Notes From the Road: Laos: Mount Phupadeng, near the Plain of Jars
The fire went out early again last night. Not even embers going when I woke up at 3AM. It’s cold and drafty at night, up here on Phupadeng, and stuck without kindling, I ended up burning my briefing material, page by page--in ascending order of importance--as my situation became more desperate and the wood finally caught fire. I now have no idea what I’m doing tomorrow. But after dragging my bed around directly in front of the narrow column of heat coming from the fireplace, and burying myself under three quilts, I was toasty warm and slept like the dead.
After a breakfast of chicken, grilled between splints of bamboo, and an egg omelette, a soup of wild mushrooms and greens--and of course, sticky rice and fiery chili paste, we headed out into the mountains to visit a rice farmer and family, catch some swallows and have a meal.
After a breakfast of chicken, grilled between splints of bamboo, and an egg omelette, a soup of wild mushrooms and greens--and of course, sticky rice and fiery chili paste, we headed out into the mountains to visit a rice farmer and family, catch some swallows and have a meal.
All quite wonderful--as you’ll see on the show. Just about anywhere you point your camera in Laos, you see something beautiful and extraordinary. It’s a mountainous landscape, thickly forested with tall bamboo, palms, fir and pine trees, impossibly vertical karsks, remote villages and few paved roads. Most mornings, it is covered with storybook mists. It’s one of the few countries on Earth still barely touched by Western chains. There are No McDonalds. No Starbucks. No KFCs. Anywhere. Even in the sleepy capitol city of Vientiane. The food is spicy and mostly delicious and just about everyone we speak to is warm, generous and remarkably open about their lives, their hopes, their joys and their often considerable pain.
So little is known about this country. Less, I suspect, is known about the secret war here. Having had the bad luck to be a weak, neutral neighbor of Vietnam, Laos found itself, from 1962 until 1975, on the receiving end of more bombs than all the bombs dropped on all of Germany and Japan in all of World War Two. The equivalent of a bombing mission every nine minutes, 24 hours a day, for TEN YEARS. Pilots returning from bombing runs in North Vietnam, often dumped whatever extras they had on Laos on the way home. There were--unlike Vietnam--no rules of engagement. As supposedly, we weren’t even there. About 30% of those bombs were “cluster” munitions. And about 30% of their cute, attractive-to-kids bomblets are still lying, undetonated, around rural Laos, waiting for farmers to find them--often setting them off in the process. About a hundred people a year--most of whom weren’t even alive during the conflict--still die from unexploded ordinance. Many more lose limbs. We went out with a bomb disposal unit and saw for ourselves.
Much later:
The shoot is done and, fortified with “lao-lao”, the local moonshine and a brief investigation of local herbs and flora (or is that fauna?), Zach, Todd and I appropriate the three rented production motorbikes--leaving the rest of the crew to drive home in the van. We tear ass across the Lao countryside, free, free, FREE and deliriously happy. Through dusty Hmong villages, past brown, fallow rice paddies, hump-backed bulls, black pigs, thatched roof homes on stilts, misty mountains, the mysterious Plain of Jars, dodging the occasional water buffalo, sometimes riding three abreast, but usually falling back into our own solitary, tripped out zones--our own individual road movies. Laos smells of wood smoke, earth, mint, lemongrass, deep forest, fermented fish (paa-dek)…and the edge.
Tomorrow, it’s a 9 hour road trip across country to Luang Prabang where I am assured of a hot shower of excellent quality--And the possibility of mini-bar.
Thanks for the indepth description, Tony. Recently purchased a lemongr%#@ & ginger diffuser a la Thailand/Laos, so I can related to the smells you experienced. Continued safe travels to you. ~Bonnie (artnlit)
The sarcasm, the cynicism, the drinking, smoking and cursing - I am in love Anthony. At first I thought I must be crazy, but it seems there are others here who share my TV crush of you. It's true, whatever your strange fetish, there is an online community of like minded freaks!
Maybe it's the exotic locations,the adventure. Maybe it's because I used to work in resturaunts and was masochistically drawn to the criticism of the chefs. The intensity, the heat...the knives!
Since my husband is a foodie I can watch your show with him and he would never suspect that I find you sexy. I enjoy the descriptive nature of your writing and the irrate and critical way you talk. The nastier, the better! Your show inspires me to travel again. Hopefully my husband won't get suspicious if I suggest we go to Laos.
Keep airing your grievances, I'll be here on the couch with a bottle of scotch relishing each moment.
I have figured this out. This blog should be renamed: "Tony doesn't live here". I bet this is one of those network blogs where a ghost writer writes everything for him and people comment.
I present to you the previous post. First 'Tony' says: "...an Internet poster..." who says that?!? Maybe in 1997 but now? Anyway, 187 comments and no Tony response. If you haven't noticed a lot of the networks are really plugging their websites lately. The Food Network has a plug at every commercial break now and so does the Travel Channel.
I think this is just another way to get people to the website. Which, I admit, I am here. I enjoy No Reservations and I obviously read this blog. I just think it's sad. I mean if Tony can't get a hot shower for another 9 hours how does he have an internet connection? Satellite internet is good but it's not that good. So I stick with my vote that this should be called:
"Tony doesn't live here but feel free to visit the gift shop where the show is available on DVD."
Cheers,
~Tablebread
http://tablebread.blogspot.com
Really, Tablebread? You mean Tony's not hanging on my every word as I type this comment to a blog entry he probably wrote months ago as part of his contract with the Travel Channel? My bubble is burst. I thought Tony cared about me. I thought he cared about us. And now I'm sobbing. Sobbing for all the broken dreams of readers of celebrity blogs everywhere. Woe.
It sounds like you're channeling Bear Grylls in the beginning, Tony. Well, except for the whole he's-not-dead-thing and, presumably from the breakfast rundown, there won't be a drinking-of-own-urine scene...
Looking forward to the history lesson on Laos. I confess I am clueless...
Oh, Apricotica, I am gravely depressed. I also had these dreams. Alas, woe is me.
