Best travel show on tele
DougP | San Jose, USA | 04/13/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you do a side by side comparison with some of the other shows on the Travel Channel - say Samantha Brown or any of the cruise ship, theme park, beach vacation drivel - the contrast is startling. Bourdain is not a mainstream personality. He is sarcastic, cynical, brilliantly insightful and (mostly) real. His anti-vegetarian tirades do get old, and sometimes he seems to be pandering a little to every exotic culture he comes in contact with, but in general he is honest and genuine. He lets you see the irritation, fatigue and discomfort that comes with travel, instead of editing those parts out. So entertaining on so many levels. Bourdain is one of the masters of travel television, along with Ian Wright and Michael Palin."
Have 'No Reservations'
A. Krikorian | Los Angeles | 07/26/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Collection 2 is an inspiring and informative series of episodes that goes beyond the usual formula "food culture" shows. I think it is genuinely transcendent. Bourdain's personality adds much to this adventure. The series' blending of social and culinary culture with Tony Bourdain's characteristic outlook makes this fantastic entertainment worth purchase.
Bourdain's Asian adventures (India -two great episodes - and Korea) were so good it took me several minutes to come back to reality. These segments stayed with me for days. I craved Indian and Korean food for weeks. They mix culture and food culture into the best shows I've seen yet.
A big surprise was the Northwest segment. I clicked it thinking "The Northwest . . . I should just get this out of the way." I was so impressed that I want to move to Portland! This was such a great treat. The segment on Beirut brought tears to my eyes. This series facilitated the realization that food is so much more than the kitchy shows you watch about which olive oil to use or what the "cuisine" of Tuscany is like. It demonstrates how fundamental food is to our lives, our family, and who we are as a culture.
No Reservations Collection 2 is even better than the first season - which was very good. I recommend it enthusiastically. It makes me hungry for travel and food, and touched my heart with every segment!"
RAPIER WIT
C. Bush | Florida | 03/03/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tony Bourdain is unlike any other 'chef' on television. He is more in tune with the inner workings of kitchen life than any chef you may encounter on the Food Network, PBS, or even the Travel Channel itself (i.e. Andrew Zimmer, a Tony wannabe in sheep's clothing). The fact that Tony is also an accomplished author with a savage command of the language only adds to the unique concept and feel of No Reservations. He travels to the heart of a region's cuisine, eats with the locals and drinks with the most authentic chefs and cooks to be found there. The obvious respect he is shown by these chefs adds to his credibility, and typically paints Tony to be a rare bird in the culinary world-- a reviewer that is welcomed with open arms into the recesses of the best kitchens in the world. A truly unique host, This is the best 'reality' show on television bar none."
Snarky Traveler
J. Priser | Middle of Nowhere, Indiana | 04/05/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Over the years I have come to love the many facets of Anthony Bourdain. This show is the way I was introduced to him and his quirks, and I was so glad to find that they had put it on DVD, so that I no longer had to anticipate re-runs on the Travel Channel. If you are a fan of his writing, I suggest giving the show a try. It captures the essence of Tony in shorter format. There are a few *bleeps* here and there, and a lot of snarky comments, smoking and drinking, but that's just him."