re: Bourdain comments on the douche economy.

The real issue is he is using facts from 20 years ago to maintain a stance. 20 years ago or even 15 or hell 10 years ago, the restaurant scene in America was vastly different. Filled with lots of places that were cooking similar menus without much thought or care. Brunch doesnt just mean dump hollandaise on everything left after Saturday night service. It might have once, it doesn't anymore.

But now food is a form of cultural currency. Being a cook or a chef is a different career than it was when he wrote Kitchen Confidential. And many restaurants (especially in cities like New York) have to rely on the revenue from a solid brunch to make the numbers work.

Brunch can suck; but so can any other meal at any restaurant. It can also be a really great experience.