Anthony Bourdain — chef, author, TV star — is bringing his stage show to town this week (Friday, December 16, at the Midland ), and part of the night's entertainment is the candid, spontaneous question-and-answer session with the audience. Sometimes, it's the best part of the performance.
"The questions I get are never pre-screened," Bourdain says. "I mean, I like weird, confrontational, drunk or psychotic questions from my audience. This is a show, not a press conference. I’m not running for office. I like it that you never know how it’s going to go on any given night."
Drunks? Really?
"Oh my God, it's a regular event," Bourdain says. "I dd a show in a Las Vegas casino, and everyone in the audience was drunk — 2,000 drunks.
"I’ll talk about anything. And if I don’t, I’ll tell the audience I don’t want to fucking talk about that. It doesn’t all have to be about food. If someone wants to ask about obscure rock albums of the 1970s, I’ll talk about that."
And then there's the weirdest question that Bourdain has been asked so far. The normally unflappable Bourdain was even taken aback when he was asked about the size of his penis.
"That wasn't during one of my shows; it was a press conference," Bourdain says. "A female Japanese journalist asked me how large my penis was. I was thrown by the question, but I answered it. That was the first and last time I’ve been asked that question."
Bourdain is back in Kansas City to promote the softcover version of his newest book, Medium Raw, and to shoot footage for his popular No Reservations TV show. Medium Raw, Bourdain says, is an update of his life since his first best-seller, Kitchen Confidential, was released. "I thought I was a kinder, gentler person in it, but I’ve been told it ends up being pretty nasty."
Bourdain has been in Kansas City before and admits to being a "huge fan" of Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue. And he refused to accept the varying perceptions of Midwestern cuisine.
"Anytime I make assumptions about the food in the Midwest," Bourdain says, "I’m surprised and discover quirky, interesting twists on regional classics or something completely new. Anything is possible.
"I once thought that Midwestern cuisine was defined by good value — you know, that Olive Garden mentality. But that attitude has clearly changed. The food scene is a lot more exciting and creative. I have my favorite places in Kansas City, but I’m looking forward to doing more investigation on this trip."
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Tony, I hope you read this comment. Often we wonder why KC and we get stuck with the limited catchy phrased or pigeon holed establishments.
You have got to get out of the Westport and Plaza area, example go to Arthur Bryants to make the point v Paula, who is good, but fat becomes her.
Also sticking with the fatty foods of KC, don't forget Strouds Chicken, don't bother with the Plantation looking one north, go to the one Shawnee Mission Parkway which was relocated.
Having said that if you go JOCO go to KYOTO, ask for Memo the shushi chef trained by the dude who trains Sushi Ra chefs. Its on 135th and Metcalf, ask for Mexi-Sushi ( or the Bill&Michelle special). Spoked clams in a hardshell with with Salmon and other roe, but he makes it look like a dragon fly. Buy him a shot of Tequila and he will make you the best traditional sushi, or the calorie filled Americanized rolls.
Saw him 12-ish last night at the Piano Room. He looked pretty happy and sang a duet with Heather on "She Ain't No Lady (She's My Wife) - fairly outstanding, if you ask me. Said he was headed next to Missie B's and managed to corral a few drinkers to go with him. Pleasant guy.
He stopped in and ate at BB's Lawnside the other night as well, his full camera crew was there so they will probably put it on TV soon
I hate to change the subject but i saw Paula Deen on that Doctor show recently and it seems that her southern drawl has become more pronounced over the last few years!! Marketing ploy???
Pretty sure that was him at the Grinder's West Taste Beering Tuesday night - sure looked like him anyway.
P: I didn't ask, but I'm certain some intrepid soul will pose the question at The Midland on Friday night.
So... what was his answer? To the uncomfortable question. KC must know.
He's here shooting "No Reservations" people all saw him out in KC yesterday. He's with the drummer of the Black Keys out and about in KC.
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