Notes From the Road ... Jamaica
By Anthony Bourdain
Regular viewers will know that in my quest to appease the
television Gods, I have found myself in some difficult situations. In
Then, just a few days ago, I found myself and my crew
descending into one. Yes. You heard right. Now, my producers are a fairly
responsible bunch. When I read "cave exploring" on the list of
suggested scenes for the
Which is how me, Todd, Zach, new producer Paul and Diane found ourselves rapelling backwards into pitch blackness, down a vertical, crap-slicked shaft, deeper and deeper into the earth, the bat-guano inches deep, cockroaches the size of Cuban cigars skittering under and around us. Safety equipment? No. Not really. Unless you count a couple of ropes as safety equipment. Trained adventure-sport guides? Uh-uh. Two bat and invertabrate specialist who really really like guano--and are willing to lower themselves into an unmarked freakin' cave, two miles into the steaming jungle and crawl around on their hands and knees for miles and miles with only tiny lightbulbs on their heads for illumination . It was like a horror movie. It was worse than a horror movie. After lowering ourselves for what seemed like hours, squeezing and slipping and tripping and crawling, slowly picking our way across slippery "mud" and wet, smooth stone--inches from vertical drops which disappeared into...nothingness, we found ourselves on a rare horizontal level, the air around us getting curiously warmer. And warmer.
"Feel that?" says Dr. Guano, Phd. "That's the body heat of two million bats."
Now, I am a distinguished gentleman of some years. I should, at my age, if I had a brain in my head, be doing something respectable and less punishing in the way of recreational activities. Like golf. Or shooting at birds. So it did not fill me with satisfaction or confidence when, after a particularly dodgy section of backwards traverse into a puddle of black goo, I found the narrow light on my "safety" helmut fixed on Zach, our youngest and fittest cameraman. Usually a happy-go-lucky sort, always the first to volunteer to be strapped standing to the bow of a speedboat, fond of hanging out of helicopters and moving cars in order to "get the shot"., his face was drawn and filled with what can only be described as terror. He looked up at me, voice trembling and said, in a tremulous, high-pitched voice, "This is fuuucked up, Sarge!"
By the end of the day, after miraculously managing to climb out of the cave (up the mossy wet roots of a tree, no less) we all looked like we'd been dipped in ordure. Scraped, strained, scuffed-- bitten by untold numbers of carnivorous insects, reeking of the reduced, toxic sludge of two million bats, we silently began the two mile hump through steep, muddy jungle. We were not a happy bunch that day as we headed back to the hotel. I suggested jumping straight into the swimming pool, turning the water instantly brown in front the horrified guests--but was over ruled. Todd had had some kind of incident requiring a doctor. Diane looked like she'd been strafed with buckshot. Paul appeared to have lost a wrestling match with Willie Wonka. I ended up throwing out every scrap of boots and clothing.
It sucked. Big time. The hardest, most physically demanding, insanely foolhardy and irresponsible venture ever on NO RESERVATIONS. I hated every second of it.
It's gonna make great television.
you spelunker you...
Hi,
My name is Richard I live in Montreal and I love the show! I work for a French spacialized Television Station called "Evasion" (pronounced in French). Anyways, I watched the episode from Cleveland last night and I was thrown of my chair by the cassoulet recipe. Were can I get this recipe please! Is it published anywhere? That was my favorite one I have seen in the last 3 season's, WOW!!!
Cheers
Richard
Hi Richard,
Glad you enjoyed the episode. Here is the recipe - http://travel.discovery.com/tv/bourdain/recipes/bourdain-ruhlman-cleveland.html
It can be found within the Travel Guide section under Cleveland. But it seems that recipe is hard to find. We'll work on that.
Thanks!
RaniRo, Web Site Producer
After reading about your cave exploration experience, I’m staying away from the caves in Jamaica. However, I can’t wait to see this episode on television – it sounds highly entertaining. I’m vacationing in Jamaica next week. What dish must I try while there?
Best Regards,
Candi
I'm watching the 'everglades' episode. Very cool.
Can you get me the info on that hotel where you/he did the frog catching on the airboat?
Thanks,
Jason
I love the show very much. I look forward to every episode. I enjoy the fact that you get drunk or at least drink on every episode.
The cassoulet recipe is in the Les Halles Cookbook.
As for Tony being shot through a poop-filled chute (or shoot, in this case) - after a few seasons on the Food Network, you should be used to it, by now (!)
Hey Tony: If you are still looking to learn how to surf, you should join us in Nicaragua at http://nicaraguasurfbeach.com/ for a week starting 2/23/08. Two of us are over 50 and just barely above beginners. There would be no tourists to bother us and I hear the waves are just right for learning.
Tiburon
TB:
Thought you might be interested in this event I went to in DC that featured Keller, Boulud, Danko, etc. It's just a blog entry, but you might enjoy it. Or not.
Merry Grimble and a Gear New Year,
Scott
Wow! Now that's taking one for the team. Which cave movie did this experience resemble the most, "Descent", "The Cave", "Pitchblack". Does this mean cave diving in Belize is off the table? You're an adventurous soul. Thanks for taking us places we'd never sign up for. I can't wait to see this episode.
All jokes aside, you guys MUST demand safety & medical experts to tag along on these excursions. Anything could have happened. Stay safe!
A short time ago I was a producer/editor at a local TV station. The job was quite boring actually--sitting in my cubicle combing the wires, looking for good stories. I don't know. I think I'd rather crawl around bat caves making television instead of staring into a screen wondering what the Associated Press is going to feed me. But then again, I guess one would simply have to be there. I love NO RESERVATIONS. You guys seem to have a pretty good time. Sure beats sitting in an office. Anyways, I can't wait to see this episode. Cheers.
