Aug 2026: Kitchen Confidential

Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly
by Anthony Bourdain

Structured as a loose collection of humorous anecdotes, Kitchen Confidential is equal parts confessional narrative and industry commentary on the cooking trade. Bourdain has cited George Orwell's Down and Out in Paris and London (1933), with its behind-the-scenes examination of the restaurant business in 1920s Paris, as an important influence on the book's themes and tone.

He details some of his personal misdeeds and weaknesses, including drug use, explains how restaurants function economically, and warns consumers of the various tricks of restaurateurs. For example, he famously advises customers to avoid ordering fish on a Monday as it is likely left over from the weekend or earlier. He also suggests avoiding well-done beef, since cheaper cuts are often substituted for the top-quality meat used for rarer orders.
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General Attendance Policy:

• We encourage you to have read the book (or most of it), but if you didn't get a chance to, don't let that stop you from attending. Some members find it beneficial to read the book after discussing it. 3 no-shows and you will be removed from the group. You have 48 hours prior to the event to withdraw.
• It is your responsibility to purchase/borrow the month's book. If you are struggling to locate a copy, please let us know and we will endeavour to locate a copy.
• Please respect everyone's opinions and ideas and use common courtesy when participating.
• Members take turns hosting the book affairs. The host for the month is responsible for leading the discussion but anyone in the group can ask questions.

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First time attending an ink affair meetup? On the day, you will be asked the following questions as a way of introduction:

1. Name
2. A little bit about you (i.e. resides in Tauranga, visiting)
3. What are your current reading habits?
4. What are you hoping to get out of being part of a book club?