There is only one explanation - it is part of the Romanian conspiracy. JUST KIDDING - really we like your country! lets move on.

I returned home from a camping trip to find my husband had bought 72 "hot inches" of HD and it is not even kind to the beautiful people on the weather channel. We usually huddle around the old 36" in the kitchen. which must explain why I still love your show.

hahahahahaha. Well, I, personally, don't mind seeing you half naked. But then again, I am kind of a freak anyway.

I do, however, have to mention that your New Orleans show is being replayed to my students every semester. It's a fantastic piece. Humanitarian meets Food Culture. Loved it.

And forget Romania! We will always have London and Edinburgh.

Apparently, they're trying to appeal to the fetishists out there, Tony.

Hey Tone, we watch the show...BECAUSE OF YOU!

Yea, get it in your beautious head.

The facial expressions and food descriptions are the reasons I watch.

It's the whole Bourdain Dealio.
I'm just sayin!

You can make eating a Goat Head cooked with a lil salt-n-pepper LOOK GREAT!
:)

As we are finding out, not much looks good in HD...unless specifically filmed for HD. Forget the local news. Ouch. Some of those gals don't need high def.

Despite poor choices in advertisement content, Tony...we'll still tune in. I am stuck in South St. Louis and you are one of the tolerable links to the rest of the world.

Ouch...take your beating like a man, wepner... err bourdain.

Who ever keep this idiot to do shows?

That is really what you want from your viewers? Did you see how many negative comments you had? Your answer is even more ignorant and obnoxious than the show. At list the show could have been a mistake but your comment after the show are so arrogant and with an undeserved and an-knowledge superiority. If you did not want to be there your shouldn’t have gone to begin with.

And when you finally did why did not go to a house like in the last night show, a normal house. You would have had the surprise of your life.

I am terribly sorry for you lack of sense and lack of traveler spirit and sense and finding the right people to travel with, in a country that was for 3000 years in between so many cultures and Empires and worlds that left the best: FOOD. All you showed is fake and untraditional (most of the time). You missed to show all the millions of vegetarian dishes and kosher dishes and you also missed that the kosher kitchen has a very much originated in Romania. Each region specific many dished that as a culinary “expert” I guess you will never taste.

What a job badly done!
Nobody from Romania is upset with you, Anthony, either Romanian or not.
We just want you to see real and tell the truth and to be a good journalist and chef and be clear real! You are a fine man. So when you go again there, get a nice shave, haircut and put your nicest jacket and most respectful face! People from all over the world, enjoy that place.

The positive comments on your discussion site look really mostly manufactured and put in the right places. Is not point to fabricate for yourself positive remarks about the show!? Just do the great job apparently you always did before.
With much love,
New York Girl

You made a trip to one of the most exiting culinary cultures and you took a no-educated not Romanian guide that shows you nothing. And even you did not like him! I am terribly sorry for you lack of sense and lack of traveler spirit and sense and finding the right people to travel with, in a country that was for 3000 years in between so many cultures and Empires and worlds that left the best: FOOD. Nobody talk with "Comrades" in Romania is fake and stupid! You are just made fun of yourself! It seams that even your self did not like this guy! You could have had so much good time! And learn so much more! To your reputation I expected much more. You could get a normal Romanian culinary educated tour guide. All you showed is fake and horrible and untraditional (most of the time). You missed to show all the millions of vegetarian dishes and kosher dishes and you also missed that the kosher kitchen has a very much originated in Romania. Each region specific many dished that as a culinary “expert” I guess you will never taste.

You disappointed so many people that where expecting a great show. my boyfriend, that is not Romanian specially made sure for weeks that I am going to watch because the great Anthony Bordain will be fantastic, Shame on you, as a journalist, human been, culinary expert and tourist, Anthony Bordain, if you where close by I would have punch you in the nose and I am only a very gentle woman, doctor. What a job badly done! The reason I came to America is because this country is honest and fair and have some how a way to repair itself in its own systems. I love you guys. You are great! But Bordain sucks badly!

Nobody from Romania is upset with you, Anthony, either Romanian or not. The positive comments on your discussion site look really made up. We just want you to see real and tell the truth and to be a good journalist and chef and be clear real! You are a fine man. So when you go again there, get a nice shave, haircut and put your nicest jacket and most respectful face! People from all over the world, enjoy that place.
Is not point to fabricate for yourself positive remarks about the show!? Just do the great job apparently you always did before. I am sure a lot of people would be more than happy to give you the greatest of time
With much love
New York Girl

I don't understand anymore what Anthony Bourdain show is really about?! It seems to me that lately it's about his own personal frustrations and not about traveling the world and discovering new cultures, traditions and culinary wonders. I thought that this show was supposed to reveal the unknown secrets of each country, but instead, it seems that it's all about Anthony Bourdain's mood. First of all it's obvious at this point that he is taken away by the Asian culture, so why not stick with that and forget about Europe and all the other continents. Second, why do we have to wait so long to see something new about a country like Romania, or Greece (where civilization was born) and in stead all you get is the Russian version of the Muppets Show.

Last night watching Romania was painful, Bourdain's remarks and swears to some ignorant Russian (his buddy) made the show look like a cheep dark comedy. So again what was this show about? It was definitely not about Romania!!! Is Bourdain depressed I wonder? If he has a miserable life maybe he should make a show about it, but on a different channel. I choose to watch Travel Channel because it "takes" me places and hopefully where it took me last night it was "just a bad dream".