Eww.
Jeez, reminds me of the last time I cleaned my teenaged son's bedroom...
SERIOUS JAMAICAN BREAKFAST!
The best food in Jamaica is where the ACKEE and saltfish is available. Ask around for the country's national dish. Make sure you ask ahead of time for a morning dish of Ackee where you are staying. Have it served with callaloo,fried plantain, steamed pumpkin and boiled yam with rice and peas.
Jamaica Jamie
I will definetly look forward to seeing Tony go into the caves in Jamaica. I started watching the show after seeing a commercial with the great
shot of Tony walking across the screen. I am watching India right now. Great job of babysitting. Keep up the good work.
I saw Anthony Bourdain in Oakland, CA eating at a local taco truck, and was wondering if that trip will ever be aired? If so, is it possible to know the date/time of when the show will be on tv? Thanks! Love the show.
What was the name pf the Hotel you stayed at in Garut, Java where they would deliver the pancake breakfast on the wooden boats?
I would of rather spend my time on the beach than in a bat cave.
Tony, I hope you spend some good quality time on the beach too.
Hey
I'm from India and I have been watching your show for a year now. You're simply awesome and so is the show. I loved the Bali episode. I was wondering where you had that pig on a spit. I don't remember the name of the place. I'm planning a trip there sometime and would want to go visit.
When's the next trip to India? I recommend Goa. It seems like Tony's kind of place :)
Hey
I'm from India and I've been watching your show for a year now. I absolutely love it.
You've got to come visit Goa. It seems like your kind of place. Go to the non-touristy places like Anjuna Village, Chapora Gully and South Goa ...
I loved the Bali show. What's that place called where you had the huge pig on a spit that they doused with coconut water? I'm planning a trip there and would love to go visit.
Mmmmmmm, bat-guano. I take it that was not on the menu at Les Halles, hmmm?
Well I wish I could have been there to laugh. It is incredibly unfortunate that we dont get to see some of what is really going on. Im sure it would be wonderful. Im sorry it was such a crappy experience...
Thanks for the show. Im watching it now.("everyone is DRUNK man...I've never seen so many DRUNK people in my LIFE") I love hearing and reading what you have to say. I can always depend on watching you at ten and it never looses my attention. I even sit through the commercials!!!
Mr. Bourdain,
First, I loved, Kitchen Confidential. When I need a laugh I think about that twisted Chef whom you bested with a well-placed implement between - well you know where.
My wife and I also love the TV show on the Travel Channel. Please keep doing what you are doing.
I have wondered however, do you have issues with Andrew Zimmern? Perhaps there is more to the bizarre foods guy than this viewer knows - but he SEEMS like a decent sort.
I have seen a couple of shows where you fellas co-appear and frankly, you seem a little mean to the guy. Please enlighten me.
Oh-by-the-way, although I hear you are an Atheist, I'd like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.
Best,
John J. Maddente
Delafield, Wisconsin
Hi Anthony,
This is Sasi from India. I love all your episodes. I have become your fan and cannot wait for a new episode.
Love your show Tony, and have read and reread Nasty Bits many times....heard you are coming to speak at HVCC in Troy NY...hopefully I'll be able to get tix and attend....can't wait for the new season to start on the TC....
Not sure if Anthony reads the responses but just in case you are one funny mo fo. Being a Jersey girl and a foodie myself, I appreciate your sense of humor and love your gastronomic adventures. I am looking forward to the next season of your show. Thank you and your entire team for sharing such genius ordeals.
Love you, and all the books and shows. I must know.. what happened to Fabio the Carioca???
Congrats on your wedding and baby
I'd have voted for the pool--in a heartbeat--not only for the instant clean factor, but definitely to see a few guests squirm ... or worse.
I love the show!!
I from Argentina, I love you !!
Tony I love your show. You really help alot of people. You let people know that anything is possible. Cannot wait for the new season. I have watched reruns over and over again. I read somewhere that you were married to an Italian woman and have a child. If so, so you bring them along on your trips? If not, is your traveling hard on your relationships?
U rock, bony Tony
you're seriously my favorite person this week...especially since you're from leonia, new jersey - and proud of it. being from teaneck, i'm definately full of that jersey pride.
so, next month i am heading to cluj, romania. what's good to eat there?
ps - you're an awesome writer...keep making jersey proud.
I get teased by my friends for having a crush on you. They tell me I'm a "fangirl." :D
But, the shows, the books, you; amazing.
--------------------
anyone who loves culinary arts ought to add me to their myspace
http://www.myspace.com/the_chemical_romantic
I am from cleveland, and I am asking what your favorite meal of all time is? I now know what your worst meal was, the tube of crap. I know your in the food business, but your not to eat out of tubes of unknown contents. I love your show, and found the episode on mexico very interesting, since i have been to the very places that you visited in mexico. Keep up the good work!
But...did you find anything good to eat in there?
Mr. Bourdain, You are funny as hell. I grew up in New Jersey, I'm Italian and have moved around the country myself. I have enjoyed many different types of food.My brother had two restaurants in NYC at one time and my grandmother Romana, lived to cook. I loved that about her. Really, Italian is my favorite and not because I am Italian. You eat things that I have to cover my eyes, Its like a food horrow show. "Africa" was the BEST. I so enjoy it when you are with Andrew Z. and the two of you have a go at it. Currently, I live in Dallas (enough with the beef and redneck jokes already). My family and I are ready to move to "the Sunshine state". I have a 7 1/2 year old daughter, little Ro and she loves you too. I tell her please don't say that at school ,the principal will give me a call. Personally, I love your commentary. You are sharp, fiesty, crass, a little rough around the edges, make me laugh out loud "you are feel good food tv". Besides that enough said, you also are one hot looking man. One could say that you are the "Steven Tyler of Food". Congrats to your soooo kick ass show. You are addictive. Its good stuff. Sincerely yours, Romana E. Cavallaro
Hi Anthony,
Iam from India - Bangalore,love your show.What I like is you are a natural anchor, love your simplicity and ease with which you present each episode. I try watching all your episodes.Waiting to buy your books, it's sold out. Hope to grab a copy soon. Keep the good work going. Happy New Year.
