Review: Kitchen Confidential

As rude as I seen him on TV, that is exactly what I've digested when reading his book. Anthony Bourdain is one rude chef, but sincere along the way. I love his wise choices of words in describing an event; most are his dining experiences. Kitchen Confidential is not a biography, but it has this qualities of Bordain's inspiring experiences in chefdom, professional cooking scenes and restaurant businesses - everything that he has seen, tasted, heard, felt are written here in the book. The early chapters resolve on the drivers of his chef career, the food, the sex and the pain. I favour the way Bourdain took the humiliation he received. He's a real man, with fucking attitude. The later chapters mingle on the kitchens he had entered, the cuisines, the mentors, friends and foes, drugs, 80s music, the up and down etc. There are a whole lot of cook jargon and terms in Spanish, French, Italian used here (99% of which I don't have a clue what is it) but it didn't disturb my reading. I still can understand the concept of what Bourdain trying to say. In the end, cook, like other profession, has its own dark, dirty and nasty politics. How one could survive? Read the book.

Double Review: Pengembaraan Tanah Kusir & Aksi Reaksi 2

Pengembaraan Tanah Kusir (Edisi Khas 2013 Fanzine Roots) - Azaruddin Paiman
The book title (literally means Journey of the Barren Land) combined with its cult cover design will give a wrong idea of spooky fiction, but don't misinterpret it. Pengembaraan Tanah Kusir (PBT) is a non-fiction   book regarding the writer's trip with Hellexist (Malaysian hardcore band) to Indonesia, to perform at Asian Punk Fest 2013. As stated, this book is a special edition publication by Azaruddin Paiman aka Din Roots of his famous ROOTS zine. PBT features Din's funny narratives and writing style. Readers will never get bored. Some facts in the book are supported by few photos, like the comparison between Malaysian and Indonesian punk rockers. Combined, PBT presents reader with the interesting stories of punk ideology, philosophy and brotherhood. Punk or not punk, you'll get something good from this book. Find and read it!

*Some footage of Hellexist during the fest.

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Aksi Reaksi 2 (Dokumentasi Dum Dum Tak) - Nizang

Dum Dum Tak (DDT) is another Malaysian punk rock band who received a huge positive feedback right after their debut into the local underground scene. Their songs bursts short in length (mostly under 2-3 minutes), with a straight and sincere lyrics regarding current political issues - which is also the characteristic that attracts the listeners. This pocket sized book, Aksi Reaksi 2 (AR2) is the documentation of DDT journey from their first formation until the present time. It is written by Ahmad Nizamuddin aka Nizang Mosh; one of DDT founder and also the writer for a  local punkzine, MOSH. Parallel with the band's fight, the book's cover design illustrates three rats in suits, a symbolic to political rats. The documentation is paragraphed like the up and down of the band, the shows they'd attended, are in details and brief summary;  thus resulting a fast reading. Some photos and quotes from DDT's interviews are also included. AR2 is the second printed edition with additional pages on the band's current progress (the first prints are on January 2012 entitled Aksi Reaksi). If you're a music lover, I recommend you to buy and read this book. It's worthy to be on your shelf.

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