San Francisco Figs

About a week ago, Anthony Bourdain and David Chang spoke on a panel at the New York Wine & Food Festival where they vented frustrations over foods and food trends that they disapprove of.

Both chefs advocated a more creative spirit in New York cooking, insisting that Europe is ten years ahead of the game. Items on the list of grievances included cupcakes (“I hate fuckin' cupcakes,” said Chang), Guy Fieri (“Cooking is not about “fuckin’ sunglasses and that stupid fuckin’ armband,” Chang argued), and San Francisco ("Fuckin' every restaurant in San Francisco is just serving figs on a plate. Do something with your food," said Chang.) For the complete list, please see Grub Street: the New York Times Food & Restaurant Blog.

Well, it seems that the city of San Francisco was listening to Chang. The Asia Society of San Francisco cancelled a Momofuku cookbook signing with before it has even been released.

Chang’s latest comments won’t necessarily mend any bridges either. In an ambivalently-toned apology, Chang firmly stated, "I'm never gonna open a place in San Francisco."

To David Chang’s defense, Kate Krader from Food & Wine’s blog, Mouthing Off proclaimed, "Food & Wine loves Chang unconditionally."