Muchhhhhhhh Love,
Pragathi Surana
I love your show! It's great. I invite you to visit once again Puerto Rico. Thanks for visiting this beautiful island. Come over and check out the small echanted islands of Vieques and Culebra. The inland towns that savor rice with guinea, morcilla, macabeo, tropical fruit ice cream and much more. Anthony Bourdain you're wonderful!
Ilia
Hi Anthony,
I recently read an interview in the Philadelphia City Paper where you state that this city hasn't shown you anything that would make you want to do a show here. Well I got to tell you that there's lots of unique stuff here that would make for a great episode. I should know as in my line of work, I sell wine to many restaurants in Center City Philly. If I were to show you around here's what you'd experience:
An Amish breakfast at Reading Terminal Market (a large indoor market where many of the vendors are Amish)
A walk through the Italian Market (Iskro's Bakery, DiBruno Brothers, etc.)
Some classic pasta and "gravy" at Ralph's, the oldest restaurant in the US
Dinner at Le Virtu, an example of the new Italian eateries that have begun to revitalize South Philly. This restaurant features the food of Abruzzo (how about some nice Rabbit Ravioli?)
A visit to Chester County the Mushroom Capital of the US, with dinner at a "four bell" restaurant that serves only 12 people per night, featuring organic poultry, local dairy products, Belgian chocolate, King Arthur organic flours, daily fresh fish, carefully selected Hausbrandt Italian coffee, beautiful produce, and of perfect Kennett mushrooms. They make and smoke our own sausage and fish and make their own breads. It's the hardest reservation to get in the country (sold out until Summer of 2008)
Some great Dim Sum in Chinatown and some karaoke at Yakitori Boy just around the corner.
Of course there's more....
Love to show you around,
Greg Cohen
hi, I'm from India and an ardent fan of you. I absolutely love the way you conduct your shows. It's amazing how food connects you to memories, traditions...I plan to gift myself 'Kitchen Confidential' for the New Year :) On your next trip to India, i'd suggest you come to Gujarat - my state.
Wish you a very happy New Year and look forward to many more culinary explorations in your shows.Cheers!
This may sound corny but I'm such a huge fan of Anthony's and his TV show, which teaches the world all about unknown or underappreciated cultures. Is there any way to get an autograph from him? Thanks very much...
Maybe you should stay off those 4 wheeler's, or was that just a stunt... Did you ever eat food in a country that just turned your stomach and couldn't eat.. Rosa
Hi Antony,
I love your show, I invite to you to visit Durango, Mexico. In this northern state there are many cullinary tradition, and you can enjoy a very very good "house Food". Mi mother and grandmother are very traditional and good "house food", Durango is the "scorpions City" there are many of this beautifull insects in this town.
I wish you a happy new year, and I am the number one fan in mexico.
Juan G. Valdez
Hi Anthony,
Happy New Year. Have a rocking year ahead. Still trying hard to grab copy of 'Kitchen Confidential, not yet available.
Much Love,
Pragathi Surana
Rajasthan & Bangalore
k not to go all kathy bates on you but a huge fan. really loved the book and the show on NY. as a native NYer i couldnt agree more on the state of our city. ah well a city that could lose cbgbs just isnt the same.
keep going tony..
loved the stuff of ptown in the book. been going there for yrs and loved reading about the old places.
and hey if you want to surf give this aging deadhead surfer girl a call. hit the rockaways...
Love the show.
I am trying to take my show from public access and launch it into the real world.
Please help.
Any suggestions?
Congrats on the little girl.
Much love,
guerillacooking.com
Your pain, our entertainment. That's awesome TV, alright. And, good luck finding that on the Food Network.
Hope you've had the necessary vaccinations. I will keep watching! It would take a lot of alcohol for me to eat a crap filled tube!
Totally awesome show!
Great humor, wonderful information about our world's cultures, and food.
Looking so forward to the new season!
Thank you, all, for some most enjoyable hours spent in front of the box.
In the meantime wishing everyone a very healthy, productive & Happy New Year!
Tony, I think your show is a great and I just got done watching your trip to Mumbai & Kolkata. I've been to Mumbai many times and have wanted to eat some of the delicious-smelling street food MANY times, but I don't dare. How do you deal with the risks of food poisoning and/or bacterial infections and what do you do when you do get sick? This is something that I've thought abt a lot in watching your shows and I'm often worried abt your gastro-health cuz I KNOW getting "Delhi-belly" or some version thereof is HORRIBLE! What do you do??
My dear Tony--thank you so much for signing your book for my daughter in Minneapolis. It was a Christmas gift for me and because she came to see you rather than go to class, yes, she indeed loves me! And you were right to give her a hard time about skipping class before finals! However, she knows what a big fan I am of yours. Looking forward to the beginning of the next series! Buona fortuna!
Tony,
Me and my wife just love your show...always entertaining. My personal favorite was Sao Paulo. My wife is from Brasilia (I have been there three times) including trips to Chapada dos Veadeiros & Pirenopolis. I love the cuisine there! Feijoada, cupuacu, pastel (fried pastry with many variations including meat and vegetable but my favorite is banana & cheese with a sprinkle of cinnimon/sugar), sugar cane juice, any desert with passion fruit as a main ingrediant, churrascaria (Brazilian BBQ - Potencia do Sul in Brasilia is an excellant restaurant) & the list goes on.
