tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691661959819164456.post7734590411105342626..comments2024-02-12T18:06:18.802-08:00Comments on Street Gourmet LA: Parts Unknown Mexico: Fear and Loathing or a Simple Misunderstanding?--Bourdain Indulges in the Worst Cliches streetgourmetlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02625967020667522977noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691661959819164456.post-80339070348025148842014-07-14T23:38:48.565-07:002014-07-14T23:38:48.565-07:00 A viewing of your old episodes of Chef Rick Bayle... A viewing of your old episodes of Chef Rick Baylesses Mexico One Plate at a Time would have done the trick. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11456233530601923744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691661959819164456.post-79267038753374753232014-05-08T11:33:59.762-07:002014-05-08T11:33:59.762-07:00Patrick Bateman--indifferent to that aspect, the r...Patrick Bateman--indifferent to that aspect, the rest I'm happy to engage and I do appreciate critics, both high and low.<br /><br />In order for you to continue posting in this manner, please use your real profile--it might make you focus a bit more--maybe. <br /><br />My real name is here--I own it all for better or for worse. streetgourmetlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02625967020667522977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691661959819164456.post-65899393239595601912014-05-08T10:36:59.158-07:002014-05-08T10:36:59.158-07:00Patick Bateman--Welcome back, I recognize you know...Patick Bateman--Welcome back, I recognize you know, I believe you've had a like/dislike relationship with this blog--and I believe you've even emailed me before? You are allowed to criticize me--I'm the one who allowed your impassioned flow to post here. <br /><br />I'm saying, the your jealous thing, etc., it's a waste of our time, and I accept your insults, but there's no need for the mock Spanish--it's racist--I didn't say you were--pay attention. <br /><br />Let me be clear about my consulting because I thought I indicated that I merely took a phone and made suggestions. What do you not understand there? I spoke about cities and states--I strongly suggested Tepito and Migas La Guera, other than that I spoke generically about a few other places and disagreed with a few places on their list. It was pro bono, so I didn't want to do much more for them. They went to Tepito and Migas La Guera based on my rec and probably double checked with the several other sources they used. And that's it--beyond that, I have no vested interest in it, and matter of fact, it's to my benefit that they didn't really dig deep into Tepito--I'm actually pleased. This is a separate issue and not the cause of my criticism.<br /><br />To simplify, this was an easy ratings topic and a direction the show has been going since No Reservations, but every political topic is on the surface level. I'm not interested in hearing Bourdain talk about these topics because it's not done well--the Palestinian Israeli show was boring as many of his shows are--I liked Lyon, Punjab, and Vegas was fun--and so was this Mexico episode another dull attempt at journalism--it was the least interesting drug war show I've seen, and I've watched many and keep abreast of what's happening since I'm in Mexico each month, practically. <br /><br />It was poor tabloid, in the midst of a bunch of very food oriented shows, and it was the overindulgence of tabloid fare to the point of being insulting. <br /><br />Chef Berestain is not my friend--I've eaten at his restaurant, but have never met him.<br /><br />My posting of Berestain's comments and those of many other chefs was to refute Bourdain's claim that only a Gringo (hello Scott)in San Diego had a problem with the show. The criticism was strong and had many that participated--I share those same feelings about the episode. It affected important people in the food scene--Bourdain desn't tackle these subjects when hanging with Andres, Boulud, etc., so we find that to be unfair. <br /><br />My post was based in the show and Bourdain's response to Scott Koenig.<br /><br />Bourdain acknowledged that their was a misunderstanding in his comments, so that has justified everything in my opinion. He also tweeted that there will be more positive stories about Mexico in the future, and to have been a small part of the many voices that have caused him to ponder the content of the episode, even if he's standing his ground, I'm content. That was the goal--and--mission accomplished. <br /><br /><br />The rest of your droning on about my motives?--knock yourself out and draw your own conclusions as I am indifferent. <br /><br /> streetgourmetlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02625967020667522977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691661959819164456.post-44226174304709629582014-05-08T04:55:44.837-07:002014-05-08T04:55:44.837-07:00it's funny you question my age and maturity wh...it's funny you question my age and maturity when your main response to my post is to insult me personally.<br /><br />i'm sorry you don't like the way i write -- i love your food recommendations, but i don't like the way you write, either and who cares -- but it would have been nice if you had actually read and attempted to understand what i wrote.<br /><br />why does anything i wrote have any weight? fair question. here's why:<br />because your screed isn't honest with yourself and isn't honest with your readers. and anyone who can read can draw that conclusion easily.<br />if you had written, "they asked me for rec's and didn't use them. so why did they ask me?" THAT would have been honest. that would bug me, too.