This article was originally posted on WomenLearnThai.com.
Anthony Bourdain has no reservations…
Yesterday, America’s Travel Channel kindly contacted me about Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations episode shot here in Thailand.
The culture of Thailand incorporates a great deal of influence from India, China, Cambodia, and the rest of Southeast Asia, and Thai cuisine blends five fundamental flavors: sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty.
In an effort to experience each of these tastes, Tony explores the bustling streets of Bangkok and immerses himself in the local street foods, cultural practices, and people. He discovers delicious dishes, kind people, and beautiful scenery.
The Travel Channel even sent over Anthony’s YouTube mov to share…
Hilarious: The uploader has not made this video available in your country…
When it comes to chef’s, I’m out of touch with the US (I’m more of a Rick Stein type of gal). So to get the goods on Anthony/Tony, I contacted an American buddy of mine in Florida.
TONY’S MY MAN!
He’s a chef, author and traveler… You’d probably like him. He’s known for being somewhat irreverent and edgy. No Reservations is probably my favorite show.
On that catchy note, I put my google finger to work…
Wikipedia: Known for consuming exotic and daring ethnic dishes, Bourdain is famous for eating sheep testicles in Morocco, ant eggs in Puebla, Mexico, a raw seal eyeball as part of a traditional Inuit seal hunt, and a whole cobra — beating heart, blood, bile, and meat — in Vietnam.
According to Bourdain, the most disgusting thing he has ever eaten is a Chicken McNugget, though he has also declared that the unwashed warthog rectum he ate in Namibia and the fermented shark he ate in Iceland are among “the worst meals of his life.”
So… after reading about Anthony consuming sheep testicles, ant eggs, raw seal eyeballs, and an unwashed warthog rectum, I was not surprised to discover his previous Thai experiences.
There’s even a book from the tour…
A Cook’s Tour is the written record of Anthony Bourdain’s travels around the world in his search for the perfect meal. All too conscious of the state of his 44-year-old knees after a working life standing at restaurant stoves, but with the unlooked-for jackpot of Kitchen Confidential as collateral, Mr. Bourdain evidently concluded he needed a bit more wind under his wings.
Anyway, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, Thailand airs Monday, August 17 at 10pm E/P on the Travel Channel.
I don’t get the Travel Channel in Bangkok, so if you do have the pleasure, please let me know how it goes. Ok?
Rick Stein is now on Thai TV. He’s making steak and kidney pudding. A proper one, with suet. Oh my…
Hi Conor, sounds like work is still on a high burner over there at HO. When you do get around to watching his Thai show, could you drop me a line? He seems to put out a good show, so I’d like to keep up with his Thai escapades at least.
Neil, I don’t get the show out of Singapore. My TV package comes from True Visions so I’m locked in there.
Talen, I am totally out of touch with the likes of Andrew Zimmer (I see that he’s also on the travel channel). But I do know of Gordon Ramsey, so am I redeemed?
Alex, I could stop by Pantip to see if they have anything of Tony’s. Some of the stuff there doesn’t work so it’s always an adventure!
Martyn, Anthony’s part two video is complete, so it’s more of a good wew than the others 😉
I’ve eaten a fair amount of weird things in Thailand, but I don’t hold an attraction for testicles or eyeballs, in the UK or here.
My Asian friends love going to lunch with me because they don’t have to argue over who gets the eyeballs in the fish head curry!
Som Tum at £8.10? Whooh. But I guess if you want Thai food when you are away from ‘home’, then you have to go for paeng mâak. I do check Thai restaurants when I’m anywhere but here, just to feel cringe.
I viewed or is that wiwed Anthony’s A Cook’s Tour-Thailand Part Two video and he certainly has a try anything attitude that is somewhat softened by his beautifully voiced commentary.
I’d certainly want my sheep testicles, ant eggs or raw seal eyeball with a plate of chips and a good dollop (what a lovely word) of tomato sauce making Anthony a lot more adventurous than me.
The cobra for me would have to be well done, minced and eaten with a long fork and blindfold, I wish I hadn’t read that bit as it’s soon time for sleep and I might get nightmares. The unwashed warthog rectum would make napkin placement of greater importance than choice of desert although I wouldn’t leave the choice up to him.
I am currently doing a post about Som Tum and it checks out at £8.10 in one London restaurant and I think Anthony wouldn’t even touch it at that price.
My three faves are Tony, Rick and Andrew … all for different reasons. I’ll watch anything they put to air, and Tony’s books are a great read. Nice one Catherine. BTW, thought of checking out Penthip Plaza?
Tony is ok…Andrew Zimmer is much more entertaining. I’m holding out for Gordon Ramsey to tour Thailand and eat things. I think I have a man crush on Gordon Ramsey…I watch kitchen nightmares all the damn time.
Hey Cat,
I’ve got it set to record on my DVD Player and hopefully catch up on it later this week. I’ve been a big fan of the show due to the many places he goes to, and they are almost always off the beaten path. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to check it out!
Do you get Arts Central out of Singapore? It’s also aired on that station. But, YouTube will do in a pinch.
Hi Neil. From his YouTube videos, I could tell that he’s a entertaining guy, for sure. It’s such a pity that I won’t be able to watch his show tomorrow. Darn. His other shows are on YouTube, so maybe this one will eventually get there too?
Thanks for posting this, Cat. Tony’s show is excellent. I’m sure to be settled in front of the television tomorrow at 10. Hmmm … probably should break out a nice bottle of shiraz and a big bowl of spicy fried crickets. You know … to get in the mood.
Seriously, Bourdain’s show has taught me a lot. Not simply about food, but also culture. No Reservations takes something of an engaging, “under the hood,” approach. Hardly your typical travel or food show. It’s sometimes gritty. Often amusing. Always entertaining and shamelessly honest. Having been nominated for a few Emmys is a testament to that.
No Reservations has become a personal spyglass into places and people I’ll likely never see or meet. But, it’s made the world a bit smaller and comfy. Bourdain’s travels have demonstrated that, although we may live oceans away, people are not all that different. Good food, conversation and a warm smile are touchpoints that often build strong bridges between people.