It's a shame when an ordinary man believes he can make extraordinary shows and he presents in one hour his point of view about an entire country like Romania, and what point of view? !! This is NOT what we want to see on Travel Channel !!! Not Anthony 's comments and swearing, his arrogance and lack of intelligence. I watch Travel Channel because it gives me an idea about all the beautiful places around the world and this way I can travel and feel the taste of that part of the world. But now I wonder after what I saw last night about Romania, if all I have seen before about other countries is just a false image that was given to me by this guy. He should have stayed in the kitchen in NY because he still has a lot to learn about food and definitely a lot to learn about people. His ego is so big he doesn't even care to educated himself a little bit about the specific country he does his show in so he can offer respect to the those people and their culture.

It's like a recipe Mr. Bourdaine, every country has its own ingredients and it's own flavor you just have to find out what was put in that "pie" that it made it so special and unique. But it seems that you forgot how to taste a real pie …all your knowledge at this point stays in how to eat a pig next to a Russian pig who dragged you in his mud . You forgot where you came from and you seem to think that one man like you can judge and make fun of a whole nation with hundreds of years of history.

You are a disappointment and The Travel Channel should really think about this. I feel sorry for us, the viewers, we are the victims of one of the most popular channel in the world that produces such miserable false image shows.

HOW TRAVEL CHANNEL CAN APPROVE THESE KIND OF SHOWS? We don't want to watch the remarks of an unhappy miserable guy. So Travel Channel what you are going to do about this? Or we are just wasting our time writing here? If I will be YOU , I would never replay the show from Romania again and apologies to the many viewers who were insulted last night.

Ioana

Maybe someone @ the ad agency is a big Peter Jackson fan, and they were going for a chef-as-Gollum-on-his-way-to-Mordor kind of scene. The back story of the shot could be something along the lines of "No Reservations" takes you to places you'd never have the balls (or money) to go to on your own.

Just kidding. I'm sure you're grossly exaggerating how you look. Some of us like that ageing skinny post punk rocker look, anyway.

Dear Mr. Bourdain,
I have never been to Romania but I have seen various Country & Western musical acts perform all across the world! I don't think that it is at all appropriate for you to expose your breasts on advertisements. Is it true that Gordon Ramsay has forced you to expose your nipples on television like the way does on every episode of Kitchen Nightmares?
With Retards,
Jean Michel Beauregard

Wow Anonymous, take your vitriol elsewhere.

I saw that ad. One question: Where'd the tattoos go?!

Tony... don't even worry about a bad ad here and there. You are brilliant and funny and unbelievably sexy, and I have yet to find someone I know who thinks otherwise. We all love you, so please keep up the great work!

Oh, good lord. This is a sign of the Apocalypse, at least for me. Not only am I one of your sycophantic minions, I am also the moderator of the Don Knotts Appreciation Society over on Live Journal.

The same thing happened to me, so I can feel your pain this time.
The Romanian newspaper, Cotidianul, were kind enough to run a spread on the challenge I'm currently involved in where I try to get to every Capital City in the EU without a single penny in my pocket.
I was grateful for the article, but not so pleased that they'd found a picture of me so wasted that I couldn't even open my right eye!

See the article here;
http://www.cotidianul.ro/index.php?id=17582&art=42564&cHash=e5f9f2e658#op

Also, check out my adventures at http.//www.euro-challenge.blogspot.com

By the way, I only had positives to say about the time I spent in Romania, and in other places with Romanians!
I still can't quite believe the rubbish you published about such a great, warm, welcoming country.

Oh well......

http://www.euro-challenge.blogspot.com

Are we still talking about Romania?

Let it go, people. Just let it go. Pretend it's the Eagles, and just keep it in the past.

Romania happened. Treat it no differently than a bad date or a back-alley mugging. Pick yourselves up, brush yourselves off, and head over to yesterday's thread if you all are so determined to live in the past.

Today is a new day with a half-naked, high-def Bourdain trying not to drown in an Icelandic pond with a belly full of fermented shark and a head full of fermented death.

that ad surely must have a twisted demographic to peddle to, especially if they air it frequently.Besides the sworn Bourdain fan club/groupies, that ad could only attract the creepiest of the creepies.
Or people who enjoy seeing fellow humans in worse hungover agony then themselves. sadists, basically.

Honestly nobody is a looker in HD without makeup. Dont sweat it dude.

hasn't stopped me from thinking you're hot

Seriously? I think it is brilliant advertising. They know what we want.

Whoa! People....the Romania thread is elsewhere...give it a break. If your spleens require further venting do it there, then seek therapy if needed.

As for that ad? Squirrel heads? When my dad was a lad in the hills of West Virginia, following a successful squirrel hunt they'd wrastle to see who got the head. Mebbe that's the demo they were goin' for but I'm not sure how strong a demo the descendants of the McCoys are....just don't pick a feud with us - heh.

By the way Tony, my wife will take that shot of you in the pool any day...puffy face or now and yes we have HD and she has no complaints.

I enjoy the shows, if anything i know theres more to all the places anthony travels to , and some day i will travel to one,if not all of them.everyone has there own perception of things, will you let someone elses perception determin yours?

Really!? People are upset over Romania? Sheesh I just think you should stop hanging out with Samir because bad things happen when he is around.
Yes they should have used a better image of you. Say like when you nearly killed yourself by rolling an ATV on top of you. Wouldn't someone want to see that in HiDef? or how about you teaching head-hunter kids ramones lyrics. That was something.

Dan, Chris,
It's his show, he can do what he wants, but for a person who prides himself on keeping it real, this looks like a weak attempt at damage control. Certainly he's been in hotter kitchens, let the flames die out on their own. The timing and topic of this post feels desperate.

