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2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 A Cook's Tour with less strings attached... Jul 06, 2009
I've been a pretty big fan of Bourdain's food-centric travelogues since Food Network debuted the A Cook's Tour show and the accompanying book (A Cook's Tour: Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisines). From his auto-bio/expose on the restaurant business Kitchen Confidential Updated Ed: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (P.S.), to his unrestricted palette of taste, through to his no nonsense style of writing food inspired crime fiction, Bourdain has cut an interesting niche in the foodie world. With No Reservations, he's left behind the insanity of the Food Network and taken his travels in search of good food and culture to the Travel Channel.
What I find interesting about this new show is the balance he's seemingly struck between his own tendencies and the requirements of filming a network driven travel show. On A Cook's tour it came across as butting heads with the network and producers resulting in a lackluster second season filled with excursions to ridiculous destinations like the Mall of America, content that felt forced and sad. No Reservations, though occasionally still succumbing to these depths, frees Bourdain up to getting to the heart of the matter which is examining true local culture and the food that sustains and elevates it. It combines the point of view of a 70s punk rebel with a soul searching existentialist, while also ditching most of the pretension and being generally entertaining TV which is pretty darn rare.
If you're looking for the insanity of A Cook's Tour (the swallowing of still beating cobra hearts, etc.) than you might be a bit disappointed, but if the first thought when entering a new city or country is locating a good genuine meal that speaks to the local culture than this is the show for you. It's not a how-to for finding the tourist traps of the world, but a how to avoid these and eat like a local. Highlights from this set include Quebec, Mexico/U.S. Border, both India episodes (Rajasthan & Kolkata/Bombay), Ghana, Namibia, Lebanon (really interesting sidetrack from the normal content in this one), and the Pacific Northwest.
There are currently 3 other seasons available: Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations - Collection 1, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations - Collection 3, and Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations - Collection Four.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Bourdain rocks; Travel Channel improves DVD product Mar 19, 2009
Another great collection. My only major beef is that the Japan (Osaka), China, South Florida, and Peru episodes are not included. But each can be purchased separately at slightly less than highway robbery prices. It seems these "collections" are not marketed to be sold as a complete season, but it's still somewhat baffling that episodes from season three (Ireland, Ghana, Namibia, and Pacific Northwest) are included in this DVD set. Still, a great collection to have for Bourdain, food, and travel fans.
17 of 18 found the following review helpful:
Episodes in this set Mar 17, 2009
This set includes the following episodes:
Sweden
Puerto Rico
Quebec
Mexico/U.S. Border
India (Rajasthan)
India (Kolkata/Bombay)
Korea
Indonesia
Ireland
Ghana
Namibia
Lebanon
Pacific Northwest
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
"No Reservations" Is Unique Mar 07, 2009
I love "No Reservations" because Bourdain and his production crew combine fascinating places/food with great writing and a fresh approach on anything that he's experiencing.
I don't know how they sustain the dry, skeptical wit of the show while always remaining enthusiastic and appreciative of the people, culture, and food. Quite a feat!
I've seen all of Season 2 many times, but know these sets are not complete. Could anyone list what's on this one--and what is left out? S2 had some of my favorite shows and I don't want to be disappointed that they're not here.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Anthony rules! Sep 05, 2008
I have read Anthony's books first. Then I saw one of his TV shows "by accident" while switching through the channels. I wanted more. So I rent all DVDs during my last vacation in the US and watched them in a row.
Now, one year later, I wanted to see some of his shows again as I am interested in visiting some of the places he went, and as I am also a hunter for good local food and specialites, I decided to buy all his DVDs here on Amazon. And I have soooo much fun with them.
You see other views of a country, not the typical tourist paths. Food you wouldn't dare to touch or put it in your mouth - he does it for us. Great guy. Can't wait to go to Sicily and try that strange fried meat-parts hidden under a towel from these old men on the streets, too. Or the melon gelly with pistachios and dark chocolate bits.... Yummie!
These are short movies you can watch several times. They are fun, interesting, educational and like a nice trip to a foreign world in times you get "itchy feet" and wanna do at least some couchvacation....
Buy all at once, because you will like the first, and then you regret you have to pay extra postal service for the others.... ;-)
Have fun
Joey
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