Eric Umali > Recent Status Updates

Hmm. Didn’t realize we’d be getting a new POV this time around. So far, so good though.

OK book, you had me at Manananggal.

Awwwwwwwwww

OK, now that competition scene took me back.

Jelly Jubilee!

"It’s a central irony of fine dining that, unlike the waiters who serve their food, the cooks are very rarely able to afford to eat what they have spent years learning to make."

Yes, Alan Richman *is* a douchebag. Yes, giant tasting menus *are* dumb. And yes, Top Chef *is* the best cooking competition show.

Bourdain on fatherhood. Hits close.

Warning: do NOT read or listen to the chapter titled "Lust" on an empty stomach. Food porn-induced cravings are no joke.

Cards on the table, I wouldn't have given this book a second glance if I hadn't seen that our heroine Verity Price divides her time between cryptozoology/monster hunting and *competitive ballroom dancing*. So far, entertaining enough. But can it sustain?

Some pretty interesting characters, but honestly my head is a little spinning with all the worldbuilding. At least someone's now got a mysterious tragic backstory!

"Et's emportent"

Bourdain's advice for a self-assessment of a reader's potential for successfully becoming a professional cook is tough, but too honest to be ignored. Hope it's kept enough wannabes out of the pro kitchens.

I mean, how can you not love Bast?

I'm an adventurous eater, no doubt about it, but... yeah, pass on the ortolan, thanks.

Fascinating world to build but HOO BOY it's like non-stop info dumping. Hanging in there, ready for the action to presumably begin.

1) I did not have AB hyping up and heaping praise on Gordon Ramsey on my bingo card when I started this one.

2) The evisceration of the inherent privilege involved in the vegans and vegetarians he encounters was amazing.

I want sushi now. I really, really, REALLY want sushi now.

I'm so worried... about everybody, really (sit down, Dain).