I miss the glory days of Sunday Night HBO. Nights of really good episodes of The Sopranos or Sex in the City. Combine that with a gourmet nosh and a bottle of good wine and you had a weekly event to look forward to. I've found a way to bring it back.
I've always had a thing for Anthony Bourdain. He's articulate, rebellious and talented. He's the one person that still makes smoking sexy. When he wrote "Kitchen Confidential" I snapped it up and read it quickly. It was smart ass and hardcore. I wanted more, more, more.
The Fox Network picked up the book and made it into a series that lasted one season. Bad timing and baseball playoffs signaled its demise. It's a shame really. But luckily the entire season plus nine un-aired episodes are out on DVD. This will revitalize your Sunday night.
Loosely based on the book, you'll immediately recognize the characters. It is laugh out loud funny. The writing is clever and hilarious. Here's a gorgeous little nugget from the fourth episode, wherein Jack, the character inspired by Bourdain is having a conversation with his crew over a little local warfare between their restaurant 'Nolita' and the French joint down the street:
Jack Bourdain: So... It's official. We're at war.
Jim: We're at war? What do you mean we're at war? We're chefs!
Jack Bourdain: They attacked us. Twice!
Steven Daedelus: They poked our head waitress
Jim: Yeah, but didn't she enjoy it?
Teddy Wong: That is not the point! If he's willing to have sex with Mimi, there's no telling how low he will go!
Seth Richman: We sent Mimi on a diplomatic mission and he sent her back soiled and defiled
Jim: and satisfied...
Jack Bourdain: Jim, go to your idiot hole.
Another scene I loved was when Jack steals bread maker extraordinaire "Adam" and Seth has to go down into the bowels of Nolita to give him a message. In the book, Adam is a real rogue. Wonderous one minute, non-existent the next. In the series he's a faceless, creepy basement dweller wearing night vision goggles.
Seth cautiously inches down to the basement. You hear the fear in his voice as he approaches the darkened landing. We then see how Seth looks through Adam's night vision apparatus. As Seth ventures further into the black fearfully calling for Adam, we're right there in his face, LED green as Adam takes a baguette and caresses Seth's face. He freaks and goes screaming up the stairs like a little girl. Priceless.
The cast is excellent. It's chock full of lusty ribaldry. It's really pitiful that it never realized a grand fruition. I've read that the series is being run in England and Australia. I think Bravo should pick this gem up and "reconstitute" the series, considering the popularity of Bourdain and it's own excellent hit "Top Chef."
Sometimes, like Jack, you need a second chance. Pick up this DVD and you won't be disappointed!