David, when a woman tells you she looks fat today it is your place to step in and re%#@ure her that is not the case, you still enjoy her company and that she has a valid place in the world. Would you deny Anthony the same courtesy? (no I'm not calling him a woman - I'm just relating)

If I just endured three days of personal attacks on a global scale the most real thing I would be seeking is some %#@urance that, yes, someone does still appreciate me.

Maybe I am wrong - maybe he doesn't give a #@*% what we all think. But I am willing to take the bait and say I still love the show, I still think he's sexy and boy if you think that's bad you should see Rachel Rays behind in 72 inches of HD! I never have to say I look fat after that.

BUT WHAT ABOUT ROMANIA

Megan:
"Chef-as-Gollum-on-his-way-to-Mordor kind of scene," that's hilarious.

Tony I had no idea you had a blog...I want to personally thank you for turning what was once an underground izakaya spitting distance from Times Square into a spot that now often requires putting your name on a list and gets a fair share of gaijin asking for a "box 'o sake." You know what I'm talking about dude, Sake Bar Hagi. Just kidding Chef, the wait isn't always that bad and its still a pretty decent hang, but not quite what it used to be. Kan-pai! -- Joe D.

how manny of you knows where's Romania on map .. ?:)

(don't google it now) :)

Wow, I must've missed that one, Tony. I'll keep my eyes peeled for it. All I can say to make you feel better is at least no one has ever stolen pics of you and posted them on pantyhose fetish sites (leaving you to wonder why the sudden onslaught of emails from pervs requesting *used* pairs of your socks and pantyhose)!

Oh. I see how it is.

You're clearly trying to denigrate the great Romanian, Vladdy O'Houlihan, janitor to the under-secretary at Beligium's chapter of the International Telecommunication Union during the great 1983 milestone in High Definition development i.e. the compromise between the 25/50Hz and 30/60Hz camps.

Vladdy O'Houlihan was a Romanian. A prideful Romanian -- without whom -- the under-secretary's office wouldn't have been clean -- and the mess would have made him been too frazzled to negotiate w/ the fiery 30/60Hz supporters - and the debate would still be raging.

In presenting such anti-HD rhetoric, you just spit on Vladdy's contribution -- and once again tore down the great country of Romania.

I will go weep now.

Hey Mr. Bourdain: you may be the first-ever New Yorker writer to be "exploited" in this particular way (at least I sincerely hope you are)! Maybe you should take it as a compliment. Or maybe the head advertising exec at The Travel Channel is Romanian....

Anyway - I'm pushing 40, and if somebody put my saggy @ss on TV, all hung-over and pale, and I got this many responses telling me I was still sexy, I'd be pretty psyched.

HOWEVER - NOTE FROM FAN TO AD EXECS:
We love Tony for his WIT...
(with a "W" at the beginning, not a "T").

Don't worry your pretty little head, Tony, I'm sure you look great. I am a little worried about seeing Zamir in HD though...especially in that sweaty Uzbeki m%#@age parlor.

We love you Tony, Rage on Wrinkle boy, youth is overrated!

What do you think Tony? Time to slow down on the drinking? How long do you think the Travel Channel will put up with the "I'm a cowboy chef" thing? Ride the high because if you keep this up it may not last.

Tony, you keep making disparaging remarks about your appearance/physique, but facts is facts-- you are an incredibly handsome man, and HD or not, it continues to be a treat to enjoy the view! (That you also happen to be witty, bright, and sarcastic just puts more icing on the cake!) You're the only reason I keep paying my cable bill!

Someone get the idiots off this blog, please. PLEASE?

Tony's Romanian show presents only one view of the country - we have established that. I love his show so much because of his honesty - if you want unadulterated glee in your travel shows then watch Samantha Brown. His experience, however, might not be yours or mine or anyone else's. I don't think Tony's goal is to do anything but relate his experiences, and let's face it - not every experience is a good one.

As for the commercial - I loved the Iceland show because of the Blue Lagoon scenes - the juxtaposition between your miserable snarkiness and the gorgeous scenery was fantastically amusing (in a good way) and I think you look great, even hung over. For me to see my favorite show in HD is a definite selling point.

Hey, Tony...such a fan. I can't tell you how much my husband and I enjoy your show, especially the Romania one, DO NOT change a thing to the show and especially don't change you. We adore you. Wish you could come to Idaho, don't know what you could possibly do here but we have a Bardenay's Distillery in Boise. It's fantastic. Rum, Gin and Vodka at it's finest. Keep up the good work, and consider yourself popular with all this publicity....haha

Hahaha omg you are hilarious. I have yet to see this ad, but now I must look out for it. Maybe it will convince me to get HD! I NEED to see this. The poor children :)

Ok, I have a show idea.

It'll be called, "No Reservations: Survivor Special"

The premise is this: The Romania episode is played 24/7 on Romanian state-run television for a week straight. In essence, bringing the m%#@es to a boil.

Then, Tony and Zamir are helicoptered into some backstreet of Bucharest - handcuffed together -- w/ butter knives, matches, and 100 ounces of mineral water each. We film them try to make their way to the Ukranian border alive.

Whaddya think? Good, right?

There'll be fistfights w/ one-eyed Grandma's, bullet-dodging the gunfire from crazy Romanian teens, ball-washing for leu's, armwrestling the right to wear underwear, and much much more.

It'll be huge.

Y'all have it slightly wrong. Bourdain is just an ex-chef that found out he could make more money doing this gig than his old gig. His shtick is pretty one dimensional - and he is unapologetic about it - so watch and enjoy if you want. Or don't. Do we really care if he has his shirt off? Or whether he was really drunk? Or if he really likes Romania? It's all for the show.

