ELV note: This Friday morning, on KNPR 88.9 FM – Nevada Public Radio, we interview Alan Richman about everything from ethical eating, to how to order wine for the table in a restaurant, to his running feud with Anthony Bourdain. Here’s a delectable dose of him interviewing and tasting the food of acclaimed New York chef Jonathan Benno of Lincoln, an upscale Italian eatery soon to open in Lincoln Center in New York City (as opposed to the Lincoln Center in Butte, Montana).
And just why do you put a bay leaf in anything anyway?
Can’t see the video! But I’ll say this: I wish Mr. Richman could’ve found a better way of getting back at Bourdain. Even in Bourdain’s era Les Halles was overhyped, but he’s admitted as such himself.
Mr. Richman is an excellent, serious critic, and that’s something the food world needs, no matter how many foodie bloggers pop up.
Obviously there’s a place for Bourdain as well (at least to intrigue and titilate).
But let’s be clear: without Kitchen Confidential, Bourdain would’ve been a footnote at best in the food world. Richman’s pedigree is far more established, whether or not he’s ever slinged hash.
And every chef needs eaters–good, experienced eaters (not for publishing reviews, but for giving them invaluable unvarnished feedback). Richman is certainly that.
Do any other chefs, or for that matter eaters, *need* Bourdain? Eh.