<br />but instead, you have to blather on about why isn't the show well rounded, why did they eat there instead of here, how dare they show what they showed, the title of the show is bad, ad nauseum.<br />if you had written, "i don't like bourdain shows that don't show him eating and talking about a lot of food," THAT would have been honest. if that's the show you enjoy, more power to you for coming down on this particular episode.<br />but instead, you blather on about "context of the series" and how important your FRIENDS' criticism of the episode is. that's petty.<br /><br />i have no problem with anyone criticizing an episode of television (that's the second time i've written that, by the way). it's just your poorly written criticism doesn't tell me anything about the program they aired, and your refusal to own your own opinions makes it a little hypocritical.<br />there are episodes of bourdain shows i don't like, there are bourdain books i don't care for. nothing wrong with that.<br />however, if someone asks -- and darn it, they never do -- i explain to them why, and i don't give my c.v. to do it.<br />i find it off putting and weird to read or hear a review of something that seems to focus solely on what's not there and what could have been shown. to me, that's like saying, "casablanca would have been so much better with tits and automatic weapons fire."<br /><br />and someone like you calling me racist is comedy gold. let's be honest: unless someone passes your weird form of the paper bag test, they just don't GET to talk about mexico or mexican food, do they?<br />your targets are as obvious as your intentions, and your petty jealousies -- yes, to me, it comes off as jealousy -- take away from whatever message you're trying to send.<br /><br />that's my opinion. but i guess although you're "allowed" to criticize bourdain all you want, no one gets to criticize you. if bourdain has to be a big boy, why don't you?<br /><br />i think we can both agree our definitions of "far reaching" are different. this 40 odd minutes of televison, you and your friends' criticism of it, and bourdain's response to that criticism, will be mostly forgotten in a week or so.<br /><br />until you stop complaining about messengers and start focusing on the message in a less defensive and pretentious way, i'm afraid, to paraphrase gore vidal, you have nothing to say, only something to add.patrick batemannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691661959819164456.post-86928550522659715342014-05-07T22:36:25.553-07:002014-05-07T22:36:25.553-07:00Patrick Bateman--If I'm correct, you're up...Patrick Bateman--If I'm correct, you're upset that someone would critique a Bourdain show? But, your sophomoric stream of sarcasm is okay, and racist undertones?--I'm not implying that's what you're about, but I can understand your run on sentences just fine without the mock Spanish (what are you, 12 years old? Bitter Betty?) Let's agree that EVERYONE is critical of something, and what's your interest in having no criticism of Bourdain? Are you a big Bourdain fan or just some lost Belieber? <br /><br />And where in your life does saying "you're just jealous and bitter" have any weight? Shall I respond with "oh yeah--well you don't have any friends!" <br /><br />I'm not going to ask you to read the post again, but this isn't about me, but the show. <br /><br />I'm not here talking about what they should have done but specifically what the show did in the context of the series, and I believe the details have been explained already in the post. <br /><br />The fact that Bourdain has been addressing it on twitter and in comments on posts means that there's more to this--it was important enough for him to write a very long response on Scott Koenig's blog.That's because the negative reaction to the show has been far reaching<br /><br />But practice what you preach--next time all you need to post is "I disagree with you."<br /><br />Anything public can be subject to criticism--Bourdain is a big boy, and can handle himself. Bourdain did what he wanted and so did you and I here. streetgourmetlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02625967020667522977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691661959819164456.post-84253257035726197282014-05-07T16:37:16.456-07:002014-05-07T16:37:16.456-07:00it's very sad to me your column reads like one...it's very sad to me your column reads like one long whine, "why CAN'T I dooooo a show on CNN???"<br />"why doesn't anyone listen to MEEEEEE?"<br />"i know SO MUCH MORE than these guys about MEXICOOOOOO"<br /><br />bourdain nails it in his response to the blogger. he told the story he wanted to tell.<br />if you don't like the title of the show, or don't think he's quite as "real" as you are, well, that says more about you than it says about him. it's like picking pepper out of fly shit.<br /><br />i fully support your not liking an episode of television. there are lots of episodes of television i don't like.<br />however, bitching about what 40 some minutes about a very large and complex place doesn't show, how dare they show, just makes you come off like a bitter betty who, y'know, doesn't have show.<br /><br />i found the episode very entertaining. watching that female journalist cook and share a meal and tell her story was at least as compelling to me as hearing you tell me just how legit that special cabrito stall in el village muy pequeno, estado de obscuridad, el mexico de viejo, is.<br />you think the locations he picked weren't, let's see, "cool" enough for you? were you listening to the conversations he was having while he was at those disneylands, those chuck e. cheeses? <br />i don't understand why you, and people like you, continually try and make food, journalism, and telling stories a freakin' dick measuring contest.