'Tony's Coming-of-Age Kitchen Dramedy Beats 'The Bear' At Its Own Game | Review

Editor's Note: The following review contains brief descriptions of self-harm that some readers may find disturbing.Celebrity chefs usually fit into certain archetypes: they might be aggressive, over-the-top critics like Gordon Ramsay, or likable and approachable television hosts like Alton Brown. The great Anthony Bourdain was neither, and it's exactly that mold-breaking sensibility that led him to be considered one of the greatest culinary minds of the century — and for good reason. Thanks to his best-selling exposé Kitchen Confidential, which dove into the grittier side of life in a professional kitchen and practically laid the groundwork for stories like The Bear, as well as his critically acclaimed documentary series Anthony Bourdain:No Reservations and Anthony Bourdain:Parts Unknown, which took a wholly authentic and unique approach to documentary filmmaking, cooking, and even comedy, Bourdain is one of the most beloved and immediately recognizable figures in the culinary space.