Oh and he is never coming to Idaho.

Jack,

Have what wrong? Really, Bourdain is an ex chef having a blast for money? You don't say?

Thanks for enlightening us, Captain Obvious.

...And Idaho blows -- perhaps even harder than Romania.

KBHC-1987

lol at Captain Obvious. Don't worry about the haters Tony, I am sure we outnumber them and so what if we don't, we are the ones who pay for that tier of cable, buy your books and obsessively download you to their iPhones to watch under the covers errr I mean on the treadmill, yeah that is what I Really Meant to say...on the treadmill.

I think another great HD ad for AB would be the "evil eye" shot from the Uzbeki torture....I mean, "m%#@age" scene!

Allow me to speak on behalf of a younger generation (I'm 23)naked is better, so I applaud drunken nakedness and those HD nerds for using that.

Laura Mc said:
HOWEVER - NOTE FROM FAN TO AD EXECS:
We love Tony for his WIT...
(with a "W" at the beginning, not a "T").

Well actually, we do love him for his t*t -or maybe that is just me since I have a nipple fetish for guys. Uh, never mind! Just trying to add some levity to this blog! Haven't seen the ad yet, but look forward to it. LOL. ~Bonnie (artnlit)

I'll take a puffy, ravaged face and 51 year old torso of Tony over Lindsay Lohan's (and the others of the young, rich and stupid skank club) constant "firecr*tch" shots constantly shown on tv!

I like the ad. Looks refreshing.

As to the Romania episode -- it was painful to watch. I've traveled most of Europe and Romania was never a country that interested me. Surprised the producers picked that place, could have done a lot more elsewhere.

Umm, is anyone else tired of reading the word ROMANIA...or is it just me?
"I'm just sayin"

WOW...a few blogs ago I said something about the Cult of Bourdain needing a Bourdain entry more than every 6 weeks...or something to that effect. So, Bourdain steps up to the plate! It seems the Cult of Bourdain is whipped into a frenzy now. All this reading and watching NR has made me thirsty. Thanks, Bourdain!

Umm has eveyone gotten their "Bordains"? I mean the flip flops with the beer opener on the bottom? Ya!Ya!

Hey man,
You are, strangely enough, one of the few people I can stand in HD. At least I don't want to hit you when you talk.

I absolutly love this show,I'm actually a quit bit jealous though..I have never even left my own state must be awesome to go places and see great stuff. food is my life you cant even get fresh herbs were i live (what has the world come to!!)

Tony -

Looking good no matter what, where or what you wear. I love the commercial and think that they are geniuses to run the ad.
As far as Romanian, people get over it and move on. Just like you have freedom of speech to leave your unwanted comments on this blog, Tony has the freedom to bring us a show saying that Romania sucks. Keep entertaining us Tony we love you!!!

Megan said,

"I'm sure you're grossly exaggerating how you look. Some of us like that ageing skinny post punk rocker look, anyway."

Amen sistah! :0)

look at it this, way, though

what about the rest of us in the cheap seats?

it could make us feel a little bit more ok about the fact that we'll never have hi def.

then again, there could be those lamenting the missed opportunity of seeing someone else feeling and looking like sheer and utter crap and it not being them.

either way, i'll look forward to the advert, even in lo-def

way to take the hit for the team.

I still haven't seen the add...rats! ...or squirrels.

IT IS TOO EASY TO ENTER AND WRITE ON THIS CHAT OF TONY. I AM SHURE THERE ARE PEOPLE IN YOUR TEAM THAT JUST PUT THIS COMMENTS. YOU STILL ARE JUST STUPID INCOMPETENT. a COOK WITH A GIPSY FROM RUSSIA MAK THE PLACES THEY GO AND DRINK ALCOHOL WITH MEDICINE AND THEY THEY MAK AGAIN, THAT IS TRUE GREAT TRAVEL CHANEL QUALITY TV, PIGS CADAVERS . WHAT A JOKE OF CRIPY POEPLE

Tony,
Word on the internet was that I was eaten by wolves. No true. I did see Anthony Zimmern chasing me with a knife and fork recently and ran like hell, but that is another story.
Got to go, Romania is calling my name.

To those uptight people who don't like the show: GET A LIFE AND CHANGE THE FREAKIN CHANNEL IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE SHOW!Some of us get it and enjoy hearing from someone who is not afraid to speak their mind and cut through all the B.S. in this world. Keep being you Tony

Tony, I liked that Blue Lagoon shot of you drinking the beer and looking sexy in the water.
HQ could have used the shot of you sitting in the mud bath in the spa in Iceland oh better yet the shot of you showering before and after you went into the mud bath.
But my all time favorite is the wild m%#@age thingy in Uzbekistan now that would make a good AD for HD.
I'll keep watching NR, because I like Tony coming into my living room for one hour every Monday night.

What's up, Bourdain? A few of my messages on here have been humorous -- but in all seriousness, you're an inspiration...and flat our cool. I want to be you when I grow up. Technically, I am grown up, but you get the idea.

I just love watching you - anywhere, anytime. And your 51 y/o half naked torso is just one of the reasons to continue watching. Please continue doing what you do!

Finally saw the ad and let me say that I would love to get my 29 year old naked torso next to your 51 year old naked torso any day...!

I say that all in good fun, since we are both married. Like most people here I watch the show for your talent and wit (that is sexy too) so I would gladly settle for a beer and good conversation.

(PS happy to see all the friendly and familiar names returning here from the Romanian battle fields.)

