Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations is the perfect mix of travel and food show, and makes you want to immediately hop on a plane to fully immerse yourself in unknown destinations.
An unparalleled storyteller and esteemed chef, Bourdain takes us beyond the usual tourist spots, on a journey at the heart of global cultures, offering us an authentic and refreshing glimpse into the world’s diverse cultures.
Bourdain’s charisma infuses his narrative with honesty, humour and his profound insights provide the viewer with something rare (and missed).
Each episode of No Reservations is the perfect blend of culinary discoveries and cultural immersion, and Bourdain’s genuine capacity to connect with locals from all walks of life, whether it is around a meal or over a conversation, makes every episode an enlightening experience.
It also provides us with a deeper understanding of the places featured.
And let’s not forget about the food: No Reservations is a visual feast, which will make you drool with hunger.
“He eats the disgusting stuff, so you don't have to. He does so with plenty of good humour and wit, and you find out something about these places along the way,” Sam Wollaston wrote, about the show, for the Guardian.
From lively markets in Asia to serene landscapes in Europe, No Reservations is a cinematographic gem that will make you feel as though you are travelling alongside Bourdain. The vibrant images coupled with Bourdain’s commentary will ignite your sense of curiosity and wonder too.
But No Reservations is more than a culinary show: it also addresses social, political and economic issues affecting the regions he visits. These insights add a refreshing depth to the show, educating us and equipping us with a sense of cultural awareness.
No Reservations is a timeless TV series that stands apart for all these reasons. Bourdain masterfully blends in storytelling, cultural exploration and a visual feast. So if you’re looking for a show that will educate, inspire and transport you, make sure you don’t miss out on this gem.
This week’s episode is a documentary titled Where it all began which highlights Bourdain's experiences while being on the cusp of fame.
Season one of No Reservations, which has a 100 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes, can be watched on SBS Food, on Saturday June 15, at 9.35pm.