<br />why is bourdain under any obligation other than to tell the story about mexico he wants to tell?<br /><br />different strokes, tempest in a teapot, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.<br />making anything more out of this episode of television other than, "you didn't enjoy it" is hyperbole, pure and simple. which, if you think about it, according to you, doesn't make you any different than bourdain.patrick batemannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691661959819164456.post-58906282605418601032014-05-07T11:40:19.960-07:002014-05-07T11:40:19.960-07:00You're welcome, Ursula. Yes, Parts Unknown La ...You're welcome, Ursula. Yes, Parts Unknown La Tierra Caliente would have been different or the Parts Unknown Mazatlan to Durango Highway. Oaxaca, Tepito,and D.F. aren't even the high activity areas for the cartels--Oaxaca--not at all. streetgourmetlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02625967020667522977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691661959819164456.post-10319037719714890942014-05-07T09:58:59.295-07:002014-05-07T09:58:59.295-07:00Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Bill Esparz...Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Bill Esparza. The generalizations being spoke of in San Diego are sort of true too... but we are part of the Creative Class in San Diego, we do not fit in the mold of typical tourists that never leave the walled in compounds. We have ventured into Parts Unknown and we have identified them, photographed them, tasted them....... my brown fingers type on my computer here San Diego... but this is it: JUST SAY WHICH PARTS UNKNOWN! IDENTIFY THEM! This entire debate would not be happening if Bourdain would have just said "We are in Central Mexico" not just a blanket statement of "Mexico". We won't be decapitated if we go have an award winning beer in Tijuana. I will continue to escape, explore, enjoy my Mexico. With removal of my naive glasses, and my Mexican-French-Arab creative crazy blood pumping thru my veins, I can't wait to continue back on my dream of no border, prime coastline, wild horses, wine caves and the most sought after food, I feel, is on this Earth right now. The real crime is not to live! ! Salud ! Baja, Mexico.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13194541924021691854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691661959819164456.post-11628018655147202012014-05-07T09:19:43.828-07:002014-05-07T09:19:43.828-07:00Scott-Ball breaking is fine, but if you're goi...Scott-Ball breaking is fine, but if you're going to go that route and you're sitting at the 4 Seasons Lounge drinking Del Maguey, be prepared to take as you give. <br /><br />My point was that it wasn't just a San Diegan.<br /><br />Mexico's tourism is only growing so it's a non-issue for me. I'm not looking for a Parts Unknown that promotes Mexican tourism--that's the job of the Secretary of Tourism. I'm criticizing a bad show, and for the uneven reporting between Europe, which apparently has no social ills, and isn't involved at all in the drug war, and Latin America, which is a One Note Samba in a minor key--drugs, drugs, murder, and prostitutes.<br /><br />It was such a weak food show, and when there was good food it was given little attention--less than Lyon, where a family tree came with the soup--the migas dish has a great story. Del Maguey? And the dead bodies were not a revelation, and the reporting was old news. This was just cheap sensationalism. Vice on the other hand did a great piece on the drug war. People in the U.S. who do illegal narcotics know where their drugs come from and don't really care what the results are. History Channel, Discovery Channel, etc.--this stuff is on every week--the unbalanced is the reporting on Europe in contrast to Latin America--just another gringo looking for a cheap thrill, though unintended. streetgourmetlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02625967020667522977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691661959819164456.post-63118392256660798252014-05-07T08:15:53.570-07:002014-05-07T08:15:53.570-07:00Bill, great post! I took Bourdain's barbs as c...Bill, great post! I took Bourdain's barbs as classic East Coast ball-breaking. Though in San Diego, I've spent enough time in Mexico speaking to Mexicans to know that this level of reporting does more harm than good for them.<br /><br />Bourdain came back to the A Gringo In Mexico comments last night and stated his position in no uncertain terms:<br /><br />"A common reaction to the show was that the photos of bodies were unnecessarily “gruesome”, sensationalistic, focused “too much on the negative”.<br /><br />"Americans spend billions of dollars on Mexican sourced drugs every year. My feeling is that they should see what they are paying for: dead Mexicans. If that’s uncomfortable or unattractive ? Good."<br /><br />As a marketer (as well as a blogger), I'm not sure this confrontational approach will sell at all...but just instill more fear of Mexico here North of the Border.<br /><br />Scott (El Gringo)W. Scott Koenighttp://www.agringoinmexico.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691661959819164456.post-72140127522558909732014-05-06T21:39:10.189-07:002014-05-06T21:39:10.189-07:00Thank you for this. I was so looking forward to th...Thank you for this. I was so looking forward to this; Bourdain has done excellent programs on so many countries, and with your involvement I was sure it was going to be special. Instead it was the same old cheap shot. And his response was worse. Very disappointing.Fnarfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15022243603033471232noreply@blogger.com