Anthony Bourdain

[sweeterpea]

Just curious ... is anyone going? There's still good tickets left in Calgary. Not sure what his other Western Canadian stops are.

[josey124]

Does anybody know if they are going to bring other Chefs or so to Calgary? I remember they did a survey (which I couldn't find that night) and they were quite please with the sold-out event.

[John Manzo]

Who is "they"?

[maplesugar]

IIRC "they" refers to the venue... if memory serves the Jack Singer did a survey asking who else the attendees would like to see.

[anonymoose]

I think it was organized jointly by Jack Singer and Cookbook Company. The survey was a paper one on the main floor near the doors during the event.

[Iamclarkman]

It was a funny survey, they wanted you to make your top three choices from a list of celebrity chefs... Pretty impresive list, and even more impresive if they could actually get some these people to come. The list included foodie GODS like; Jacques Pepin, Ferran Adria, and Thomas Keller. (none of whom I could see making a trip to Calgary for a lecture before hell freezes over) The list included Chefs I greatly admire and would love to see do a talk like; Eric Ripert and Daniel Boulud, but then included hack chefs like Guy Fieri, Alton Brown, and Bobby Flay.. If I want to see any of the later I'll flip on the food network instead of dressing up to go out to the theater. Just my thoughts on the survey... My wifie and I had a great evening at Anthony Bourdain BTW.

[23skidoo]

I would totally pay to see Alton Brown. I've learned so much from his show. Why put him in the same category as that loudmouth glutton Guy Fieri and no-talent Bobby Flay?

[raidar]

Without knowing anything about how Guy Fieri and Bobby Flay speak to the public, I think it would be very presumptuous to assume it's going to be a "hack" of a night. I would think it pays to realize that all celebrity chefs have an 'act' for the TV, which may or may not be close to their real personality.

Have a look for some NPR interviews with Alton, or local Atlanta radio stations for that matter, and you'll find out that he is well spoken, genuine, and someone I would definitely pay to see.

[josey124]

Thanks for the information. We didn't see any paper survey when we walked out. So they only had chefs on the list? I was hoping for some non-chefs e.g. Michael Pollan or Michael Ruhlman too.
I agree I don't see Ferran Adria or Jacques Pepin coming to Calgary anytime soon. Eric Ripert would be fun!! Not sure what chefs do evenings like that. I mean they are not necessarily all entertainers. I don't care about the more recent food network "stars" like Guy Fieri, that's for sure. Alton Brown might be interesting though. I was more hoping for Jamie Oliver, Tom Coliccio or Jonathan Waxman.
Any Canadian chefs out there who would do an evening like that? David Adjey would be my choice but he was not enthusastic at all last year at the Stampede.

[anonymoose]

It was easy to miss the survey as the set up looked like a contest drawing.

Ruth Reichl and Jamie Oliver was on the list too from what I remember. And a lot of the Top Chef-related people were on there too (although my memory is a little hazy about the specifics as this was months and months ago).

I would definitely go for Alton Brown. Rachael Ray on the other hand, no (another one that was listed). There was a write in section too so who knows what people added to the list!

[josey124]

Who is organizing those events? How do we find out if/when somebody is coming?

[anonymoose]

I originally found out via Janice Beaton's newsletter as the cheese shop was one of the sponsors/participants. Not sure who is looking at doing more of them but like I said earlier I suspect that it would be Jack Singer and Cookbook Company.

[The Chowhound Team]

Folks we've had to remove a number of off topic posts, please stick to the subject of Anthony Bourdain and refrain from host bashing or we will be forced to lock or remove the thread.

Thank you

[innertree]

I didn't think there was anything wrong with Ms. VanRosendaal's intro! she's actually very funny and it suited her blog style - food and the weight combo - that's part of any food(ist)'s discussions, especially for women chefs. It was relate-able and entertaining.

And i have to agree - if you're introducing a guy whose speech is as spicey as his taste, he is a tough act to follow (or in this case, precede).

[sweeterpea]

What a fun night. My husband was grumpy about going but was blown away how engaging he was. We had awesome seats, better than I had thought and was within spitting distance of Tony (not that I would do that, heh heh)

Way more on No Reservations material than expected, which I loved. Julie, please stick to the radio. We don't care about your "triple tier wedding cake" and "double spanx";way too much information! She should have just introduced herself, said a few words about Tony, and left it at that. My whole section was squirming and sighing the whole time she spoke.

