“Do we really want to travel in hermetically sealed popemobiles through the rural provinces of France, Mexico and the Far East, eating only at Hard Rock Cafes and McDonalds? Or do we want to eat without fear, tearing into the local stew, the humble taqueria's mystery meat, the sincerely offered gift of a lightly grilled fish head?” — Anthony Bourdain · Kitchen Confidential, 2000
“The Way of the Pirate, as far as cooking goes, consists of a willingness to work hard, a willingness to put up with discomfort, and a certain recklessness.” — Anthony Bourdain · Kitchen Confidential, 2000
“I wanted adventure. I wanted to go up the Mekong like Conrad's character went up the Congo.” — Anthony Bourdain · Kitchen Confidential, 2000
“Your body is not a temple, it's an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.” — Anthony Bourdain · Kitchen Confidential, 2000