We are looking forward to the new season!
Hello Anthony, I was just watching your program in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was great watching you eating Feijoada and drinking cachaca. As a Brazilian native and borned in Sao Paulo, you made me feel closer to home. Thank you so much and keep up the great work!
Hey, Bourdain:
If you ever read this im gunna become a chef.
Im a thirteen-year-old boy with a urning to cook and eat everything out there. I live in a small town in missoula. But mostly the reason im talkin here is to warn you. Im going to beat your ratings down in seven years. Thats right im gunna be your greatest competition. Talk to me on my e-mail if you ever get a chance or your gunna regret it
Hey,
Are those cool cook free or die t-shirts ever going to be for sale anywhere?
Colleen
Tony!
It does make for great television!. i love your show. its raw, its real, its you! hows that for reality! i love it.
if anything i would love to see you in Siberia somewhere, like Novosibirsk, Russia.
would be another great stop!, oh and dont forget the south pacific!
just wantd to tell ya to continue doing what you do! its fun, its smart, and it kicks some ass with some new york attitude!
nothing is better!
seeya
all the best
-mike
Can I go next time?
caves... try babes
mud... try luv
think?.. try a drink
bugs... better drugs
Hope u stay on the right side of message...and "left the others behind"
Tony don't take this the wrong way man. I really dig your show(No Reservations), but I can't believe what I am seeing right now.
Wow, Food Network. What the !@#$? How in the hell did they talk you into that?
Tony! im only 16 years old but i gotta say you are a true inspiration! Kitchen Confidential really made me postitve that i want to be a chef and it really helped me deal with how hard my first job at a restaurant really is. im tryin not to be a nerd and all but MAN i love your show it has truely made me explore food much much more and ive been dieing to travel the world. keep up the great work and i hope one day we cross paths in my kitchen or yours.
-Alex
Tony, Dig the show and your eagerness to expand the taste buds of your audience. Having just returned from 4 months on the road with kids and wife I'm glad to report that there a few Americans who do try to enjoy the local cuisine. While 3 weeks in India included 3 days of the s*&$@s in Sikkim it was worth every minute eating whatever we were served (I had to pass on the Yak riding but the kids managed it fine). We also enjoyed a cheap meal in Hue (Vietnam) dining on what we believe was a deep fried styrofoam plate - sort of a Egg Foo - fine execution with a questionable ingredient. We smiled as we spit it out and devoured the glue-like mashed potatoes. Always good to have a really awful meal to appreciate the mediocre ones! I did not catch the show on Vietnam but glad to report that Saigon is really a jewel with great international cusine depite the rats we saw in the white-tablecloth dining room. The kids now will eat anything anyway - you've accomplished your mission. Best of all, as you know from your travels, the world is a big place and there are at least another 400 episodes waiting (I'll scout them out if you are interested).
The tube of crap was a beauty - of course anyone who has camped has already had the dirt and ash eggs (chicken not Ostrich).
I do think the tube of crap would be a fine secret ingredient for the Iron Chefs - like to see 6 dishes from that!
Keep up the fine work and stay out of the kitchen. GK
Tony:
Love the show man! I learned to cook beginning at age 8 from my mom and our housekeeper an african-america-seminole lady in her 90s. First real job was busboy worked up to breakfast cook before joining the army and going to college. Learned that if I was going to work 100 hours a week as the good chefs did I wanted better pay so got a law degree - mistake.
Retired now so always catch you and Zimmern - hope you two do an annual show together - keep up the jibes at each other! Love it. Meet in new places find new ways to drive each other nuts.
Later on man.
Tony: I finally caught your show on Sweden. When are you going to Finland? There is great food in Finland, especially if you travel up into Savolinna (the gypsies sell piirakka just outside the castle). I'm sure a world traveler like yourself has been to a real sauna - but have you had the beer and sauna-sausage afterwards? Make us Finnish-Americans happy - (those of us who love your show at least) - I guarantee no %$#@ filled tubes -- but beautiful women, scenery right out of Dr. Zhivago, and sisu everywhere, which you have, by the way. Rent a tupa this summer - go to sauna and then jump in a lake....
Hello,
I have only just recently watched the Beirut episode, and I wanted to congratulate you and your crew. It was one of the few depoliticized, human presentations of what transpired between Israel and Lebanon that I have seen. I am a doctoral candidate at the University of Pennsylvania, and often despair at how to teach my students (of a variety of political backgrounds) how to attempt to understand all sides of a conflict, despite differing ideological positions. I'm glad to see that there is still some of that somewhere in the media sphere.
Kindest regards,
LDR
Tony,
We're getting married simply in Kauai in April. No shoes, no resorts. One big feast for twelve...our way. Watched your show, read the books, loved them and your style of loving life and food. Open invitation for you and the crew to hike and feast with us!
Chris & Stephanie
Caves in Jamaica?? Trust your producers, but always verify.
Tony, will you marry me? :-)
Tony,
I WAS a new fan of yours a little more than 1 year ago! My first introduction was your show when you were in Quebec. It was unbelievable to me, but awesome. Your raw words made perfect sense to me! I have been shouting your name from the rooftops ever since!! I have also been reading your books as well. Of course I found them just as entertaining and riveting as your travel show. HERE IS MY ISSUE....... What in the WORLD have the "Big Wigs" of television done to you!!! Where are your balls man?? I appreciate that your fingernails are perfectly polished and you look good in your new priest outfit but for the good of all of your true fans...... CAN YOU PLEASE RETURN BACK TO YOUR COOL, B*&@#!N SELF?????
I don't think I can take it if you don't!! Your recent shows have become full of FLUFF! PINK FLUFF! Bring back your grit and I will once again place you on the pedestal where you once were! I MISS YOU TONY!