I was surprised how humble and genuine he was; plus the potty mouth somehow just suited the occaision. It was an honor to hear him speak. Plus the Dauphin cheese afterwards -- we had to hurry home because we had a sitter -- but I scarfed down 6, 7 or 10 of those, haha. To Janice Beaton this weekend to get more for sure!

[vancvr girl]

I thought the show was amazing, and have no complaints whatsoever. Anthony was engaging and funny, just as I had hoped.

And as for Julie? I'm a little sad that you're not supporting a local gal. I folow her blog and was pleased to learn she was chosen as the emcee for the event. She didn't disappoint, but maybe I like to cheer on the local talent and see them do well?

[MixedGrill]

I thought it was really good. Though as we were leaving, I overheard many many people talking about how vulgar he was. Seriously...it's Anthony Bourdain. What were you expecting?

I follow Julie's blog/cbc/other things she does. I think she was herself: warm, genuine, excited to be there and funny. Perhaps that didn't work for some, but she was introducing a man that talked about taking it up the ass. Not sure the formal intro approach would have worked.

[vancvr girl]

LOL MixedGrill! EXACTLY. And hey, let's not be so quick to judge. That's a HUGE person to have to introduce.

[ybnormal]

It was all good - well worth the evening out that didn't actually have to focus on the actual act of eating.

I'm not one for a lot of cussing, but having actually worked with people in New York/New Jersey, its simply cultural. We'll be in a regular business meeting and all of sudden expletives fly as though it was normal use. I mean, if you haven't read his books or watched his shows, consider it a world lesson...

I'm thinking anyone I see after him would be a let-down... well maybe Alton Brown, but then that might just be me!

[pants]

really?! people were complaining about vulgarity?!! have they watched his show? or read any of the books?
it would have been disappointing without it...

i like Julie, she was cute but i think you'd have to recognize her and follow her blog, etc....

[afullpantry]

What a fun night! I knew it was going to be great, just wished I had a VIP ticket, wasn't it nice of AB to get that guy's wife in because he only had the one VIP ticket.
Julie was great and funny!
I hope AB comes to Calgary for a book signing for one of his next few books coming out this year, yeah!

[anonymoose]

I actually thought that there would be MORE swearing than there was. ;)

Great evening, and the wine and cheese was a lovely surprise. I would definitely be up for driving to Calgary again for another talk, depending on whom it was.

[pants]

i enjoyed him very much last night! great evening. anyone go to the VIP? how was it?

[josey124]

I didn't have a VIP ticket but I really liked it too. Did anyone see that survey? I would have a list of people I want to see in the future.

[Major_9000]

Fun night, it was pretty much what I expected and Anthony is as engaging on stage as he is on his show.

[TSAW]

I quite enjoyed the lecture. It was funny and engaging. Didn't have VIP tix. I was a little confused by the wine/cheese in the lobby afterwards. I had thought that was for VIPs only. We couldn't stay as the Q&A went on so long. I was getting a bit bored of that by the end. I had seats in the upper right and could barely see because he was mostly at the right stage. And sat by some drunk woman who was laughing like a hyena, slapping the railing and making snorting noises! but overall a good evening.

Agreed, Julie seemed highly uncomfortable. And no I don't care about her weight issues, as I'm sure no one else did either. To me, that's personal.. nothing to do with the show.

[Major_9000]

I've been looking forward to this all winter, can't wait for tonight...my wife and I are still debating where to eat tonight, lol.

[ybnormal]

We'll need a way for all Chowhounds to identify themselves!

I'll be the one with the Inniskillin golf shirt on!

[pants]

we're eating at the bar at catch before the show!! can't wait.

[TSAW]

I'll be there for sure. Going to check out Rush beforehand. I am interested to see how this is going to be. I'm not really a 'lecture' person.

[maplesugar]

For those still looking for tix I just got a tweet - CBC Radio Calgary is auctioning off a pair of VIP tickets Tuesday morning. Proceeds to the Food Bank.

[maplesugar]

The pair of tix and dinner at Blvd with Julie Van Rosendaal were just auctioned off for $2700.

[Major_9000]

Where would you take Anthony Bourdain to eat in Calgary?

[howlin]

he would have to try sherms ultimate gripper at tubby dog,it seems to be up his alley

[John Manzo]

My partner and I decided that a must would be Banh Mi Thi Thi.