Ditto, Chesh!
But then again, I am also a big fan of Keith Richards...LOL. Ragged or not, Tony, you are who you are - which is why we like you. Continue on, man, continue on. Cheers, Bonnie (artnlit)

This is the only type of advertisement that would get my attention: bloody, disgusting, and potentially delicious. Tony, I have never experienced anyone sexier than yourself; and just to boost your ego a bit more (like you need it) I am just 23 years old. Please don't ever stop doing what you're doing, I don't think i would be able to survive without my daily Bourdain fix.
Salud,
Ashley

What are you talking about Tony?! Any hint of your nakedness is reason enough to tune in. You're sexy, get over it.

Don't get me wrong though; its the combination of your wit, genuine interest in culture and food, and the happiness you find in the far corners of the world that gets me coming back for more.

*Gives Tony a pat on the back* :)

As a straight man, I don't tune in because I think you're sexy. In fact, I don't think you're sexy -- not in the least -- yet you're still "the man" in my book. Doesn't that count for anything?

Ok, not representing available poon-tang DOESN'T count for anything.

Agreed and understood.

baby daughters have a way of making baby daddies grow up. kudos to your kid for bringing out the fine character in you. cool gets boring after a while. guts goes the distance. i'll be tunin' in again on account of the cl%#@y disclaimer. /s

"Poon-tang" KBHC1987??? Now, now. What's the famous line we've heard before about famous men: All the women want to &*$# him and all the men want to BE him? Well...I don't think we have to go that far. LOL. I think it is safe to say, flirting aside, that the women like Tony's "talent and wit" as Chesh noted. Don't feel slighted. You're in the club!

Ok, I'm in the club.

Now, about that poon-tang.

Don't underestimate it's value. No respectable straight man wants to contribute to society w/o the allure of the tang. I mean, w/o the tang, we'd just escape to the mountains and join the hermits. Well, would we still be hermits if we were together, though? Pretend that contradiction didn't plague my example -- and that's what tanglessness would do to the world.

The tang is what maintains balance to the force. The great motivator. The silver lining to every cloud. The obligatory topless shot in every Mimi Rogers film. The yawn that unblocks your ears after a long flight to hell. The brownie at the end of a week-long diet of grain, fruits, vegetables, and protein shakes.

Ok, what are we talking about again?

Regardless, a lesson was learned -- that much, I'm sure of.

So, KBHC1987 - is that why men make such great employees? That certainly is what drew Anthony to being a chef in the first few pages of Kitchen Confidential and, I presume, what draws you here to chat with 'artnlit' and I?

I'm just relieved to see someone else is pointlessly hanging around the blogosphere while they should be working...must..make..deadline..

just wanted to make an appearance.
i love a party.

Chesh,

It's not like every individual choice is made w/ the thought that, "This is going to help me score!"

It's more about what what making money and being a "respectable" contributor to society means. There isn't anything inherently valuable in being a cog like that -- if snatch wasn't out there.

If we lived in a snatchless world, I wouldn't mind being a drifter/hermit. However, since getting laid living that sort of lifestyle isn't too realistic -- I'm compelled to make some sort of living for myself.

So, I can find value in things that will not get me laid -- but only if getting laid is still an option. Ergo, Tony can find value in a fan like me, but only because he's making sweet sweet love to someone (or three or fifty). It floats the proverbial boat.

Without it, Kevin Bacon's Hair Circa 1987 -- and most men -- would stop giving a $hit. Society would consequently disintegrate.

...But you already knew that.

No KBHC1987 society would not disintegrate - there would be plenty of women happy to run it!! ;) I like your honesty and I would play strategical chess with you anytime! I'll quit hijacking the blog now....

(By the way is "Kevin Bacon's Hair Circa 1987" a code name for Rhulmans and his bad 'do? )

Sheesh!! Enough with Romania, already! It happened, OK? Get over it! (I personally think Zamir is funny, but that's just MO). I don't see any Namibians complaining that Bourdain thinks their country is one of the most god-forsaken places on earth, with no good food to speak of. If you want someone to do nothing but sing praises about your country, go sign a petition on Samantha Brown's forums and leave this one alone. You've stated your case. Everyone agrees. Now, let's move on.

And Tony...it's just an ad. Quit the whining, and share something about the Hawaii episode before Monday, please.

Alicia

Greetings All:
May I use the word "poop" on this site? Please get back to me on this, as I sense it will be worked into most of my future blogs, of which, God willing, there will be "aplenty."
To Anonymous, I am going to need a copy of your SAT results. You are going to be banned from the next Mensa meeting with a blog that stupid.
Don't worry Tony, your big in Idaho. Nuff said there.

"Romania on $40 a day." Don't let Ms Ray steel that great idea. Your welcome.

When I think of Kevin Bacon's hair circa 1987, I think about Bacon's mane in "White Water Summer."

Bacon, at his devlish best, guided and abused a bunch of wayward teens through the wilderness.

It starred a post-"Goonies" Sean Astin, the middle child from "Charles In Charge" (the Pembroke years!), the guy who played quiet-Lewis in "Teen Wolf," and the dude who starred as Eddie (Kirk Cameron's only other friend besides Boner) in "Growing Pains."

Yes, it was indeed as good as it sounds.

Click on my name and you'll get a little taste for just how good. Just a little, though -- because most of it is terrible.

It certainly appeals to my demographic, whatever the hell it might be....

Tony:

YOU'RE HOT. You're smart, funny, self-effacing, intelligent and hot. And you can cook...and drink. A perfect man.

Patricia

Darn I still have not seen the AD, I keep missing it and I'am a TC fan-natic.
I hope I can catch that AD soon.

Hello,
I am a Romania journalist from the "Cotidianul" newspaper. I would like to ask you a few questions about how the ROmanian Ministry of Tourism helped/didn't help you on your tour of Romania.