Mr Bourdain your show is the best and I try never to miss a show. I see that you are now going to be on Food Net Work. I look forward to see where you go and what you eat. Your so real with attitude and love for food. I wish I can spend a day with you!
Is there any where I can purchase a t-shirt with your "cook free or die" logo on it?
Love your show!
Contact Beth (a.k.a Grillbitch) for a T-shirt.
This is from the message boards:
http://community.discovery.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6811975208/m/5811966868?r=6521975968#6521975968
Hi, Grillbitch here!!
Glad to see positive feedback on the T-Shirt.
email-grillbitch@msn.com for more info.
Dear producers and tony,
I keep waiting for you guys to take on sri lanka {i'm sorry, i am deeply biased, as i am half sri lankan} anyway, it's a beautiful tropical island {i think tony might like that} with amazing food history, and i would just like to point out that sri lanka has been colonized by the portuguese, dutch and the british, which makes for an interesting mix of food and culture... well i'm sure you guys get these types of demands all the time..
thanks
lisa
Bonjour Anthony,
I am Marilyne Lambert from a little village in "Provence"southern France.I have been living in orlando,FL for twenty two years(too long!) For very longtime i always wanted to share ideas with you that i have about doing an exclusive TV show in Provence where no other TV show has been or more exactly introduced and guided by the real local personages! You know style "Pagnol"(the french comic from the 50th...)All the best atmosphere and the greatest food and wine...of course!
I admire every inch of what you are and what you do but I always think that it is impossible to communicate with a famous person...So I never tried.. Hopefully you will be responding to me and may be meeting you? who knows,dreams may become reality in 2008.
Bonne Anneee!
Happy New Year!
Marilyne
Yeah, I guess that's cool.
Tony:
I wanted to know which meal was worst. The Pickled Rotted Shark you had in Iceland. Or the dung filled warthog anus you had in Nambia? Please fill free to go into detail.
I have watched most all of your adventures and also your tatoo at Miami Ink.
I enjoyed Korea, and Ireland the most, but I would have to admit Iceland made me laugh.
Keep up the great show Anthony.
Haven't seen you in Germany yet.
Check out little town called Idar-Oberstein in the fall Speisbraten Fest. Great food !
Tony,
Its such a blast to watch any of your shows, and although your reappearance on the Food Network is met with a degree of suspicion, I am looking forward to watching episodes I haven't seen for while; they will be a much needed break from the monotony of listless smiles and witless banter that the usual line up delivers in the cookie cutter fashion that is ultimately costing the Food Network its viewers.
I am a great fan of your humor, and am currently reading Kitchen Confidential (and may I add I am enjoying it thoroughly). Although I go back to school on Monday, I will be up late to watch the all new episodes of No Reservations.
Sincerely,
Jessie Hookland
Hello, I suppose like everyone else on the blog comments I should praise the show for its regal entertainment. All around wonderful humor, with supporting words of keep up the great work. Well truth be spoken I have just recently discovered your show "No Resevations", and honestly I was hooked, the sarcastic comments displayed by anthony, have me smiling at the desserted depths of my soul, wondering why I hadnt found this show before. Of course just finding out about your show I had to find out about you, and I will be buying one of those books you have written shortly. I suppose this comment is meant as a true geniune fans comment, I adore the show, the humor,the places you visit and of course the food, I hope you have sucess in the future filming of "No Reservations" And that you dont have anymore bat encounters.
Thanks for reading!
-Courtney
Hey Anfernee,
I watched one or two of your shows back in the old days when you were mildly entertaining. Now, you're just an annoying jackass spewing the same drivel as all those other humps on reality TV.
I have a concept for you...why don't you team up with that redneck Duane "the dog" Chapman. He can teach you all about prison food and being someone's b*&%!. You can teach him how to be an obnoxious, northshore arrogant snob.
Note to self: don't study cave animals for thesis. I was considering it, but it does not sound like fun! ;)
BBC had a great story of two entomologists who did cave research (India...?)and got lost and literally stuck deep inside a cave. At the beginning of a six-day holiday when no one was going to be spelunking. They had left their backpacks with a local shopkeeper and while in the cave the researchers talked about how the shopkeeper would probably sell their goods after their disappearance. Well, guess who wound up rescuing them....good thing he was familiar with the cave!
I am happy to report that the DVR/ TIVO/ whatever you want to call it...
has been programmed!
I can't wait to see the Jamaica episode-my husband is from Jamaica. We are both waiting to see what foods Tony will eat that are bizarre or strange to him and common in our household. We enjoy watching the show and look forward to the new season.
Ha Ha Ha! "Hand rails and a gift shop." Ah, you crack me up. Yes, this will be TV fit to compete with Hugh Hefner and The Girls Next Door. Power on, Boudain!
Well you need some education on how important caves are in the envionment.
Bet the bats who are great wonderful friends of mine did not like a non friendly human droping in.
I have spent many weekends caving and even a Thanksgiving or two underground.
Grow up!
Hey,
I love Anthony's show and he's beginning to grow on me. Does he actually read these comments and if so will he answer mine? I'd like to know if he's married...I find him quite attractive and interesting. Veronica@
Re: I love Anthony's show and he's beginning to grow on me. Does he actually read these comments and if so will he answer mine? I'd like to know if he's married...I find him quite attractive and interesting. Veronica@
Yes. He's married and has a baby girl.