I suppose I will just have to hope that my own blog will one day achieve fame and celebrity and I too will have readers to ignore. For now, anyone interested in Caribbean food, Trinidad and Tobago in particular? I need some readers for my plan to work...
These blogs are sent to us from Tony. He's currently in Laos, where he wrote this blog. Now, whether or not he has time to respond to the hundreds of blog comments remains to be seen.
Dear tablescraps:
One of the very first things you learn/observe in the developing world is this: First purchase after a motorbike--even if you live in a thatched roof hut? satellite dish.
Second thing you should know: I wrote the above two days ago. Frustrating (at times) dial-up internet. Took forever. Shower? Unsatisfactory dribble of mostly cold water.
So there. %#@%head.
Does THAT sound like me? Or a ghost writer, Numbnuts?
TB From Luang Prabang. Where my shower is excellent. Pressure superb. Temperature steady and hot.
Now go stick that action figure of Comic Book Guy up your %#@.
and that's an "ant egg omelette"
The paintings you conjure with your words are a mixed blessing: I yearn to see these things for myself but know the unlikelihood of being able to afford it. After a fashion, I'm lucky -we all are- to have you out there, bringing these far-away places into our homes via this blog and your television show.
Thank you, Tony; it's much appreciated!
Buck up Apricota, it will be all right. Don't cry. I'm sure Tony does care about you. It's all right man, step away from the ledge....
Tony, I really enjoy your No Reservations shows. You are down to earth and, dare I say, one sexy man. Keep travelling and keep entertaining me. Maybe someday I will actually meet you.
Luang Prabang is a fantastic destination. You're sure to have a great time.
I want Tony & Les Stroud to team up for a Survivorman episode. I'd love to see Tony roughing it in the Sahara or the frozen tundra, bitching & moaning while Les dutifully keeps them alive. Just a fantasy of mine :)
Chesh: I sincerely share your TV crush on Tony. For all the same reasons, and my partner being a bartender and former chef, I also get away with unabashedly TIVO'ing Tony's every TV moment. Except of course, I think I gave myself away this Sunday at bookclub when another Tony-phile and I started gushing about his writings. Oops. Oh and I watch him with a bottle of bourbon. Pleasant dreams...Katie
Tablebread, I seriously doubt Tony is camping out in the mountains with a laptop and a satellite internet connection. If I had to guess, I'd say these blogs are written down the old fashioned way, with a pen and paper, in some sort of journal, that's subsequently typed up and submitted once he's back at the hotel, or back in NY.
And yeah, "internet poster" is a bit of an archaic phrase, as far as those things go, but I don't really get the impression that Tony is much of a techie, do you? I don't think we can expect him to be hip to the latest internet memes and language.
Katie - think that maybe there is a support group for girls like us. I mean, this can't be healthy! Perhaps we could start one. I've been know to tip back a burbon too. ;)
Anyone else up for it?
Women, women, women! Every time I read of your "crushes" & "love" for Tony, I want to vomit. Really girls, a little self respect goes a long way. You guys make me embarr%#@ed to sport boobies. Your pronouncements of love is the cyber-equivalent of spreading your legs wide open. Do you really think that everyone on the Internet wants to hear about who you are thinking about as you bang your boring, doughy husbands? Really girls, he's not a Beatle. Now stop that embarr%#@ing tittering & hold your head up high with dignity!
Safe travels, Tony.
Sign me up, Chesh. :-D
Tony, while slaving away in a hot kitchen years ago did you ever imagine that one day you would be a 51 year old sex symbol with a young wife and beautiful daughter, hosting a successful travel show and visitng exotic and far off lands? Funny where life takes you. I have learned more about the world and its people from watching your shows than I ever did in school. Keep up the great work.
Bourdain and Stroud...now that's an idea I'd prbl'y even be willing to do on pay-per-view....or heh...make Tony and Les Judges on an elimination challenge on a future 'Top Chef' episode...think of the possible corp. plugs...venerable goldmine of product placement.
Safe travels for you and the crew...
Women women women! All the pronouncements of crushes & "love" for Tony makes me want to vomit! Really, girls, it's embarr%#@ing. Like the cyber-equivalent of spreading your legs wide open. C'mon people, have some self respect. Do you really think that everyone on the Internet wants to know who you're fantasizing about when you're banging your doughy, boring husbands??? Really ladies, take a cold shower or something. Have a little dignity. It's not like he's a Beatle, for cryin' out loud.
My, isn't this blog about NR? Truly are there people out there that actually expect a response to their postings?
The truth is, I think that Tony does read some of his comments. But no, I don't see him having the time to respond, IF he wanted to.
Think about it, you're traveling the world, you have a new life with a child and a wife. That leaves no time to chit chat with people that you don't even know.
Tony, love the show, keep doing what you do best.
How come you didn't mention the best thing about Vancouver? You know, it's stance on herbal smoking?
Tpa Girl
Chesh and Katie- You can count me in!
'asktunes' -
Finding someone sexy doesn't mean we are some fanticizing groupie web-whores. In fact what I find attractive about Anthony
(the TV personality, at least)is that he not a mainstream pretty boy. Many bloggers have commented on his refreshing candor and honesty. I have more respect for the women who are attracted to those features than aging pop-stars who are reduced to creating 'Muzack'. I fantacize about traveling the world, eating exotic things and experiencing amazing adventures. NR gives me a glimps of that life. I pity those who have nothing to dream about.
Tonys anger is endearing, yours is just mis-placed.
Anthony- I have been a fan of yours since I was 13 and I dined at Les Halles with my family. Then, your books were required reading in my intro to Food and Beverage cl%#@ in college. I just started watching your show when the new season started early this month. The Korea episode was absolutely amazing and now I am hooked. I don't know if you will read this, but I work at the St. Regis Resort in Aspen, and if you ever wanted to come to Aspen (summer and winter are equally amazing), I'd be happy to set you up with a room.
Fondly,
Sara
Sara.Dubow@stregis.com
Cheers, Chesh.