Best regards,
Razvan Vintilescu

You are not hot , you are not smart, you are just stupid and ignorants and really discusting people with no education and no shame

Check out this link http://mturism.ro/fileadmin/mturism/PublicitateAchizitiiPublice/vizita_sua.pdf

Why AB didn't accept any help from Romanian Ministry?...it's a complete mystery. Period.

"I'm sure you're grossly exaggerating how you look. Some of us like that aging skinny post punk rocker look, anyway."

For sure! I agree completely with Megan!

anonymous,

I dont normally rant to other posters, but since your post was not only posted "incognito" it wasnt relevant to ANY of the subject matter being discussed I will make an exception this time

surely the irony of your post could not be lost on such a scholar as yourself...

as in you misspelled "disgusting"

..the hilarity

Actually Valerie, "Anonymis" was quite correct in her spelling of "Discusting." Must I spellchek everything? God...
Some of the greatest intellects the world has ever seen have come from Romania. For example, Rachel Ray can trace her lineage directly back to Romania. I could go on of course but you get the idea.

Hi Tony,
I too am a Romanian journalist and have a few questions.

Sincerely yours,
Alfred E. Newman

Mmmm... German scat porn? Barney Fife, naked? Oh lordy... when does this episode air?? ;-)
Ahem, right then. Judging from what I saw on the Romania show, not so much, judging from what went down with you personally, I would have had a crap time there, too. I'm laughing my tail off here at all the folks who are so repulsed and offended that you didn't have a happy, cheery, wondrous time. Not ever place in the world is Disney World-caliber, folks. Not every person is capable of having a joyous time 100 percent of the time.
It's akin to my first visit to Spain-- the place where ALL my ancestors came from. I was quite excited about seeing where my family history resides. I found the only thing there to be worth a %$#@ was the food. It was a horrible time and I can see why my ancestors left the bloody place! Too many people were rude-- probably even moreso because my Spanish sucks. Too many scary moments with crazy, bad drivers. Was completely sick of the way men disgustingly leered at me, and nearly took on a few in a match of fisticuffs. That's just the tip of the iceberg. Yes, there is a lot of history in Spain, and the landscape is very beautiful in a lot of regions. However, the place wasn't my cup of tea. Dare I say it was quite 'simple' there (simple meaning severely backwards)? I think my attitude regarding this really pissed off my travel companion (who was excited to take me there), but piss on it all... like you, I can't lie and pretend like it was a good time. Sure wasn't!
Don't sweat all the bull%$#@ people are throwing your way, Tony. Don't worry about the way you look on HD, either (impending puke session or not). You look quite okay to me!2a

oh,
forgive me, my mistake.
next time I will be sure to consult my "engrish" dictionary. It seems to come in handy...

Anthony,

Looks like you were right about Robert Irvine.

http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-robertirvinedinnerimpossiblecontroversy,0,7824866.story

Sad indeed.

Perhaps Robert Irvine and JAG should develop a new show together.

Anthony traveled to Roses, Spain. He ate & with Ferran Adria from El Builli.Both men went for lunch in a little place with Fresh Ham off the bone.. they also, i believe, went to a little seafood place together. does anyone know name of Ham place & other little restaurant.
thanks, caron

Anthony asks: "What tiny, deeply disturbed demo were they trying to appeal to here?"

Hmm...maybe the same deeply disturbed demo that enjoyed watching that Russian schmuck get %$#@faced in a remote Romanian village. I half expected the hosts to ask him to squeal like a pig.

For all those haters out there, I watch the travel channel BECAUSE of Anthony Bourdain!! He makes us laugh and shows us the "lighter" side of life...how to go and have fun, enjoy food and cultures in places that I will never get to travel to. For those of you who dont like him or his comments, DONT WATCH!!! Dont tune in, and then complain about how much you dont like it, simply change the freakin channel!!

Who doesn't want to see a naked guy in a blue lagoon? The clarity of the rippling...water is so sexy in high def. Where's the beef, Tony?

Don't mean to rip on your non-rippling muscles, Tony, because you are definitely sexy in your own non beef-cake way.

Whoa... The Food Network just canned Robert Irvine. Apparently, he "embellished" his resume to include things like a knighthood and cooking for several US Presidents.

Thought you'd like to know.

Carry on, citizens.

Tony,
How can you drink Rolling Rock after Bud took over and moved the water to Newark! Newark!!!!

You've moved behind Curtis Armstrong on "Best friends I'd want to have."

Joe Corey

Digging the Hawai'i ep.

Dug (and continue digging) ALL of them.

Don't change, M'sieur Bourdain.

We love you Just The Way You Are.

(Sorry...couldn't resist.)

Nostrovia,

Ali

After watching the Hawaii episode this eve and reading this thread, have to say it's interesting. I've been watching N.R. for awhile BECAUSE of Tony. He is brutally honest about the trip. If the guests offers, eat-whether vegetarian, (know how much you like your veggies haha)the final chute or the best, fresh caught seafood for the feasts-you eat and make nice while in their presence. Sometimes you genuinely REALLY enjoy it. The way you show the areas, traditions be they good, or other, and editorialize to draw us all in as though somewhat sharing the experience is wonderful. Congrats on the Homefront. Keep looking sexy, showing us new areas of the world and don't fret those whose don't like it. You're Still Here-Still Doing It-Still Having Fun!!! Have a drink for me in your next location-Even though I'm in your "demographics" that say women don't want to see that. A Handsome man speaking the truth with a refreshment (wishing for a smoke?) and great ethnic food. LOVE IT T

tony
cant reach your message board, crappy computer. you need to get your $%# to chicago.