I had liked Anthony Bourdain since day one in NO RESERVATIONS. His unique way of expressing what he sees and encounters on the road in a matter-of fact blunt New Yorker kind of way just fascinates me! I am a New Yorker as well and have a passion and thirst for traveling and seeing the world that I hope one day a can fully satisfy and quench! I always wonder how many shots of antibiotics, immune system boosters and such Anthony has to have and/or take in order to survive the comsumption of everything he has to try and eat while visiting other countries. Well, for all the risk he has to constantly take...kudos to him to come out smelling like roses from each and every episode's end. I was very moved by his 'unfinished' episode of Beirut, Lebanon. being a Lebanese I am myself, it saddened me to see how emtional he got in the end, and his immediate admiration for the Lebanese and their cheery hospitality. Anthony, please keep doing the good work you are, you had brought traveling and seeing the world to different and new dimensions. A pad in the back to your wife and a hug to your baby girl for the patience of being so understanding to you in regards to a job that demands so much devotion and time!!
You and Samantha Brown are my favorites in the Travel Channel! You are both such naturals!!!
Best regards to ya!!!
Your fan,
Roe Taktouk
I'm just going to get this right off my meaty chest and, though it has precious little to do with Jamaica, some things just need to be said:
Momma Mia this, b@*%#!!!!
LOVE IT!!!
I used to live in Jamaica; the best food there is in the small shacks. The Boston Bay jerk may be the most famous (and hottest) on the island; but it's far from the best available.
Sounds like you experienced a real Jamaican cave. I had this article forwarded to me by a friend I made while serving in the Peace Corps in Jamaica. I volunteered for the Jamaican Caves Organization while there. I feel your pain as I have lowered myself into dozens of bat, cockroach, and guano filled caves. There are some very beautiful ones, to bad this wasn't one of them. There is one in Saint Mary that you swim to the entrance of and then dive under water, swim about 3 meter and pop up inside in an underground lake with a waterfall running into it. It takes a bit of courage to make the dive, but it is worth it. When will this episode air, I would love to see your adventures in old JA!
married you say? I have always been under the impression a woman will never ever pack your kimchi unless you.. uh... its a family show but you get it, too much ju in his dong dong perhaps?
BTW, love the show, long live No Reservations!
I've read Kitchen Confidentail and felt like I was reading a male version of my life as a line cook.
Bothered my family with talk of the book for weeks! And of course had to try my hand at French cuisine.
When I talk of the places I've been, it revolves around the foods and drinks and that's what I love about the show.
I'm also happy he's finally a daddy too! Congratulations, Tony and Nancy!
I have been going to Jamaica for 12 years now and the cave I go to is at Xtabi Resort where I stay (great food too) in Negril and I think Tony would like it much better, it used to be a bar in the '70's!Was a film spot for 007 Bond movie as well.
I was an avid spelunker when I was younger but prefer caves of this nature now.
Squeeze that baby girl tight, family man!
peace out,
B
Love your show...think your terribly charming
Never miss it.By the way don't worry about the animal comments made to you recently some of us are into that.Much love and success your biggest fan!!!
La Cubana from
NYC
I love you. I have to have a Tony fix everyday. I waited with great anticipation for the new season. My friends think I've lost my mind. You are the only thing worth watching on TV.
Love , love
Ger
Oh, no!!! I hope Todd is ok.. Please tell me he's ok!! OH no nono nonno.. Todd please be ok...
THE JAMAICA SHOW IS EARGERLY ANTICIPATED,YOUR CAVE EXPERIENCE SOUNDS LIKE YOUR BEST SHOW YET.I WAS TOLD THE GREEN GROTTO CAVE OFFERS SUPERB CAVING WITHOUT THE SQUALARING;THERE ARE QUITE A FEW OTHER CAVES SCATTERED ACROSS THE ISLAND WITH REWARDING ANCIENT ARAWAK PAINTINGS FOR THE EFFORT.I'M A MOUNTAIN PERSON,CRAVE THE "HIGH LIFE"-THE BLUE MOUNTAINS @ OVER SEVEN THOUSAND FT.IS THE HIGHEST POINT IN THE CARIBBEAN,ENJOYED BEST WITH A RED STRIPE OR A CUP OF THE FINEST COFFEE IN THE WORLD.YOUR SHOW IN MALAYSIA SOW YOU ENJOYED THE WATERFALL. THIER SHOULD BE NO SHORTAGE THIER IN -JAMACA.I HOPE YOU MADE GOOD ON EXPERIENCING THE CULTURE OF REAGGAE, A JAM-SESSION OR TWO IS AN ORDER OR AT LEAST "BUS -A MOVE"-DANCE THAT IS-ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS-YEAH..MUTABARUKA IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE ARTISTS-SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMPLEX CHARACTER.-LOTS OF BUZZ GENERATING MON.-I THOUGHT DREADLOCKS WOULD BE A RADICAL LOOK FOR THE NEW YEAR.RAS-TAFARI,HANDS DOWN ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING PLACES IN THE WOLRD. JAMAICA= JAH-MEK-YAH, MEANING GOD MADE THIS LAND IN THE NATIVE TONGUE "PATOIS". IN TAINO-XAMAYCA-LAND OF WOOD AND WATER, "TRUE!.. TRUE!"-EARGARLY ANTICIPATED.
Tony, why not make an episode of NR where the focus is on the "behind the scenes?" Shoot your happy crew and yourself in those wonderful moments you describe in your books and blogs. One of those shows where everything just goes wrong....
Haven't you seen The Descent?
I probably wouldn't be down for jumping in some random cave, but I can't wait to see you do it! haha!
Love your shows Tony. I am Jamaican living in the US. I have never been nor will I ever go into any cave in Jamaica or elsewhere. Leave that extreme stuff to National Geographic and stick to the food, culture and basic site seeing.
Looking forward to the show
As a native Kingstonian living in New England, I am eagerly awaiting your Jamaica Episode. I am sure you were amazed at the diversity you found in our foods. From curried goat and split peas roti to ackee and saltfish, run down, jerk chicken and so forth. I hope you went to Hellshire beach. I cant wait. Also, thank you very much for exposing me to other cultures and what they eat. One Love.