AskTunes: Really? We merely expressed finding him attractive, intelligent, and intriguing. Personally I am a fellow punk, thus a big part of my attraction. You, darling, are the one that has a dirty enough mind to create the phrases "Like the cyber-equivalent of spreading your legs wide open" and "banging your doughy, boring husbands". My partner is neither boring, nor doughy, FYI. Referencing something closer to home, perchance? Take your own advice and try not to add any more smut to what was previously an entertaining gathering post for like minded foodies.
Bon appetit.
meeoOOwwww...lol...
I must be the only person clenching my fist everytime I see your program on TV. Only one thing goes through my mind - 'Thats my dream life Bourdain, you dont have any right to live it'. Then I calm myself saying .. 'well.. not totally, in my dream life, I wont be a chef, I wont have money and I wont have to write at all'. I have read your KC and I still say you are lucky. Hope to see you do the craziest things in your future episodes.
Rock on Katie, and all of you who see this show as a way to get your fix for wanting to know cooler people, go more amazing places and do more exciting things! I did not mean to drag the blog into 'groupie' territory. Inspiration is the point. May we all get to live the life of Bourdain!
I am soooo happy you are in Laos. Loas has to be one of my most favorite countries thus far. I will never forget taking the slow boat to Luang Prabang on the Mekong-- stopping in a tiny, tiny village inhabited by in inbred and opium happy natives-- eating the stickiest sticky rice ever upon the river, whilst watching all the village children and orange robed monks bathe in with those looming, Asian, round mountains as the back drop-- yum! I can't wait to see the show!
Ciao
lace
Tony,
Thanks for noting our sad history with Laos. It amazes me that they can be kind and generous to Americans at all.
If the TV gig ever dies you really should consider a travel company. Cooks Tours is taken but how about Dining like Tony? I'd pay to spend a week in the places you've been eating like you eat (well maybe not the drinking like you drink 8-{>).
hi tony. You really love east asia, don't you? Seems like you're always in asia. How about Norway? I love Norweigan food - do a show on that and I'll Tivo it.
Good short blog entry this time :) Though I'm a little shocked to see you have female fans. GROSS! I'm going to St. Martin in a week (because my husband has a man-crush on you), so apparently you recommend that we dine in some fresh-chicken restaurant where they decapitate the chickens before your very eyes, etc. We'll see how good it is - it can't beat the Kip man at the market in Leiden, Holland.
We're taking a 4 month old and a 2 year old to St. Martin, via Charlotte N.C. (we live in tampa). The flights, of course, were booked using frequent flier miles (courtesy of my husband), so we are flying there at 5 in the morning and flying back at midnight. This BETTER BE GOOD!!!
You see, this is near the top of the many reasons I love your show. You don't just go to some over-exposed hotspots and/or resorts to shoot upscale restaurants and go water-skiing (I mean, %#@!, you came here to Cleveland).
You actually go to all these cool, untraveled, unexposed places around the globe and find the neatest and/or weirdest things. And if you do go to a well-traveled place, you go out of your way to find things, places, people, and food that are, well, out of the way. I won't lie, I envy your job.
To think that there are still places on this planet that McDonald's or KFC have not raped? I'll pack my bags and leave on the first plane out. I'm so there.
Tony, always great reading your blogs and books as well, of course, watching your fantastic TV show! HUGE fan.
I got to meet you in person at Charlotte Shout a couple years ago and was, quite frankly, a little star-struck and felt like a dumb %#@ when I couldn't think of anything to say to you! (except a retard-like "HI, big fan, uhh, sign my book?"!) But, thanks for the hand-shake, the picture and the autograph anyway. :-) Grill Bitch was really nice too.
Just wanted to tell you how great this seasons NRs is! I love the sneaky use of your old cooks tour intro on the TV you are holding in your hand, lol, nice slap to the face to food network. Shame they have to be such whores with your old shows like that, but whatever, right?
Keep up the great entertainment and keep up the great work quitting smoking! If I can do it (2 packs a day for years) anyone can.
Peace. (chef Bradley)
Tony: Laos ...ufff, no, thanks , on this destination I feel happy watching you from my comfy sofa...or reading you ..brrr that cold night...matches the pain I feel reading about the bombs dropped there...the fact that they are kind today, in spite of their sufferings ,as you put it so well, tells me that we as human race we still have hope...That is something I love in your show and this blog...the good the bad and the ugly...all together, that is a portrait of the real thing, anywhere. And that is what I said to my journalist and her cameraman that were venting on their blog about some crappy safari in India.For you (in your free time ,ja)and your crew, here it is the story:
http://planetaitinerante.wordpress.com/
in spanish but comments in english are welcome too !
Tony, Thanks for sharing your breakfast description I bet it was good, hmmm you ate an ant egg omelette why not you ate ant egg tacos in Puebla Mexico with your friend and Sous Chef Eddie when I watched A Cook's Tour Tuesday night on that other network (in which the network will remain nameless here).
Looking forward to the Laos episode when it airs. I had no idea that Laos was stuck between a rock and a hard place during the Vietnam War having left over bombs dropped on the people of Laos.
Tony, stay warm and travel safely with the NR crew.
Seriously Tablebread? Tony has one of the most distinctive writing styles around. I could identify his prose in one or two sentences. If you can't hear his voice in these posts and think they're ghost written you've either never read one of his books or have zero aesthetic comprehension.
No KFC, no McDonald's - isn't that code for "Paradise"?
Either way, thanks again for the ride.
Tablebread-get a clue-the comments section is for the READER to comment what has been WRITTEN--I bet Tony already said all he has to say.
Did you expect a love letter? Profuse thanks for your three words? Get real.
Bourdain....sounds like the chef's special in a high end French Quarter bistro... asthectically pleasing, unusual presentation with subtle spice and a hint of lush smokiness. Or maybe the cook's blue plate at the low end dive over on Lamar...fresh, hot, a little crusty on the outside but sweet and tender on the inside, leaves you wanting more and more.....
The Cult of Bourdain gets better and better. Entertaining read.
Antoinette - You made me hungry! I nominate you to LEAD the Cult. Your writing is...tasty!
I am loving the idea of Les and Tony... I give Tony 10 minutes before he takes Les's harmonica and shoves it somewhere... dark. Heh heh. As much as I love Les and Survivorman, there have been moments of irritation.
