Anyone else like Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations?"

It's a show on the Travel Channel. Bourdain is tall, rebellious sort of writer who highlights the culture of the streets in the places he goes. He's also a chef, and loves to explore foods. Last night was a show about Indonesia, and rather than talking about the resorts and beaches, he talked about the hypnotic effects of the sounds and smells and tastes of the region. He doesn't come across as an "ugly American," but he doesn't come across as the pompous poser pretending to understand or become part of the cultures he observes. He's a strong writer with a sense for when he can wax poetic and when it is just corny to do so. At times he even mocks his producers, claiming they want him to insert a montage with trendy music or to describe a waterfall when it's right behind him and he can just show you.

He's got the only travel show I've seen with a parental warning at the beginning that some of the views expressed might not be suitable for younger audiences. He drops the occasional risque comment or makes a drug reference here or there, though it's not a major part of his show--more like his personality popping out. He's got a touch of Dennis Leary, only without the monotonous negativity or the phoney iconoclasm.

He's also big on foods, and how they relate to culture. In China, he went to a local farmer's hut for his final meal, and criticised himself for keeping the children up so late they were grumpy. But he concluded with a bit of poetic waxery, claiming that culture began at that level, where farmers and household cooks learned to create the dishes and recipes and spices to enliven their meals, and how culture in every society evolved from this level. He gives the impression of hating posers, of enjoying the more basic aspects of a country rather than the affectations of the trendy.

I've become addicted to him because he seems to have a genuine respect for the cultures he visits, rather than just liking what he can take from them. His observations are intelligent, and he doesn't speak down to his audience.

Anyone else like him? Here's a clip on the TC web page. http://travel.discovery.com/tvlistings/episode.jsp?episode=8&cpi=116786&gid=0&channel=TRV&clik=fsmain_ticker

I discovered him quite by accident. It was a marathon of No Reservations
and by the end of it I was totally hooked. He comes across as sort of a
dick at first, but he really does have a genuine respect for culture as
it invents itself.

I didn't think I was going to like it at first because I thought he seemed like an ass. Now I love it and I love him. I loved the two-part India shows (I TOTALLY want to go there now, even more than I did before), the Korea show ("You order it like that... Chicken House of Poo!"), and the Viet Nam show ("I think it's called Squeezle").

Actually I've enjoyed every single episode, although I missed last night's show.

"Be a traveler, not a tourist" is the best line.

It was in honor of his kitchen staff, who are mostly Mexican immigrants (legal or not). If you didn't you should try to check it out, the commentary alone is worth the viewing. Plus, he exposes the origin of Nachos! :o

MEXICO and he ain't lying. It's those chefs who are the backbone of every major restaurant kitchen in the USA... THOSE are the guys creating the fantastic meals over the hot stoves while the poser chefs are out hob-nobbing and making teevee shows.

I need to view that episode.

it's the absolute worst thing he has ever eaten in his whole life.

I saw the iguana. I'll support his opinion.

It's in his first season at least 3 years ago.

This show dealt with the border between Mexico and the US. He made no value judgements about who were the better cooks. You should try to catch the more recent show if you can. Since his site didn't really have any info on that particular show, here's a link to the show's forum where they discuss it in depth: http://community.discovery.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6811975208/m/5211960928

I was very impressed with his Texas/Mexico border episode and how much he wove strong progressive thought into the narrative.

hack on the Food Network. How that woman got a show is beyond me.

in fact he doesn't like the Food Network much period. They had a bit of a falling out when his show was canceled for being too "dark". But I love Bourdain, he's my favorite foodie!

I feel the same way.

Anyway, I don't know who Sandra Lee is. :)

She does a show called Semi-Homemade and she makes the most heinous food. Every time I've seen even a few minutes of her show she's using things like Dream Whip and Brachs candy and squeeze cheese. Gack. It should be called "Processed Snack Foods I Picked Up at 7-11 Then Mixed Up in a Fancy Dish."

Here's a quote direct from Tony:

"What's the most offensive TV cooking show?

There's one by Sandra Lee. She seems to suggest that you can make good food easily, in minutes, using Cheez Whiz and chopped-up Pringles and packaged chili mix. It inspires people to have low expectations and to settle for less, and I think that's not doing God's work."

I would just turn her off. :)

Unfortunately there have been a few times when I've been threading raw meat onto skewers or rolling messy cookie dough with my hands and her show comes on, so I'm stuck until I can wash my hands and find the remote. I need a tv that responds to voice commands! :)

scream "GET THE F*%&@^%* OFF MY TV!!!!" ?

I need one of those for Bush. RCs just aren't fast enough! :rofl:

when I start screaming profanities at it. Of course, I'd have to override that feature when I watch the Daily Show because I often swear at Bu$hCo when I see his ugly face in the clips, but I don't want to miss what Jon has to say.

I :loveya: Tony Bourdain! :D

He can cook for me ANYTIME! :evilgrin:

You should also check out his show on (I believe) Khazackstan (the massage he received is hysterical!)

And I do love the way he tries to understand the cultures he visits, not just wolf down the food and hit the touristy highlights.

Vietnam is damn funny too!

His writing style is influeced by the Good Dr. HST. :patriot: , yet another reason to adore Tony!

And as much as his show is great, his books are even better!

The old show's "A Cook's Tour" and books are also not to be missed, if you're a true fan.

Whether I'm reliving a travel experience or looking for new ones, he never disappoints. He's given us a kick in the ass to get back to France asap too!!

Knowledgeable and irreverent. What more could you ask from a tv show? :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :donut: :donut: :)

I was hoping for that title. :cry:

I have a friend you'd love, though. He's almost a ringer for Bourdain, has the same voice, similar mannerisms, and is quite as smart. Writes well, too. If you're ever in Houston... I think my friend's unmarried at the moment--that changes quickly with him.

I've never been in Houston — but it's a temptation, now.

:hi:

Beats the "Get out of here, Creep!" title I am usually awarded!

I never miss his show. He is sexy and smart. I love his books too. And I love the fact that he hates Rachel Ray! Makes me love him even more.

Living near the Mexico border in AZ, I really appreciated the border show. Bourdain really captured how life is down here.

The border is an unique area, filled with great people and an integrated culture that cant be understood until you spend time here.

My husband is a restaurant manager and has been in the business over 15 years now. He watched the show with me and said that he nailed exactly how most restaurant workers feel. And we have many Mexican restaurant workers here, being so close to the border.

In his experience, most of the American-born, anglo kids that come to work in the restaurant did not last too long. They complained about the work. I see that all over this country. Such an entitled people we've become, many whom has done nothing special to achieve having American citizenship, other than by the luck of being born here.

With that being said, I really look forward to Monday nights. :)

Can't we all just get along? :cry:

Aside from who he hates, good post! I wanted to see that show, and missed it.

although I've said on several occasions that I think he and Nicole Kidman would make a great couple. Too bad she keeps falling for musicians...that won't last.

I think Anthony is one of the sexiest men around.

:silly:

I love his observation on "Naked Chef" Jamie Oliver - "He's neither." :D Bourdain is one of my food faves.

:smoke:

Since I work second shift, I don't get to watch it on Monday evenings. If I see it advertised for a Saturday or Sunday, I do watch. He keeps it real. I also enjoyed watching "A Cook's Tour."

I enjoyed the show where Tony and his brother travel back to his father's hometown in SW France. They went to the places they frequented when they were kids. It was such a joy to see both Tony and his brother remembering their father and the trips to the region when they were kids.

Funny, sexy, talented, you name it.