First,I want to thank you for the wonderful show you did in PERU your comments and observations were very good.
I work in the hospitality industry for 30 years and know many people in the bussines and everybody love your show we always talking about it.
Ihave a couple sugestions if you back to Peru Catacaor Piura great place for Parrilladas,Arequipa 'Las Picanterias" great food and Beautiful place and El Callejon de Huaylas great Pachamancas ( party food)and another beautiful place.
My girlfrien is from JAPAN and she love your show in OSAKA (She is from KOBE)
Thank you again for keeping us entretain with the world and your woderful coments that make us feel like we are there...
Your Peruvian Bay area Fan
ERNESTO
Hello,
I have recently become a big fan of the show since it combines my two favorite things--eating and traveling--but I must say that I am a bit disappointed in the Namibia episode.
Both of my parents are Nigerian and I have tried food from various other countries so I know that African cuisine can be better represented than through gross sand omelates or rectum. Furthermore, I kinda thought that it was a waste of the Namibia experience since its sorta like someone coming to the United States and ending their trip following homeless people around while they dig through the trash.
Also, as a food show I thought it was offensive to show bare breasts of the bushwomen. I always thought that the various countries would be given consistent treatment, but it is hard to imagine that if he were in Asia or Europe that they would not have blurred or edited out the partial nudity.
Nothing can be done for the past show but would it be possible the next time he visits African country to go a restaraunt or to a house and see food prepared with some degree of sanitation?
Finally, I was also curious as to how he manages to stay trim during all the traveling. Does he actually eat the full portions that are served to him? Is there some sort of running path made?
Thank you for time and consideration.
--Chinwe.
NOTHING AGAINST A GOOD TRIP TO THE CARRIBBEAN... but Namibia (today's show) was scarry. After donating money to FEED THE CHILDREN ... as a kid, and taking my risk with WORLD VISION, I'm personally disappointed to see that dining AND living abroad still has such low expectations to present "scout". call him or his secretary... http://www.blackfeetnation.com/
Oh no, I just read about Todd requiring a doctor? Is he ok?
Seriously, you should send that one on to Mike Rowe. WTF.
You're crazy Anthony, but that's why we love you.
Sometimes you gotta take one for the team...In this case the team being your viewers. lol!
I hope Todd is ok?
Mr. Bourdain!
U are number one!! Really!!
Im from Poland and hier people loves Your show and yourself, of course. Me too.
So, good luck and many good shows. Thanks for all, for You!!
Bourdain what you do is raw, visceral real and completely enthrawling. I loved Korea it was touching and powerful. Oh how I long to go to China. U lucky bastard!
Anthony,
I really enjoy most of your shows. I particularly enjoyed the one about NYC. What is the full name and address of "Hagi" the Japanese restaurant in the lower level of the office building. Thank you.
Richard
LOVE your show!!!! I will watch your show no matter where you go, or what you do. You ARE the entertainment!!! Okay, exotic locations are a bonus, but I will watch No Reservations Disney World as I know you can make any destination fascinating.
Tony, will Deep Dish Pizza kill my dog?
yaaaaaaaaaaaaggggggggg!!!!
good to hear you did get out from that cave....
And yes , go to Goa , better i will tell my daughter (journalist )and her cameraman (my son )to send you their impression on the spot...they are traveling through India now , enjoying everything they see and taste...at least that is what they tell mom, mmm, maybe it was too many years of watching your show, that gave them the idea of crossing the world (literaly, since we live in southamerica)to see it all...any tips on India for them?
P
Hey Anthony,
I know you were in Jamaica over a month ago now, but just thought I'd let you know that when I lived in Jamaica in the Peace Corps from 2003-2005 a whole lot of people got weird skin rashes and fungi from caving. Sorry it sucked! Now go take a scalding hot shower! Again! :)
All right. I just read the above commentary aloud to The Boy, because it's Sunday and too bloody cold to go for a walk. He laughed, then vowed that he will never step into something that even looks like a large hole in the ground if he sees it first, then asked the fateful question:
"What does any of that have to do with food?"
He has a point, and agreed that it will be great television...I just hope that no one was foolish enough to actually put anything into their mouth down there.
After repelling into deep, dark bat guano and finding yourself at the mercy of those crazed folks who live to enter dark holes in the earth with moist stinky smells wafting upwards, and do it while dangling perilously on a rope while you pray the #*!@g thing will not break and plunge you to your death and the guides can get your a#! out of there alive--we can only hope you ate the best *?!#@ meal you ever had. Physical challenges into the great unknown should always be celebrated with great food, and plenty of fine spirits to make some sense of the insanity. You can fondly recount and romanticize it when you are at a more distant point in time. In the meantime, party on.
Perhaps you should have had Mike Rowe as your Guide (it's along his type of schtick and with both of your senses of humor - would have been 2X hilarious! or more!) Hats off to you and Crew for going that extra mile to make GREAT TV! It is APPRECIATED by viewers to see at what lengths are undertaken to ensure good programming - this episode will certainly lure in the viewers! Thanks for the background drama!
Hey Anthony,
I recently started watching your shows!! Watched all the reruns and I said to myself "Now why did I not watch this show before??!!"
Anyways, I think you MUST travel to SOUTH AFRICA!!!! I was an exchange student in Durban for a year, and I tell you that SOUTH AFRICA is one of the most breathtaking places in the world!! Too bad people have such a negative perception of Africa in general! (and don't worry you don't have to eat crap filled tubes there)
Also I recommend you go to India again. I think GOA, KERALA, MUMBAI (BOMBAY), are places you MUST visit!!!
and in GOA try the CASHEW OR PALM FENNY (STRONG ALCOHOLIC CONTENT), and the PORK VINDALOO, I bet you will LOVE IT!!