Dear Tony and your sweet crew,
Please read.
Is there a way to get an apprenticeship/internship this summer with your crew?
I'm a senior photojournalism/art student... hoping to host my own show in the future.
rturpen@email.unc.edu !
Dear old Tony.......I'm certainly glad your not cooking anymore........U must be so hooked on smoking that you can't go even one TV show with out lighting up! I'm so sure you must light up when you cook too! I wouldn't want you to even cook me a simple egg! I hate ashes in my food!!! Smoking destroys your taste buds in your mouth so I can't see how you can tell me how good or how bad anything you eat will taste! I really like how you just flick your cigarette butts on the ground.....I hope you don't tell anyone that you are from the U.S.A.
Anthony, Tony. I have to confess ....I'm infatuated with your show? Granted that I don't care much for t.v. reality shows or the other B.S. that's on primetime. So I do have to say.........Thank you Direct T.V.!
Anyways you really caputre the beauty and the essence of different cultures. When others live in their busy every day lives not knowing how others live or eat. Every Monday you lead me on a intoxicating journey; In which I crave for more and more. I thought food was the only thing I craved for. I guess I was wrong. Today is Laos and tomorrow will be New Caladonia. Who knows? I thank you.
Thanks Tony for your awesome description of Laos. You say what most of us want to say...and that is WITHOUT RESERVATIONS! I loved the part of taking off on the motorbikes - what a ZEN moment when in the back of ones mind it is known that the ground beneath you could explode at any moment. I have heard of similar stories in Molokai, where cows will inadvertently blow up chewing on a blade of gr%#@. I just got done reading, "Bone in the Throat" and it was one of the best easy-going reads I've had in a while. I look forward to more fact and fiction -- you make the bizarre easy for the layman to relate to. Many thanks, Ann
I love reading through your blogs. Your outlook on life and the world is inspiring. You have no fear to try, do, or experience anything. I can't imagine being in a land that has no (what I would call) "regular ammentities" McD's, Starbucks, KFC. A land like that would only be refreshing and cleansing. I can only imagine you feel so forutnate for the oppurtunties to indulge in all the world has to offer.
Thanks for letting me live vicariously through your experiences.
-- Meg
Hey Anthony,
Love your show and your humor. I have my dvr full of your shows. Love to see all the different cultures and foods there are in this world. You tell the stories so well...very entertaining. Keep them coming I'll be out there watching!
Take care,
Cindy
Hi Tony, love your show. When are you going to do an episode on Thailand? (or have you?)
Mr. Bourdain, since you're clearly in warmer climes that those of stuck in the States, could you do me a favor? It's an easy one, I promise.
All you need to do is stand in direct sunlight and drink a cold beer on our behalf. The wind chill is -35 today in Chicago.
Tony, I´m desperate in love with you!!! I dont care if you dont read this comment. I enjoy every little second I see you on tv, you do a great "work", I would love to work like that. Actually i almost had an orgasm this afternoon reading "malos tragos" (is "bad drinks" the original name in english?)...My bigest wish is meeting you one day and since I know I could never eat YOU I content myself with eating your food soem day in New York.
Loads of love from your biggest mexican fan.
I think that Tony should step up and challenge the Iron Chefs! What?, too stupid? Hey, he's the one that let internet geeks push him into the kitchen after he had already done his time.
C'mon Tony, can you handle the FN heat? Perhaps you are out of practice.
Do it and kick Morimoto's %#@!!!
Tony..the show is great..you are a rock star...it would be great if you where to conduct some episodes of native americans,for examples:the cherokees,cheyene and so forth..Also caribean countries such as Haiti and cuba...
What more can I say then YOU DA MAN, Tony and someday I want to be a world travel'n HO just like you!!! Wish you told me that you were heading back to my motherland, well at least my place of birth. I can't really claim it as my country because Mom and Dad dragged my 3 yr old butt with a bloated tummy (due to stomach worms) out of the jungles north of the Plain of Jars and into Long Chaing to board a CIA chartered plane out of Laos. Shh.... don't tell anyone because we, the US, weren't there. Even my father, who's squad saved many downed American pilots wouldn't "officially" admit that the US were there.
If I were there with you we would have been able to hangout with the Hmong villagers enjoying some authentic hill tribe cuisine. Oh, in case you weren't told, Hmongs don't eat that Paadek crap. Some day Tony, with or without a TV crew, I'll make it back to Laos hopefully, before Starbucks and McD. Hope you got your HOT shower by now. Can't wait to watch this episode and I promise you mom and dad will be watching too.
Respectfully, YXV
Messy, I do not want to burst your bubble, but a small northern town called Embarress in my home state of Minnesota had an air tempature of -39 with a wind chill of -50 on Thursday. This town is near the Canadian border.
Messy stay warm in Chicago and I will stay warm in Minnesota. And let us both pray for an early spring.
Tony when you take that first sip of that cold beer will you think of Messy and I in our artic tundra. Don't forget to wear your sungl%#@es too Tony.
Hey Tony, how about coming to Philadelphia?
Let's see...
100 die each year from unexploded ordinance. The Khmer Rouge killed 3 million. In the 30 years since the fighting ended, 3,000 (30 x 100) have died from the ordinance and the equivalent of 100,000 per year were killed by the Communist Government. Makes you wonder who the bad guys really were....
Chris
Andover, MN
Anthony, well-written and eloquent post and all, but you are in a Uwe Boll film. Explain yourself!
I love your show so much that at times I wish that I was able to be there with you to share that experience right next to you. I watch your show whenever its on and I think that you do an great job! I WANT TO TRAVEL WITH YOU AND FEEL THAT FREEDOM INSIDE TO LIVE LIFE! AND TO TASTE WHAT YOU TASTE, IT MUST BE GOOD TO BE YOU!
Thank you for bringing food back to reality! Here in Australia we are so lucky to have all these different styles of food on our streets, in our lives, but thank you for going deeper. If you go back to Nha Trang visit Le Coconut Vert - stunning!
I am travelling back to SE Asia at the end of the year, it is not about the journey but about the food & the people, stuff the temples & museums. Love your work!
