Anthony Bourdain Tickets

BY FAR this was better than his lecture last year. Same set up, considerably better execution. The free books were a nice touch too. Stick to what you do best, it's magic, AB.

I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. This guy has made a career of leveraging OPM (Other People's Money) to travel the world, explore his own curiosities and eat/drink really well, all while telling stories with a crass and brutal honesty that makes him the Howard Stern of the food world. So I shouldn't have been surprised that he stood up and told random stories about his kid for 15 minutes (I can almost guarantee he was one of those people whose eyes glazed instantly when someone started telling stories about their kids before he had one himself), and then opened the floor to questions. This is where things went south in a hurry. The Bagdad is a 600-seat theatre and this guy is trying to see through the spotlight shining in his eyes to point to people in the audience frantically waving their hands to ask him dumb questions like, "do you love Portland?". (So to be just, the weak rating in this review is definitely to be shared with McMenamins for not setting up microphones in the aisles and funneling those who wanted to ask questions to them, and to the attendees ourselves for not coming up with something more interesting to ask while we had the guy cornered.) Although he had some funny and enlightening answers to a variety of silly questions, Bourdain checked his watch repeatedly, as if to make absolutely sure he met his obligation to this room full of suckers who paid $35 for a $16.99 book and the chance to hear him say fuck live and in person, but not spend an extra minute lest the ROI of this particular milking of the cash cow be suboptimized. I think all of us plebes realize that the artists we revere would rather make their art than answer our questions about it, and Bourdain's very essence is crass honesty, but while I respect that he stayed true to who he is, I was disappointed with the evening.

overall it was a great event, really good to see Anthony live in person. The venue was good, plenty of seating, the lines went quick, great crowd. Although it felt really short to me..only about an hour or so, laughed the whole time. Sidenote, staff was courteous and efficient, had a good set up and it went smoothly.CHeers

Bourdain was entertaining as always with anecdotal stories and a real-life attitude. His style of answering audience questions was enjoyable and felt like you were sitting around and shooting the breeze with an old friend. The Bagdad theater, on the other hand, continues to fail in its ability to deliver anything approaching understandable audio. Feedback, echos, and dead-spots plague this venue ensuring no seat is a good seat if you don't hear really-really well.

Enjoyed the program, in spite of rude audience members who thought it necessary to shout questions over the top of his answers to others, so missed a lot. Biggest problem though, it would have been nice to see him, but there was almost no stage lighting so he was nothing but a dim ghost from the balcony. Really really disappointed in that. That being said, he was exactly as he is on his TV shows - wicked sense of humor, speaks exactly what is on his mind Thank you Powell's and Baghdad for the opportunity.

Informal, funny, short but sweet. The guy everyone wishes was in his group of friends, his insights on food and everyday life lighten your mood. Cannot wait to finish his new book.

It was an awesome show and well done. No issues to report and we enjoyed Anthony's humor, stories, and audiance interaction. Would do it again.

It was a terrific evening at the Bagdad! Starting with an adorable intro from a Powell's employee, Anthony Bordain charmed the audience immediately with his anecdotes from his life since Kitchen Confidential, fatherhood, and his favorite travel spots and meals. The night was perfectly timed for him to entertain with stories, answer questions and accept two shots of Maker's with some of his fans.

After waiting 2 hours to get in and grab a good seat, I was disappointed by the 40 minute show. Anthony talked for maybe 20 minutes, then opened up for questions from the audience. He was great, sharp funny, fast paced delivery...but I still felt gypped by the overall length of the program given the ticket price....and why weren't there any lights? It would have been great to be able to read the book while waiting for the program to start.

Anthony Bourdain is definitely worth every penny (and more) that we paid for the tickets! This is the second time I've seen him in Portland in 14 months and he was just as funny, snarky, honest and entertaining as ever. PLUS, this time around we got a copy of his new book WITH the ticket. Honestly, I probably would have paid almost twice the ticket price for the book and the experience. Whether you are a foodie or a travelhound, Tony Bourdain is the best friend you'd love to have.

