling with people all over the world. His entries are sarcastically charming and sometimes hilarious. Imagine an ang moh chowing down on Peking Roast Duck in China, hunting for wild boars in Borneo, Sarawak with the orang asli, doing movie-action stunts in Hong Kong and even taking a short nap in the desert of India.

Do look out for his entry on Beirut where his crew and he was trapped for a few days between Lebanon bombings.

However, do not mistake this book for a travel or food log. It is not. It is a fusion of travel, food and a photography journal coz it’s full of photographs more than anything. The photos are not really that professional but in my opinion, it is inspiring enough as it captures the real moments and culture.

As for food lovers, there’s a bonus. A list of “Where To Eat” bookmarked near the end of the book.

I directly quote the descriptions for Malaysia from this book:-

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MALAYSIA

Fish Head Palace under the Big Tree
In the front yard of a rundown house across from No. 6 Jalan Tiga (the Kaseng Corporation building)
Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur
No telephone
Fantastic steamed fish head and other Malaysian/Chinese specialties outdoors, next to a noisy metalworking facility. A real “How the hell did you find this place?” local favorite.

Choon Hui Coffee Shop
Ban Hock Road, near Grand Continental Hotel (ask anybody)
Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo
No telephone
I mentioned laksa before. Here’s my choice for “best”: fiery. butt-burning, and made in the city where (arguably) they make it as its highest level. Who knew it could be the breakfast of champions?

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There are also some quirky stories near the end of the book. Check it out if you happen to stumble across it.

Here’s a clip on his adventures in Sarawak. This is Part 4 out of 5 episodes – if you’re interested in the first few and the last episodes, search on youtube.com. You’ll find clips of his makan trip in Kuala Lumpur and Chef Wan‘s special appearance too.

Personaly i think he sux as a narrator coz he sounds so monotonous *wakaka.