I know(hope) that you're probably just joking around with Nari in the beginning of the Vancouver episode but you really need to take it down a notch.
and you love every minute of it
OMG I totally agree with Chesh. Tony (even though you are french rooted) are hot! I love your sarcasm, quick witted humor, eloquent words, and the "don't give a %$#@" attitude. I would love to meet you and can't get enough of your shows. I am a very educated Korean American woman (cute too) living in the midwest. Those idiots who make stupid comments about you can go to hell. You should plan a contest for someone and a guest (like me) to win a trip with you and be on the show. That would be fab.
Keep up the wonderful journeys. I want to explore all of them.
Keep up the good work, Tony!
Mr. Bourdain
I know that this post isn't about your show in Hong Kong, but my wife and I will be taking her parents there, where they were born, and we were looking for information on how to find the handmade noodles that you showcased on your trip there. I've been unable to get any information from the folks at travel channel and I thought that this might be a way to get it. I would be very grateful for any help in this.
Karsk?
Karst... see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karst
Hello Anthony,
I realize this is a LONG shot, however it's worth the try. I wanted to see if you had any ideas/info/help on finding travel jobs such as yours. It's always been my goal to do something like what you do daily. I watch your show all the time and think you're hilarious! Please let me know if you have any advice!
A
ok Tony!! Like Ches i believe I have a crush on you, but then again envy can be expressed in many ways.... I really enjoy your show and its one of the reasons of why i still pray, I pray that if i am forgiven for which thing it is i do wrong, god gives me your job!!!
Thanks for a great show!!
Anthony,
I grew up in a family with two vices - television and fine food. I have many friends and family members who are chefs and I've always wanted to be a food critic, so I appreciate your show and culinary travel experiences.
I want to tell you how much I enjoy your wit and humor. You have converted my perceptions of you since my first experience seeing you on Top Chef. You are not the &%!@ you first appeared to be :) I watch your show primarily due to your journal-like commentaries that make it so entertaining. What an amazing life you lead and I'll live vicariously until my kids are a little older. I just wish you'd cut out the smoking because we want you to be around a lot longer.
Safe Travels,
Sarah
Tony- I love your show and great perspective of international food. However, I feel like this season has been all about the shock factor- how many animals can you show being sacrificed or slaughtered, how many weird or disgusting things can you eat... Save that for your buddy Andrew Zimmern's show and stick to the basics- good food, good times, good drinks. You've got the ratings, you've got the fans, using the "shock factor" just makes it another victim of reality TV.
Glad to finally find this blog!
Now that we're posting successfully...thanks so much for your energy at the book signing at the Book P%#@age in San Francisco. The wife and I were appropriately fortified via a few professionally %#@embled Bloody Marys. The end result was that my undeserving brother received a signed copy of No Reservations. Well...OK he loves Les Halles....but he's yet to bring me along. Harrumph. I trust you made your way over to French Laundry. Any revelations?
I have to say that my husband is aware of my thinking that you,Tony, are one of the sexiest men I've never met. Of course, he's not threatened by that knowing I'd never have a chance to run away with you. Although to run away with you would certainly take me to all the places I'd love to go. So, if you ever need someone down to earth to run away with,and NOT just because I think you are so entirely sexy, but because I truly share your CRAVING for the true people of the world and the fabulous foods they get to eat! I'm sure my sexy, cowboy, husband would let me go for a while too, because he KNOWS the I will always go home with him!
LOVE your show, your attitude and am insanely jealous of those who get to travel with you and experience all the peoples that GOD has made!!
Amanda in Windsor, Co
anthony,
i am an international host mother and appreciate being able to see where my girls come from. i just read this post of yours from vietnam. i have a young woman living with me now who is from vietnam. i can't wait to see the show.
you did another show from vietnam and you said that great food is everywhere there. i told her that you said this and she smiled wide.
i don't know about for you, but for me to embrace this culture has been so healing. we grew up thinking heartbreaking things about this gentle lovely culture. i was invited to a party with all Vietnamese students. they were so humble, kind and gentle, i started crying. years of false perceptions healed in a moment. oh, the food was yummy too!
blessings to you and your staff, God goes with you wherever you go.
Love,
Lee
Sa Bai Dee,
It is so funny, I come to your blog to ask you to go to Laos but you are in Laos!
Cannot wait to see this episode!
by the way, the local moonshine is not "lao-lao" is "lao kao".
the word "kao" means white( since the moonshine is clear so our ancestor called it "Kao")
Hope you enjoy your visiting
Davanh, Laos
Do you wear underpants on your travels? I'm considering taking voyages like the ones on your television show, but I'm unsure if I should bring underpants with me. Is it customary to wear underpants in places?
Thank You,
Jean Baptiste Beauregard
Mr. Bourdain, I am a fellow New Jersian(Newark) as a matter fact. Wish I was there with you while in the garden state to help you navigate. Your show is oretty good despite whomever doesn't like some of what you say or do, screw'em....
Sa Bai Dee, Tony!
I have been a fan of yours for years, and have always enjoyed your exciting adventures all over the world. As a foodie, I respect your insight on how food plays a key role in travel, as your say “do what the locals do”. After reading your blog on Laos, I am happy to know that you finally got a chance to visit this glorious country. My family is originally from Laos, and I have visited the country before and fell in love with the beautiful landscape and intense options for culinary delight. What many people do not know is that Laos is one of those few places that offers the best of both worlds. What I mean by that is, to the east your have Vietnam, and to the west, you have Thailand. The food in Laos encomp%#@es many flavors from those regions with a touch of France. You throw all of those factors in a bowl and you get Laos. Thank you for showing the world your journeys.
aloha
viladda
I can't get enough. I have completely fallen for your show. I myself am a traveler at heart, unfortunately I am only a lowly student who can only afford the occasional trip here and there. I was very fortunate that my first traveling experience brought me all the way to India at 14 without my family. From then on I was hooked. Your show gives me an hour to dream and pretend that I am also traveling to these far off places. Plus your cynical sense of humor and constant debauchery really make me feel as if I'm traveling with my friends, who definitely share similar tastes. All those other travel shows just don't do it for me. All there concerned with is historic and touristie places, where as you travel and see the food and the people, and thats what makes traveling amazing for me. I hope that someday I will be able to visit Malaysia, Laos and Jamaica, but for now I'll dream from my couch and watch you being there. Maybe someday I'll run into you in NYC so I can shake your hand and thank you for taking me with you to these places. But in case that never happens thanks anyway.