Another great event with Anthony. He is such a great storyteller. He tells you how it is and doesn't hold anything back! I will definitely catch him the next time he comes through town! I just wish he wouldn't do a Q and A session. People ask some of the lamest questions and it's a waste of time that Anthony could use tellling one of his crazy stories.

Anthony Bourdain is a man on a mission, and it's simple; Open your mind. That's all he seems to be shooting for as he stood on the stage at the Bagdad Theater Monday night. Try something you haven't tried before. Think about what you're putting in your mouth. Get to know the people. Don't soak your burger meat in amonia. For those who have read Bourdain's masterpiece, Kitchen Confidential, or who follow him on Travel Channel's No Reservations, Bourdain's presentation wasn't even close to surprising, as they all expect only greatness. If you were unfamiliar with Bourdain before Monday night, you can, at the very least, now be no less than a rabid fan as Bourdain began the show with a prepared thesis about the food industry's attempt to poison America, organic vs non-organic, the love of his daughter, and his short lived imitation of a "softer, warmer" Bourdain. As is his M.O., Bourdain quickly turned the evening in a rousing Q&A session allowing everyone in the room the chance to get under his skin. The 60 minute session flew by with laughter, boos, and a man standing on stage who could have commanded the small army to follow his every order had he chose. And what's this? Everybody in the crowd gets a signed copy of his new book? Why yes I will! My only regret... I didn't raise my hand to ask this question... "Anthony, when will Portland get the one hour it deserves?"

For anyone who enjoys the Travel Channel's "No Reservations" show or has read Anthony Bourdain's books, spending an hour listening to his view of the Food Network, its celebrity "chefs", and related topics is a must-do. He is as engaging in person as he is on TV or paper, with his honest, street-level opinion, daring us to challenge our hard-held beliefs about food culture. What I like about him most is that he never pretends to be part of some gastronomic inner circle. He's learned to be a good guest, enjoy a variety of foods, appreciate the benefits of a good day's work, and is ever grateful for the opportunities life has presented him. One note on the venue: the Bagdad theater was a poor choice. Low lighting and a dodgy PA system made it difficult to see/hear. Tony deserved better. If it weren't for the Bagdad, I would have given this a 5-star rating.

Tony Bourdain was amazing! The event was fantastic! It was like spending an evening with a wonderful new friend. Bourdain was candid, personable, open and hilarious! Bring him back again soon!

The VIP experience was certainly worth it. Tony is a genuine type of person, perhaps too honest for some. He was humorous and very entertaining. The seats and reception were great. We so enjoyed meeting him. We were so happy to be able to tell Tony about my dad. No Reservations is his favorite show and if ever he wanted to meet someone - it would have been Tony. But he had a heart attack last year and is now in a minimum conscious state. My mom got him direct TV at the facility that he is in, just so he could continue watching the show. Through this show he can continue seeing the world. Thank God for shows like this. I wish that every disabled person that cannot travel could see this show.

What a great night. After following TB for years and having read most of his books, I'm very glad I was able to do this. Tony's as funny, irreverant, lude and insightful as he comes across on tv. What a treat.

Was expecting to hear more about books rather than all the food network people and why they suck.. I do not watch the food network so I had no idea what he was talking about..

Bourdain knows how to entertain! He didn't stand behind the podium. Instead, he chose to walk back and forth on stage, which I think made him seem more approachable. He had lots of interesting stories to share, especially about the art of food, chefs, the Food Network (and other cooking shows), and most of all, his new family. He is such a fascinating man. Fatherhood has softened him, but only a bit. He's as acerbic and hilarious as ever. I adore him, I just do. I'm biased!

Great night! Tony spoke for over an hour then took questions. Very fun!

Amazing, poignant, and enlightening. Awesome and funny storyteller. Fantastic voice that tells it as he sees it.