Tony, what do you think about the Robert Irvine firing at Food Network?

James - I think Tony's reaction to the Irvine firing is the same as his reaction to Bear Grylis staying in hotels rather than roughing it on "Man vs. Wild" i.e. who gives a $%#@?

Ok, that was just a shot in the dark.

Anyway, the most remarkable thing about the Hawaii show, was that amongst the "stars" on the wall in that one restaurant -- was LaRusso's enemy in "The Karate Kid Part II" and the native chick he was after. Imagine that? Two essential elements of "The Karate Kid Part II" ate at that place. That alone would sell me on the joint.

The show got better once I started eating pineapple midway through. I'm not sure why. Maybe the pineapple added some Hawaiian flair.

I would have loved to have seen Zamir in Hawaii -- no lie.

James - I think Tony's reaction to the Irvine firing is the same as his reaction to Bear Grylis staying in hotels rather than roughing it on "Man vs. Wild" i.e. who gives a $h!t?

Ok, that was just a shot in the dark.

Anyway, the most remarkable thing about the Hawaii show, was that amongst the "stars" on the wall in that one restaurant -- was LaRusso's enemy in "The Karate Kid Part II" and the native chick he was after. Imagine that? Two essential elements of "The Karate Kid Part II" ate at that place. That alone would sell me on the joint.

The show got better once I started eating pineapple midway through. I'm not sure why. Maybe the pineapple added some Hawaiian flair.

I would have loved to have seen Zamir in Hawaii -- no lie.

I'll take that over watching Andrew Zimmer eating worms for lunch anyday!!!! While I don't hate Andrew, I hate the ad campaign for his show and that says alot as I'm in the biz.

Maybe it is just me and my cynical "always looking for the way someone is going to make a buck on this" view of the world, but can't you see a certain "$3,000 Hawaiian shirt" being auctioned off at the next Food & Wine festival to hordes of adoring fan-atics???? I want options on
THAT shirt (with Tiki-drinks and Bourdain-sweat) going for upwards of 25K to some middle-America bimbo with more money than sense.... Or maybe the winning bidder would be a scorned Food Network exec. looking for something to dress their Tony-puppet in before they burn him in effigy?? Tony, Ruhlman, producers, am I right?

Those ads sound like the most horrible display of 'shock value for ratings'. It's become like the old, overused, and tired 'kicked in the nuts' routine. They ask themselves, "Exactly how much can I get away with?" Don't worry about the children. They've seen more disturbing ads.
However, your loyal fans all seem to be excited and aroused by the whole thing, so it also begs the question, "What kind of demo does your show appeal to?" Obviously, the typical american prefers cookie-cutter-happy-go-lucky-fake types. Your fans are better than that. Be proud.
We like you just as you are- real, brutally honest, sarcastic, witty, amusing, and occasionally hammered and puffy faced (but never trying to hide it). That's what makes you sexy, and that is what they were going for.

I wouldnt mind Tony in high def :)

The Hawaii episode was such a nice break: from the weather I am experiencing, from all the negativity surrounding last weeks show and from my previously held belief that Hawaii was nothing but a tourist trap. Unfortunatly you spent more on that shirt than I can afford for a vacation right now! Guess I'll just have to make due with some rum and SPAM.

I'm with you on all that, Chesh. I give Tony credit for taking on the SPAM and trying all the dishes. He easily could have poo-poo'ed the idea.

PS. I really enjoyed the Hawaii episode overall, BUT Tony missed the most obvious moment to be snarky or make a funny comment - at the opening when he was being welcomed, I SO expected him to say something about never being "lai'd" so consecutively or refer to Jenna Jameson! LOL. Opportunity missed, Tony!

Hmmmm.....warthog anus ... SPAM?
Warthog anus ... SPAM?
SPAM ... warthog anus?

MMMmm.. Last night's episode made me want to run to the nearest L and L and get me some spamusubi!

(Note for those not in the know: L and L is a popular Hawaiian fast food here in California and they have good old salty and awesome hawaiian food).

Hi Tony,

Here's something to take away the squirrel vision . . . a flying chocolate pig with bacon bits. Knowing your fondness for all things pig . . .from Vosges-Haut Chocolat:

Flying Chocolate Pig
Bacon +Smoked Salt + Deep Milk Chocolate

This whimsical chocolate creation came about while I was chatting with my friend Mo, who was part of the inspiration behind our bacon + chocolate bar.
I wanted to create a fun party favor for his upcoming nuptials with chocolate of course. Something unexpected for the guests; a parting gift to bring a smile to their faces...a flying pig made of bacon and chocolate! I loved the concept and design so much that I decided to mix up another batch of flying pigs for all our bacon fans to enjoy.
-Katrina, Chocolatier
Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Flying Chocolate Pig, $12

Hey tony, really love your show... been your fan since 3 years back when i saw how you ate that viet worm!!! Yucks but all the admire i gotta say. Really hope i can see you in person. I'm in Bangkok, maybe you'll like to come here again sometime??? PLEASE let me know!!! Will do my best to come see you! Reply please...

the iceland episode is one of my favorites - only b/c i went there too en route to scandanavia and it is nice to see someone who looked even more miserable than i was.

i don't get the locations this year. romania? it doesn't take a genius to realize that episode is going to suck. i was watching south texas for a few minutes earlier and i'm not sure what you were thinking on that one either.

Suggestions? Please, do a norway episode. do one involving san sebastian. do another rio episode. do st. martin. do newfoundland. i would personally love to see kyoto. do bangkok. do hong kong. do holland. do rome. I'd love to see your cynical take on paris. so many options...but romania? i just don't get it!