Big fan of the show and big fan of your take-no-prisoners writing. I'm curious, do you ever get a chance to reread your work?
With all that you're doing, I'm surprised you can muster out the energy to type, personally, I'd just dictate my blog of the day.
G'luck with your travels!
Mr. Bourdain my Husband and I admire your work and your show.Hands down its the best show that is out there and the reason we watch more of the travel channel.Thank you for giving us insight to great food and new flavors that motivates us not to settle for good enough food but for excelent food.I live in Missouri, but originally from Honduras in central America , don't forget to visit Central America , Guatemala and Costa Rica have good food as well.
Bourdain,
Just an aside from the usual stalker type comment. I know going "native" is popular but has the Travel Channel got you doing "Life with Kumbi" Laos-style? C'mon man, pretty soon they will have you wearing some weird thing on your johnson all in the name of cultural sensitivity. Remember the mantra "New York City is the center of the universe and all other places are backwaters. NYC is the center of the universe, even if Boston doesn't acknowledge it." Actually that is something Laos and Boston have in common- They are both forgotten places until just recently. All kidding aside, the universal freedom of the road is what counts and just remember, the flies and bugs you were picking out of your teeth after scoring those bikes was the same bugs eating the water buffaloes sh*t. Therefore wipe off your sh*t eating grin you lucky bast*rd.
BTW, Food Network should be renamed the Food Porn Network. I mean listen to the music....whah whah chunka chunka whah whah (now add some onion) whah whah (I am having some friends over later)chunka chunka (In my house in the Hamptons) whah whah (I was in the villa for the weekend when the pool boy said he wanted some bearded clams) chunka chunka. What flavor girl or guy do you like? Italian, French, or something a little more funky like "Pound of Butta" Paula Dean or "Long Island" Ina. Whew, gimme a paper bag on those two. And finally, if you are going the Food Porn route how can you fit Rachel Ray into the mix? Rachel Ray Gone Wild? Pleeease noooooo. Save us all the pain.
Anyway, keep up the good work and don't let the writers strike keep you from writing your own stuff.
Until we eat again (or ever haha)
Dear Tony,
I just wanted to tell you how much I respect you and that you're truly an inspiration. Been feeling down with this and that here in the Middle East - on the Israeli side of things - and throughout been watching your program and reading your articles. You make things easier for this one. We share some similar histories and I totally get where you're coming from. Wanted to extend to you a person invitation to come on over to Israel and look into the rich cuisine that's just waiting for you to discover. Blessing you on your journeys, love and light,
Joy (in the Negev Desert)
Chef Bordain-
I think you are the definition of cool,and I love your
show.
Hi Anthony ! Do you ever plan to include a small group
in your travels? My Mother and Father are chomping
at the bit to go on a trip wth you. As long as I can
remember they have eaten foods know one else would
try. And my mom is one of the best experamental
cooks around. They are both super cool, you would
click. Maybe one day you two could have a meal and
a smoke. you would love her Soul food and her style.
Brigitte (b1favabean)
Hi Tony, Thanks for the great show! My husband and I totally love it. Keep up the good work!
hey Anthony, great show. i love the ideals
so sick of these stuffy cooking shows .
i would love to get out and see the world and the way other countries do it but thanks to you man, i can save my money until i get older. dont change a thing.
great chefs explore not pig trof it.
Tony,
Love your shows. I watch them all the time. I can't wait to see your shoots in Laos. I was born in Laos but I don't think I have seen Laos as much as you have. Enjoy your stay in Laos. If you need any tips while you're Vientiane, pls let me know. I can hook you up with the right people there.
CP
Chef Tony, I have loved your shows from A cook's tour on up. I like to think of No reservations as a Travel show not just a food show. Some of you bloggers my not understant that it's about the culture as well and how food and culture are one. Sometime a cultures food seems to have shock value to us, but it's normal in that particular place (J)
-a sincere thank you for taking me to so many great destinations.
-When are you headed back to Central Mexico?
Tony,
I have to say I have come completely 180 degrees about you over the last year. My wife read Kitchen Confidential years ago and tried to get me to read it, but I couldn't be bothered having little to no interest in cooking, chefs or, frankly, fine food. Outback served lobster and that was good enough for me. I watched No Reservations a couple of times with my wife and you came off like an %#@. My wife implored me to read KC to understand you a little better, again, no dice. What started to turn me was the No Reservations: Beirut which showed you as much more...human isn't the right word... approachable is more the word. I can't watch shows like No Reservations unless I can feel like I could hang out with the host. The next thing was when I read Heat by Bill Buford, which I truly enjoyed from cover to cover. Like you, I finished it and then read it again. While I was plowing through Heat, I happen to catch a No Reservations in which you were reading Heat as well. At this point, I figured it was time to read (actually listen to - thank you for reading your own audiobook) Kitchen Confidential and I kick myself for not listening to my wife 6 years ago. I count myself among the Bourdain minions, actually the Killer Bs: Batali (the Heat influence) and Bourdain. I've even started cooking, have vowed never to set foot in a "chain" restaurant again and am trying to be a little more adventurous in my food choices. I look forward to watching No Reservations: New Orleans tonight, although I was dumbfounded when I saw you sitting down with Emeril. My wife %#@ured me that in the more recent edition of KC you said that you were ok with Emeril now. I still find him Ewok-like. Anyway, I am now plowing through your other books and look forward to more No Reservations in the future. Keep up the great work and stay warm!
NO NEED TO BE AN UGLY AMERICAN
Tony,
While I enjoy your shows, the trip to Greece was a disaster. You had no reservation displaying your dislike for these people. You crossed the line from measured sarcasm to outright disdain. It made for a show which was, frankly, painful to watch.
So Glad to see Tony here!
