Get Jiro!

Given that the final season of No Reservations just started and featured Austin in the premiere episode, it seems like a good time to discuss Anthony Bourdain’s latest book. A departure from his previous works, Get Jiro! is a graphic novel.

Set in LA in the not-too-distant future, the city is a bleak place run by warring chefs who ruthlessly rule the city and all its food distribution. The story is a commentary on cookie-cutter restaurants, the idolization of chefs, obesity in America, the local and vegan movements, offal, and poor restaurant etiquette. It hits just about every hot foodie topic as readers navigate this world of extreme food culture.

Plus it’s got all the violence and nudity you’d expect from a graphic novel. In short, it’s fucking awesome. I can’t reveal too much about the plot, as it’s a short book and I hate to take away the joy of the little surprises. But I promise that you’ll laugh at the story and marvel at the art. It is simply a must read for any foodie.

Okay, one tiny spoiler: Someone gets beheaded for ordering a California Roll. How delightful! Here’s the page:

I know, right? Notice the blue tooth on the severed head. Ha!

So what did everyone think of Anthony Bourdain’s recent Austin show? It wasn’t his first visit, but it was a completely different take on the city. It showed the madness and hard-rocking hipsterdom of SXSW. I was surprised by some of the places he went (Quality Seafood) and completely unsurprised by others (Barley Swine.)

Leave a comment and let me know what you think of the book and Tony’s visit to Austin.