[howlin]

nice

[sweeterpea]

Maybe that Weiner Shnitzel House -- it's got the kitsch and cooking that he would enjoy. Also, I would drive him out to Seven Persons to the Premium Sausage Company and Red Rock Canyon. Off-the-beaten path and wierd enough for him to appreciate.

[marcopolo]

Love the tubby dog idea. I suspect that for the true calgary experience (and by 'true', i mean comically stereotypical), you'd also have to take him to a steak place, maybe the Reef'n'Beef or Ceasar's.

[Bellavino]

Has anyone recieved their tickets in the mail yet?
I have never ordered from Epcor Center before so I wasnt sure if this was like ticketmaster where they just mail it to you when its convenient for them or if they sent them when you ordered them. Since I had some of the trouble that others had online I just wanted to check.

[sweeterpea]

No, but I expect they will send it closer to the time like Ticket Master. If you received your confirmation via e-mail I wouldn't worry.

[marcopolo]

I got mine in the mail today.

[messier]

I bought mine in October and I got them yesterday....you should see yours soon!

[Bellavino]

Got them yesterday! So excited!
Now to make a reso in the area for some pre Bourdain eats!

[pasaker]

AHHHH, I just came back to Canada after a whole month in the States and I just found out today!!! Where can I get tickets?!?!?! How much are they?!?! Where can I buy them etc etc.!!!!!

[AriaDream]

35 dollars I believe and the link to the place on the Epcor site to purchase them is http://tickets.epcorcentre.org/single...

[pasaker]

I paid $75.00/per ticket and I got 2 tickets for seats in Zone 2. I hope they're decent seats. .......I also paid an extra 2 dollars to get it mailed as well...I hope they do come :S

[sweeterpea]

Don't worry -- we always choose zone 2. I'm short so I can see above everyone, yet you get the intimacy of the stage. It's great to see so many chowhounders going. It'll be fun to discuss this online after the event.

[alley]

Cool thanks for the heads up. Got some tickets, tho the site was hard to navigate and I got errors like some of the other people.

[AriaDream]

*sighs* I WANT to go. I was so happy to find out he was coming here.

Then I looked at the date and gave an emphatic 'shit!' I'm going to be in the Turks and Caicos at that time...

[anonymoose]

I will gladly give up my tickets if you want to switch. ;)

[afullpantry]

Thanks for bringing this up!
Got my tickets..........this is going to be a fun evening!
I only wish I had known earlier to get the VIP tickets.
did anyone have trouble trying to buy tickets online through epcor,I ended up having to phone in for tickets.
can't wait...................<VBG>

[marcopolo]

I had some issues with the online purchasing. It threw up an error the first go round. But I hit the back button and tried again, and it seemed to go through, fingers crossed.

should be a fun night.

[sweeterpea]

That happened to me too. I have to phone them tomorrow as I got two confirmations by e-mail -- don't want to be charged twice.

[anonymoose]

I got pre-sale tickets. :D

It's supposed to be a Kitchen Confidential talk, apparently.

[Major_9000]

My wife and I are going..love his show...it would be awesome if Zamir was with him, but I know that's too much to hope for.

[sweeterpea]

I wonder if he's doing any filming here. I would love to see a show about Rocky Mountain cuisine on No Reservations.

[pants]

i got pre-sale tickets as well!! can't wait - he's my favorite!

[sweeterpea]

We thought about the VIP tickets, but I was worried it was going to be too late of a night and awkward as well. We got our tickets too :o)

[josey124]

Where? When? What? Bourdain in Calgary?

[cancowboy]

http://www.calgarythings.com/ct/event...

No more VIP (meet & greet) tickets are available.

[josey124]

Got it. I bought tickets too. Thanks!

[Mawson Plan]

I'm going with a group of people too. Looking forward to it. Janice Beaton is hosting a meet and greet of some type- but it costs extra and I'm thinking might be kind of awkward so I'm not going to that.

[grayelf]

Wish he was coming to Vancouver -- he's one of my original Chow crushes.

[messier]

I got tickets during the presale...looking forward to it! I saw him once before and he's a really entertaining speaker. It's worth the money if you're into food, travel and can handle a bit of potty mouth :)

[Bellavino]

Got my tickets this morning and as far as I can tell I think this may be his only Canadian stop!

[Bob Mac]

What is Bourdain "flogging" now? New book?

I quite enjoy him as well as the "No Reservations" episodes I have enountered more out of "happenstance" than design.

[Beachy1]

A friend and I are going and can not wait! I think it'll be a fun night!