So we have a group of friends who are not, shall we say,
very reverent towards traditions. We get
together for Easter Dinner, sit at the table, and dine on rabbit. Stewed, braised, fricasseed, we feast on the
bunny. Being irreverent, naturally we are fans of
Anthony Bourdain and his seeming
disregard for societal niceties. And
that is why this is one of our favorite recipes for rabbit: http://www.lifestylefood.com.au/recipes/188/anthonys-easter-bunny
We actually had the opportunity to meet him once, at a cookbook
signing/ dinner based on his recipes held at a local restaurant. I was so impressed to be in the same room as
Bourdain that sadly the only dish I remember was the Roulade of Wild Pheasant
main course. All evening while we were
dining, I watched him circulate through the room, chatting up each table. He seemed pleasant. He seemed polite. I heard no crass language or swear
words. Was this an imposter? So when
it came time to pick up our copy of the cookbook and we dutifully lined
up to get ours signed by the author, I was expecting no more than a short and
polite chat. My Aussie husband had other
ideas. The first words out of his mouth
were “Thank you for calling my country a ‘bullshit-free’ zone.” Well let me tell you, THAT got a
response! Bourdain immediately commented
on the terrific seafood and lamb available in Australia, and then he said
something very offensive. He referred to
Vegemite as crap. My Aussie husband
immediately countered with “those are fighting words”, and then they were at
each other, doing a chest bump. Or
trying to, as Anthony is a very tall man.
He then signed our cookbook, calling my husband a version of a “sorry-assed
Aussie”. My faith in him was restored;
he was really like the person we knew from his TV programs and his books. And yes, he did sign our book "To you sorry-ass Aussie - 2 Victor Bravos NOW!!"
I will remember that fun evening this
weekend as I cook his rabbit recipe. (Btw, in his Les Halles cookbook, it is called Lapin Aux Olives)
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