A CHEF'S CHRISTMAS

Hearing Anthony Bourdain read his short story is a bittersweet experience. The listener cannot help but be reminded of the late chef/writer/television personality's ability as a storyteller, which is in this instance enhanced by his familiarity with the New York food scene. Here was a man who understood the pleasures and perils of the restaurant world--who knew its chefs and appreciated those who revere making fine food. Bourdain narrates in his engaging and staccato style. The plot is almost plausible--a celebrity chef self-destructs but finds salvation cooking. This story is a kind of antidote to the usual holiday fare, hard-edged with lots of dark turns yet graced with a surprise ending. A.D.M. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2018]