Lotsa Love
Keep up the good work!!
Reshma
Cuban Cigars?
Have you stayed at my casa on San Jose in Centro Habana without a reservation?
Funny. I watched the "Planet Earth: Caves" episode on Discovery Channel - don't remember seeing you in it. :0) Good stuff, can't wait to see it - glad there's no "Smell-o-vision" though.
hi, i enjoy watching the show. i love the comical appraoch to the situations that you're in. sorry about jamaica maybe you mite just have to come to The Nature Isle: Dominica, NOT:dominican republic. don't worry we wont bring you down a cave!
please keep on the safe side.
Not nessasarily wanting to post blog, was wanting to know if you have eaten cornbread stuffed pork chops, or porksteaks, I make these for my husband, and he just loves it. I slice the chops, or steaks) in half, and spread the prepared stuffing on them, roll it up and secure with a toothpick, bake for 25 minutes at 375* (cover with foil during 1st 15 minutes)p.s. Love the show, you are definitely the ultimate in humanitarian, and humble. From viewing your adventures,I have traveled around the world.
Jamaican food is killer. I am curious if you had a chance to try Catfish Rondon or Curry Goat. Great food and beautiful people. Bless Up Jamaica!
* Your show is very inspiring. Thanks.
ok, not to dis the other commentarians..but-why is everyone asking for recipes or offer ham fisted critques...we wanna hear about the muck encrusted injuries! Were any bats injured during filming? WHO GIVES A &%@!/guano. Give us the ...poop. :)
Hi Anthony,
Just watched your Greek episode, and heard you compare one dinner (with dancing men) to Burning Man. Ha!!! You MUST have been there or you wouldn't have said that! If you go again, I would be truly honored to host you at my theme camp. We have great dinners every night, not made by a paid person, but we do it all ourselves, and our dinners are a hugely important part of our communal family experience on the playa.
Please do come by and you will be treated like a king, not because you are a celebrity, but because we treat any guest in that fashion. Great food on the playa? Yep, that's us! Hope to see you in 2008.
cheers,
anile
ur program is reallly good...keep the good work going...its a perfect program
I have a question...How could you go to New Orleans and not interview one black person? If it weren't for black people, Emeril would not have any recipes. I've noticed that you continually avoid dealing with black people on your show. I used to be a big fan, but now will no longer support you on television or in print.
just finished watching new orleans, was very touched by their effort, i am a m%#@age therapist living in florida and would love to be a part of that enthusiasm, is there website somewhere i can contact? i am anxious to see jamaica, as i lived there 2 years in the 90's, went through a couple of caves and saw all the bats. glad to see sunlight again. keep up the great work, love watching your show. thanks again for giving me something interesting and educational and funny to watch on tv.
i call him tony,
lately he has us all glued to our television sets ,with him taking us on journeys we never thought we would ever experience in our lifetimes , he exploits , taste , p%#@ion, people their p%#@ions for good taste and very beautiful people.
good show tony ,
tony you got to go back to the motherland , you know what i mean ?
the land of gold , beautiful people , natural beauty all around you ,
and you thought , you might wanna live the rest of your life in this paradise
tony i am talking about ghana, you got to go back , the first show was just the tip of the iceberg there is just too much to see on this beautiful land , please tony you got to go
Andrea T, the PCV, mentioned "rashes and fungi": You were at St Clair. What you had was a cat parasite, from sitting on feces in the outer part of the cave or entrance area, "Cutaneous larava migrans". You might remember seeing black cats in the first section. Rather than being a widespread problem, St Clair is the only cave in Ja we know of that has cats as an invasive species. Being the responsible experts that we are, we told Tony and his team about it, and made sure they stayed on their feet where necessary. Your PCV group, apparently, spent too much time sitting down.
Dr Guano, Phd ;-)
Jamaican Caves Organisation
LOVE your witty, enetertaining show!
We have so MANY enticing places to visit here in Florida...for example, Sarasota is a cultural mecca...albeit a micro-mecca, with very fine dining, clown schools, the Ringling (of circus fame) Mansion, training grounds of the Royal Lippizan horses, ancient Indian burial mounds.
If you and your crew are ever in the area, please let us know!
dang, and to think we could've sent you straight to one of the most beautiful and SAFE caves where you could hang out with a rum punch in hand, at the Blue Cave Castle in Negril...
Hello Anthony,
I loved your Ireland episode a lot: watching it as an English Woman living here it kinda gave me a different perspective from another visitor's point of view.
Are you planning a return trip at and, and when and where if so?
Cool t-shirt by the way. Do you reckon the grillbitch will ever ship out of the USA?
Keep up the enjoyment, its brilliant!
Rachel in Kildare
Tony,
You have to be nuts to go into a rat-bat cave. I can't believe you agreed to do that. You always say "Do as the locals do", that is not what the locals do, that is reserved for "Crazy Adventure Tourist".
The one thing you should have done before agreeing to participate in any activity, ask a Jamaican that resides in the States, “ Would you do that when you visit home?” If they say no or start laughing, that means you are participating in something that is reserved for the "crazy" tourist. The last thing I would do as a native Jamaican in go exploring in a rat-bat cave. I would rather spend the day in Milk River Bath Spa and soak in the mildly radioactive natural spring.
Note:
Always check your itinerary with a native from the region that currently lives in the U.S. I do that with any country I am not familiar with when I travel. The natives have never steered me in the wrong direction. You will end up in some of the best places off the beaten path and away from the tourist traps.
But then again, to watch you agonize in bat poo does make for good television.
With much Love,
Camille