Karl Klockars

"Hi, Chicago. Ever seen a pseudo-celebrity before?"

If I were Tony Bourdain right now, I’d be glad this particular gig is over, despite the quality food – and glad I’m leaving the yokels of Chicago. I’d be wishing like crazy to get back to someplace calm and relaxed, like Cambodia or the Ukraine. At least there, people leave him the sweet hell alone. Over there, he’s just another crazy American with too much money and not enough sense. Here in Chicago, it’s like he’s the Pope (which is a parallel I made here).

Don’t get me wrong – I appreciate exactly what Bourdain has done for the world of food press. I like his TV show, I like the way he writes even more, and I hope he’s able to do his job here. I’m looking forward to seeing the episode he’s been taping here for the past few days. But with everyone falling all over themselves to get a glimpse of THE BOURDAIN, I’d be embarassed to show off the citizenry of our fair city – thank god for selective taping and heavy editing.

Is all this really necessary? Or can we all take a collective breath and, are we ready? repeat after me: “He’s just a guy. He’s just a guy. A good writer, but just a guy. He’s got a good TV show, but we don’t need to Twitter his every move.” Yeesh. (more…)