Based in Manila, Philippines, Dessert Comes First is a chronicle of the food-obsessed food writer, Lori Baltazar. This website is all about desserts, restaurants, coffee, and the pleasures of homebaking. Read more about me Bobby, Not Bourdain
Wed, October 29th of 2008
9:40 am
Seems like local foodie-dom worked themselves up in a tizzy when news dispersed late last week that chef-writer-world nomad extraordinaire Anthony Bourdain was in town. I’ve been amused with the stories told to me of some fervent fans who camped out at the Lobby of the Sofitel hoping to catch the alpha male himself in the flesh and breathe his hallowed air. I believe some were actually successful, nabbing autographs and photos.
I’ve admitted on this website that chefs are my rock stars and while I’m a huge Bourdain fan, my groupie-slash-”fawning fan” approach is more subtle. When I learned that acclaimed chef Bobby Chinn was going to be guesting at Fully Booked and doing a cooking demo, I knew I’d be there. And when I was asked by the great people at the bookstore to interview Bobby himself, my giddiness shot to the stratosphere. I spent three solid hours last night reading his book, “Wild, Wild East: Recipes and Stories from Vietnam” straight through from cover to cover. It makes me want to go back to Vietnam, or at the very least, have lunch today at Zao.
I walked by Restaurant Bobby Chinn when I was in Hanoi this past June and I even got as far as the front door and glancing at the menu. I regret not having a meal there but it’s awesome that I’ll be getting to meet and interview the man on Friday. He’ll be the second international chef that I interview this year, the first was pastry chef superstar Nick Malgieri last May.
Everyone’s invited to drop by Fully Booked at Bonifacio High Street this Friday, the 31st, right before the Halloween shindigs. It’s totally free. When you see me, say hi. I’ll be up front with stars in my eyes.
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That’s absolutely perfect! I’ll also be in the area hosting a little trick or treat thing hahahahaha Let’s meet up after?
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Comment by Mellow Marco — October 29, 2008 @ 11:49 am
Goodie!!
See you there!!
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Comment by Didi — October 29, 2008 @ 4:30 pm
argh! i’m leaving for subic in the morning of the 31st! but if it’s bourdain, i would cancel my trip without any second thought.
have fun!
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Comment by Joy Cruz — October 29, 2008 @ 4:51 pm
Hi, Lori. I’ve been to Bobby Chinn’s restaurant in hanoi (December, 2007). Sorry, but the food wasn’t that great. Worse, their house bread was so dry and crumbly – the driest bread I’ve been served in what was supposed to be a fine dine restaurant! I asked the bread to be replaced at least 2 or 3 times. Maybe because Chinn wasn’t in the restaurant at that time (he was out of the country), his people just slacked!
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Comment by socky — October 29, 2008 @ 7:56 pm
I saw Bobby Chinn in New York and he’s very arrogant and the food in his resto is so far the worst I’ve had. Too much hype. Sorry.
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Comment by Marie — October 30, 2008 @ 10:53 pm
i love his show World Cafe Asia. I’ll be there! see you….
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Comment by bubut baluyot — October 30, 2008 @ 11:21 pm
I agree with Socky and Marie. The feedbacks I get regarding BC’s food fusion are not what you expected.
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Comment by Paula — October 31, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
I must’ve missed it by minutes. I was at The Fort yesterday from 5 PM onwards. Too bad.
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Comment by James — November 1, 2008 @ 8:42 pm
hi lori!!
i was there during the launch too! hmm shucks i wasn’t able to see you
bobby chin is really nice! i was lucky enough to have a photo op with him hehe
http://www.frannywanny.com/2008/10/going-wild-wild-east-with-bobby-chin.html
fran
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Comment by fran — November 1, 2008 @ 9:20 pm
i cant believe i missed two of my rockstars
I DIE NOW
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Comment by grace — November 2, 2008 @ 7:56 pm
Awww! Why didn’t I check this site out earlier? I would have loved to see Bobby Chinn. Anyone know the most authentic Vietnamese resto here? I’m craving for some Viet herbs!
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Comment by liz — November 6, 2008 @ 6:31 pm