I'm a huge fan of the show and would love to get together with Tony and hit some Music Related places that serve great food!!
You up for the GIG?
JOhn D
http://www.JohnDennerRocks.com
Tone', love the show. The scene when you ate with the Bushmen was cinematic gold.
I LOVE LAOS! My husband asked me to marry him on the back of an elephant outside Luang Prabang. I have some daunting photos from the morning market there. The daily offerings of ant larva (taken with a macro lens), live moles, paste made from buffalo skin, and of course the chicken, fish, and sticky rice (which I now miss terribly) were plentiful. I expect you'll see the same.
What you may not see, and I would be happy to send a photo, is a deer fetus, presented on a banana leaf along with the other meat and organs for sale. Our guide said that the fetus was a special and rare delicacy.
Some of the most interesting shots I took in Laos were on that day, in the market and riding up the Mekong on a long boat to see the Pak Ou Caves and the Lao-Lao producing villagers.
I'll never forget walking up to a metal drum/still, being offered a shot of 80+ proof moonshine by a ten year old.
Speaking of the children, if you happen to have time, I would really recommend going to Brother Mouse in Luang Prabang and purchasing some books for the kids. This is especially true if you are going to be going to remote villages. I bought some books and took them to the village. I've never seen such a lust in a child's eye. I had planned on giving a stack of books to a couple of children, so that those kids would have the whole series. My guide, a Lao native, correctly suggested that I distribute single books to more kids. The literacy rate in Laos is among the lowest in the world. Offering the chance for a child to own their own book is a gift that will last long after you've said goodbye to their country.
I look forward to your episode. I miss Laos. It is a world away.
Tony,
I am asking for your needed guidance. My son read about your younger years and the drug you used. He is in the same situation and has hope when he hears your story and what you have made of yourself. He has been fighting the battle for the past year and he wants help. After several treatment centers and relapses we finally got some good insurance coverage and he finished Hazelden in Minnesota. They recommended extended treatment in California but insurance will only pay for the first 28 days at Hazelden. I hope Lawmakers and Society will eventually change this. So we bit the bullet and will give him what he needs. How could we say otherwise! It is truly medically necessary as this is a life and death situation. It is financially very difficult and is putting a strain on our family. I searched the internet for scholarships or any other services that would help individuals with this situation but found none. If you could guide us to an organization that is helping families, I would be very grateful. This has been a nightmare and a struggtle as only someone in this situation could understand. Desperate for help.
Thank you,
Tony,
I'm sure there are a billion other girls out there who pretty much love you, and I'm one of them. I love the show as well as your blogs. It's the only one I watch on the Travel Channel. Keep on doing your thing! Oh and just to let you know, I'd make a great personal %#@istant, hey, think about it! :)
-mika
I have been a fan of your for years,well before Kitchen Confidential and Anthony Bourdain became part of pop culture. Hell, I even ate at Les Halles when you actually worked there! (you are right about the pommes frites)
Your Travel Channel shows have become an integral part of our household life. We even record them to be sure that no detail is missed.
Here the thing- I have three teenage daughters, and you have created three monsters. See, whenever we travel now, the inevitable questions are "Would Tony Bourdain do this? Would Tony Bourdain eat this? Would Tony Bourdain go here?" Now they are clamoring for more "off the beaten path" destinations for their vacations. I doubt that Namibia and Laos will be on any future itineraries though.
Personally, I appreciate you visiting some of the places I lived as a child, like Beirut and Singapore. Brings back some good memories. You missed one though- Lagos, Nigeria- I would be interested on your take on that place...
Safe Travels,
I just got into this show a few weeks ago and it's great. Me being a New Yorker like yourself it's easy to understand your personality, although some may think you're cocky and arrogant at times, but that's just the NY way of life. Go Tony!!
Last night, after I submitted my comment, I kept thinking about Laos. I had a life altering understanding there.
While I was reviewing the ant larva, moles, deer fetus, etc that were for sale at the morning market, I realized THESE PEOPLE KNOW WHAT IT IS TO BE HUNGRY.
As Americans, we walk around, turning our nose up at sources of protein, because we can't remember what it's like to be truly hungry. The exception to that are the old folks who either lived through the great depression or were small children directly afterward. Those people HOARD FOOD.
We are so blessed in this country to have high expectations and a variety of options when we feel we need to eat. We'll snub food in our pantry just because we "don't feel like eating that tonight." Meanwhile, people elsewhere die for lack of food.
I remind myself and my husband of this at times when he says, "We have nothing to eat." I go in and see what the Lao would see: enough food to feed a family of four for weeks. In those moments, I become my most creative. I pull from what I have and work with it to make it good.
I wish more westerners would travel to third world places with this kind of reverence for the people there. While we were in Laos I saw several large white people intimidating and berating the locals for their "poor service."
The manager of Joma was particularly offensive. She was screaming at a young Lao man for offering what we considered to be excellent customer service. She even said that she would doc him $10US if he made a mistake like that again. What was his error? Accommodating a customer who wanted to make a substitution on an omelet. I'm a former restaurant manager. He wasn't subbing a high cost food item for a low cost food item. It was a like-for-like substitution. I would have commended him for his work. She nearly burst a blood vessel over the incident.
I haven't posted any photos from Laos on my Flickr site. I'll do that soon.
hi tony;
love ur show,ur attidute, drinking & smoking;WOW my kind of man.....oh did i mention anything about ur sick humor, love it ,it's great!!
tony, if u ever have any room to spare on one of ur trips, please let know cuz i'll drop everything & meet u at JFK in a heart beat.
ur blogs are very entertaining, and put's the person reading it, right there with u tony. been watching u now since u been on t.v..reading ur books are a big plus....keep up the good work, safe traveling to u and all of ur crew. a loyal fan.........pete
i started watching your show every week, even with a warning from a friend "you wont like it! he hates vegans"!! yes i am a vegan and i still %$#@ing love your show, and most importantly your books.i also work in a huge kitchen with a SUPER cocky %#@% head chef ( who happens to inspire the %$#@ out of me,especially after reading your books) it gave me a whole new way to look at the job i do and the jobs my coworkers do,right down to the African and Mexican crew of dishwashers. i think you are so intelligent,witty and downright amazing. i bring in quotes from your books and your blogs,read them out loud in the kitchen,just to put a fire under our %#@es when times get %$#@ty.
cant wait to see what else you have to say in the days to come.
keep it real!