Well.....at least Tony never faked his resume: http://tv.yahoo.com/news/article/urn:newsml:tv.ap.org:20080303:people_chef_dismissed

Sorry, Food Network apologists.

It is even bigger than the yahoo article implies. Try this one, the original:

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/17/Southpinellas/TV_chef_spiced_up_his.shtml

This show is so awesome i love it. I love the food, the traveling and the narration that happens in between. Awesome job Anthony Keep it up man.

Hey Tayva, FYI your english sucks too. Sorry to start off on such a negative note, but this is the Bourdain blog.
Not to worry all, I am doing well.

Tony, there are FAR worse things than seeing your half-naked %#@ in high def. Like "My Big Redneck Wedding".

Ahhhh...white trash...lots of beer...the slaughter of innocent animals to be roasted for the pleasure of the unwashed m%#@es...more beer...you get the idea.

Hey, &$@!! I know what you're thinking and I'll take my guilty pleasures where I can...
...(two words for you: SPAM, mother%$#@er.)

Anyway, don't be so modest...

..you know how hot you are.

-Heather F.

I love watching your show. I'm amazed you actually eat sometimes, being hungover or in worse conditions. People love to watch you and watch you suffer.

Your show is the best. My husband is a chef and he started watching you first. Now we can't wait for the new episodes. The only reason we watch the travel channel is because of you. We thought the Romanian show was hysterical, but really enjoyed the Jamaican episode because that is a part of Jamaica that most tourists never get to experience. Sandals "all-inclusive" is all they will ever know!
Rosemary (Native New Yorka)

Hey, it's either you or watch Zimmern eat more bugs. At least we don't have to watch you wade into a plate of rotten meat and scrambled eggs as if you don't know it's going to taste like fresh scrapings from the scrap bucket at the Abu Ghraib infirmary burn ward.

Don't get me wrong, I like Andy, and he's got cojones the size of Shaquille O'Neill's free-throw ineptitude. But he's too kind. You're not. That's real. Real in HD is, like, REALLY real. So in a sense that makes the Travel Channel HD ad a mark of genius--every tic and wrinkle in your puffy, alcohol-bloated mush bobbing above Icelandic mineral salts displayed in hi-def magnificence, like some sort of weird Scandinavian amalgam of the souls of Charles Bukowski and Jean Genet, slathered on a crust of William S. Burroughs bleakness.

Or maybe I'm just talking out my %#@, you look like hell, and we should both just shut the f%$@! up and be glad we have health insurance.

Tony - another thing that doesn't Look Better in High Def:

Your gross feet getting a pedicure. Because seriously? Gross, dude.

ha, I know you love the negative comments as much as I do. As long as they spell your name correctly, right?

My late friend Buddy Hopkins turned me onto your show and he was one of the coolest cats I have ever known, if he approved I know you are alright with the world.

I have found myself tivoing your show and that is not me but I truly enjoy all of it; the rants, the parties, the cultures but most imprtantly the way you represent yourself as a respectful ambassador to our country and God knows we need some more of those.

Keep it up and check out my pilots we are shooting in September. www.liquid%#@ets.tv

Tony,

I heard that you were coming down to the Sarasota Film Fest. Whatcha gonna be doing there? Anyway if you happen to be one of the lucky ones who is to receive a goody bag then check out the film review journal. I %#@isted a friend who makes them. They are pretty %#@! cool if I do say so myself. They are made of recycled paper and the covers are made from old album covers. If anyone would like to check out these journals head to.... papergeist.com.

Hope you enjoy Sarasota and maybe I'll see ya there.

Ahahaha, a whole country is mad at you

Just curious - did any Icelanders take offense to your lack of loving comments for the fermented shark?

I don,t care if anyone is tired of the 'Romania' topic. Second, the Bourdain guy acts like an idiot compared to Samir: he makes ignorant comments in the most normal circumstances; he can't see the pitoresque even if it hit him in the face;he also acts like a dumb mademoiselle when he's out of his comfort zone (yeah, seeing a very old castle/building must be very boring vs stirring the sauce), etc. etc. Thumbs up to Samir who (because of his background) was able to see and enjoy much more of his experience.
au revoir
ps: having been into humour studies for a long time, I can say that B's remarks are seldom funny in the true sense. 80% of the time he's so cliche that I feel insulted. If the show didn,t try so hard to be entertaining, I wouldn,t comment on that, but he's a very narrow-minded individual whose films distort reality on purpose. Well...i,m not buying it.

You are awsome!!

PS Maya - we can all tell you studied humor, The laughter is infectious. You must be a blast to have at the cocktail party. Next time why "don,t" you try a course on puctuation.

tony , you are the greatest person ever on t.v.

Wow Maya - you really need to let this go. Therapy would do you some good. %#@!, it is only a show. If you do not like Tony then get off the blog. It will only inferiate you more. Settle down!

I personally love Tony and think that he is a hoot. His snarky comments are the highlight of my Monday night. Tony- thanks for coming into my living room every Monday!

There's nothing wrong with Tony. But how will we know he isn't just telling us it's Barney Fife's torso? heh

Valerie,
Not to worry, my Engrish sucks too.

Don't know if anyone reads this, but thought that Anthony would appreciate this blog if he doesn't already know about it.

It's this woman who cooked in Antartica for a time. The latest entry involves smoked and roasted PIG.

http://harriettstomato.typepad.com/

And...I'm a big fan. Can't wait to read and see more. Wish I had time to make a video!!

I like the ads for your show; they are hilarious. I also like the show. You have great legs, by the way. However, the Argentina episode was bey