I love this show!! My husband and I love to travel and I love to eat and he loves to cook so we love the mix of culture and food this show offers. Also, an extra kudos to Tony for helping my best friend make it through her chemo. She is a well-traveled, intelligent, fascinating woman and a fantastic cook. I mean, how many women do you know roast a whole pig on a spit for their summer BBQ? Anyway, it keeps her spirits up to watch the show and every third week after her last chemo session we try to get together for some delicious (often Tony-inspired) food to celebrate food, wine and life (and sometimes a few smokes, but don't tell her doctor). Thanks!!
felcheriffic - tee hee!
How do you do it?? All these places you go and weird food and no health problems. What is your secret to avoid nasty parasites and other bad %$#@??
Hey Tony! Love your show. I'm really glad to see someone from the travel channel uncovering a diamond in a rough (Laos). I was born in Laos and I came to the states when I was 11 months old. Fortunate for me, my parents had always cooked our traditional foods and taught me about our culture. And for the first time in 25 years, I went to visit the motherland and it was amazing! The family that I had never met took me in with open arms and great hospitality. The people there is also kind and generous and the food is freshly amazing!! Life there is simple and stress free (as for me anyways). So much to say about this country but I will leave that to you this summer. This trip had definitely change my whole perspective on life and I'm glad I had a chance to experience it. Definitely going back soon.
Thanks for a great show. Keep them coming!
P.S. - Don't forget to try Bang Luet Beit (Duck Blood Dish) when you're there. mmmmm..delicious!!
Haha!
Around a month ago, my father was bothering me for a while before I left to go back to school in broken english. Due to my unhealthy college fangirl obsession with A.B., he was urging me to email you guys about doing a show in Laos!
He'll be so happy now! (I can always lie and say I did send the email..)
First let me say the I realize you (Tony) will never see this blog attachment but, I guess that does not matter...However, what does matter is the quality of your TV program - It is Great & I like it a lot!
P.S. My wife likes the program too. Pennsylvania, USA
Tony, I can't wait to see your show on Laos, my birth place. Other fans have already written that Laos is their birthplace as well, but due to the "Secret" war, we are here in the U.S. If you want to compare the Hmong, come to the Twin Cities in Minnesota, so you can see how the Hmong community has changed from our brothers and sisters in Laos. We would love to host you and share our table with you.
Tony, I know you might not see this post. I just got done watching your chit chat with China Matt for the second time and I just want to say I envy you while you were sitting there in Laos it looked some what warm there.
It sure wasn't -30 like it has been here in Minnesota in which it will be again in the negative temps this weekend.
Baovie, as for Tony coming to Minnesota he was last November. He was in Minnesota for a book tour. I got to meet him and he is just like you see him on NR one cool dude.
You should stop by Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza in Bangkok for some beer and street food.
Now, that would be a show to watch.
http://nanajournals.blogspot.com/
I am wicked excited about this episode. I was in Laos April 2007. The people there are very friendly. Didn't get to eat a whole lot b/c I was there to see Khone Phapeng waterfalls in Vuen Kham. It was a very quick day trip and we got there via Stung Treng, Cambodia.
I was just wondering how many days you and your crew stay/shoot in each country?
I also wanted to thank you and your crew for all your hardwork.
Best wishes,
sn
: )
I love your show. You really capture the essence of the country you visit and of the locals. It's brilliant. I also went to Laos and toured the WHOLE country. I started in Phonsavan and worked my way south to Champ%#@ak. I'm really glad that your shooting in Laos because its an unknown country and it's beautiful and deserves to be displayed to the whole world. I wish you and your crew a safe travel.
One day god was very frustrated. Like a 4 year old wanting to slam his toy on the ground, god took a long strip of tarmac and slapped it on the western coast of India. One such place on such a road is Ratnagiri. Just as less known as Laos, just as spicy and mathching every detail you have talked about. No bombs here..the last war here was faught a good 300 yrs back evident from the cannon balls and cannons and forts that still stand inspite the heavy rains every year. Mist all over the green hills surrounds the small huts, each a good distance from the other. The road just enough for 1 vehicle at a time looking fresh(fresh road! wonder whats in next)thanks to the rain that washed it. Just a few hours by road from Bombay.
Looking forward to the show Tony.
Adios
It is definitely much colder in Phonsavan than anywhere else; didn't enjoy it much there.
Be sure to check out Tamarind and L'Elephant in Luang Prabang. I'm sure you haven't had much Beerlao by now......... ;)
on one of your shows you said, "any challenge i wont say no, i'll do it"
ha, will you marry me?
thank you so much for the shows, tears
in my eyes from laughing so much, the iceland show...you are soooo funny.
thank you so much
Wow, He actually went to Laos. I was would not of fathom that idea. I was wanting to write to him that I would like to go visit Laos with him as I am from Laos. I have never visited the country.
The food from Laos is great, but it is always in second to Thai food. Very similar food, but Laos food is more spicy.
Have fun and be safe...
me and hubby are so fun of anthony, he like him bcoz hes so cool and so natural...
if you are looking to help with the cluster bombs removal please contact this foundation, they also help to preserve the soon to be lost textile weaving art.
website link:
http://greenheartfoundation.org/bombsaway.html
sabaidee
shok dje
I hated your show until I saw Dave from Chengdu with you and now my Dad and I watch it every time you are on. It took me more than the 5 minutes I usually allowed new shows to "get" what you are doing and the fun you are having. Now we are addicts!
Blessings, Pandora
You are one of the few individuals who knows of the Hmong people.
love your show and books. F@#$ food network, I cant stand Rachel Ray. By the way my girlfriend is lao and my house smells of lemongrass, cilantro, mint and paa-dek.
My grandma worked at Ban LAO.....
Well, that was my grandma she is back in america with me and my family......
Hope she gets to see you again!!
Megan