164 Comments

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   Living Vicariously - February 03 2008 @ 11:52 pm har de har! reminds me of the joke where the man stumbles into a "womens only" toilet somewhere in Japan and accidentally has his "tampon" removed !! love the show ,but scared to try even sushi,let alone colonic ends of porky's cousins.
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   Rachel - February 03 2008 @ 11:52 pm Love the show, love the channel, love Tony B.! He is so real,funny and great looking. Tony and whole crew needs to come to Maryland for a Blue Crab Feeding frenzy! (Of course, lots of cold beer to wash it down!)
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   Nicole M - February 04 2008 @ 12:02 am My vote for the most clueless "Iron chef" judge was that jack%#@ from "The soup" - ugh. Having him as a judge was an insult to even the most clueless foodie wannabe in the audience. Look forward to seeing the show, Tony!
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   Summer - February 04 2008 @ 12:43 am i love those toilet seats. they're amazing.
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   sarah - February 04 2008 @ 1:41 am Heh. What I want to know is, where can I get a copy of Outlaw Editor?
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   doug luce - February 04 2008 @ 1:46 am > scared to try even sushi christ, what are you doing on this website?
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   june-baby - February 04 2008 @ 2:33 am Tony, you should have just let Todd have his ZEN moment sitting on his throne. Nothing like having a warm bum on a cold morning (LOL). Tony singing karaoke now I would pay to see that. Chris make sure you edit Tony singing karaoke into the show. Looking forward to this episode of No Reservations.
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   Incurable Insomniac - February 04 2008 @ 3:10 am Your visit to the 6-seat bar reminds me of a night when I was in Vienna some years ago. Someone told me about the oldest bar in the city, a place called "Alte Lampe". When I got there, the door was locked, but a gruff-looking man opened it, peering out at me menacingly. I spoke precious little German and he spoke no English, but the sentence he barked at me sounded like he was saying, "Get the hell out of here you filthy, degenerate person of the female persuasion!" Seeing my astonishment, he cracked the door so that I could look inside. It was a tiny little place with only a few seats, all of which were taken by men. I quickly calculated that this was the oldest GAY bar in Vienna. I excused myself and went back into the Inner City where I found a friendlier bar, Cafe Porta, and enjoyed many gl%#@es of red wine. Love your show, Tony. Cheers! Steph
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   ginger - February 04 2008 @ 4:48 am giggle snort, sure beats the ole "bomb drops" {the hole in the floor with the porcelain cut outs of feet in the shower stall sized cubicle} that i was used to in some of the smaller towns in spain where i grew up....... love watching u explore and give ur take on life on earth dear..........keep up the goot werk eh? come to the U.P. = upper peninsula of Michigan u can drink beer and eat real pasties!!!
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    Ramen for Breakfast - February 04 2008 @ 6:59 am I too have had the lights turned off on me while enjoying my Japanese toilet. As Americans living in Japan on the government's dime, we enjoy every minute of mingling with the locals over food and drinks. We even manage a few local rock and punk shows from Tokyo to Yokohama to Yokosuka. LOVE Japanese food! LOVE Japanese booze and LOVE JAPANESE! Gone bamboo, Jessica
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    BWJones - February 04 2008 @ 9:56 am Yeah, I had an interesting experience at a six seater bar in Nagoya where they initially refused me entry because they thought I was European.... Those crazy Germans I guess. Weirdly enough, when they found out I was American they pulled me inside. I wrote about it here with pics: http://prometheus.med.utah.edu/~bwjones/C1705165967/E20071109162023/index.html
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    Chesh - February 04 2008 @ 10:33 am My siter-in-law was stationed in Okinawa a few years back and said it was hard to find an appartment that included the toilet. Apparently the Japanese take their toilets with them like furniture when they move. I guess now I know why, it's sounding like the equivilent of leaving behind your favorite easy chair and porn for the next resident! Looking forward to the karaoke. Forget the judges on Iron Chef, I'de like to see Simon Cowell critque Tony's performance on the mic.
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    Living Vicariously - February 04 2008 @ 12:56 pm Doug - >> scared to try even sushi >christ, what are you doing on this website? umm..living vicariously ?
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    Ressa - February 04 2008 @ 1:15 pm Loved your blog! Love your show, huge fan!!!
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    Brendan Tharp - February 04 2008 @ 2:22 pm hey im a culinary student at BIC and i chose to do a project on you, your a big influence on me. my chef suggested to contact you, he also went to cia, chef michael wagner. just attempting, this is the only way i could find to contact you. my main question was if you had any words of wisdom on how to survive in the business or any ideas that you would have done differently. thanks, brendan tharp md2calilax@yahoo.com
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    Reverend Xenakaboom - February 04 2008 @ 2:32 pm Oh, $Deity; your poor, poor crew. Did the commodes come with instruction books, like the German accommodations?
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    Roc - February 04 2008 @ 2:53 pm Alright... whale... I was in Tokyo a couple months or so back and while that cutie Hayden Panettiere was out trying to stop the lucious whale harvesting on a surfboard. Seriously though... how can they still say it's for research. Go to Tsukiji and you can see them carving those buggers up. There's even a cool whale mascot character - think it's "Yummy the Whale" or something... its a cartoonish whale with a fork and knife and a big ole' sweat drop on its forehead. My brother picked up a can of the stuff, and put it in his kitchen to ward off PETA. Oh... and the toilets are wonderful. But you need to have courage at first. Just don't hit the pink button (opt for blue) unless you want to get spiked in the 'taint with a harsh jet of warm water. Oh... and if you get a chance, go to "Gig-Antic" in Shibuya if you want to hear some searing garage-y speed metal.
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    K.Durkin - February 04 2008 @ 3:40 pm Remember Tony, what you do in the past will always bite you in the %#@...that Other Network you pissed off so much is getting back at you (mind you, I hate them as much as you do). I have to say, that fatherhood has softened you to the point that you are becoming unwatchable...what a pity. If you mess up New Orleans (which I think you will,) I will forever stop worshipping you from afar. I at least moved there after the storm and lasted a year...the patriotic thing to do.
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    Fitzy831 - February 04 2008 @ 4:15 pm Each show that you do in Asia becomes my newest favorite. I can't wait to see this one!
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    MF - February 04 2008 @ 6:22 pm How does Sukiyabshi Jiro compare with Masa?
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    New Orleans native - February 04 2008 @ 7:49 pm maybe this will work this time- that was a very funny post- but- I can't wait to see you tonight - in New Orleans!!!!
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    Antoinette - February 04 2008 @ 7:52 pm Thank you, Bourdain, for the insight as always. Next time I head out for Karaoke at The Evil Place (my name for the local joint who has the gall to host it) I shall suggest that the barkeeps stock Sapporo. I think that may be the fuel I've been missing during my loving rendition of "If You Want Blood".
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    jkv - February 04 2008 @ 8:11 pm I am an avid watcher of your program and enjoy it quite a bit. I believe this is one of the shows that I will remember whenever I think back as I'm an adult. For instance, when one thinks back to his or her childhood, one can recall certain all time favorite shows, I know this is undoubtably a winner. This show has joined the ranks of : The Simpsons, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, The Jetsons, The Flintsones, and The Speed racer. I mean with all the weird Tila Tequila and The Hills reality show, this is genuinely authentic. I love how you take us onto a journey like no other and with your satiric word play and blunt reactions. I love it! I feel like its real and you act like yourself and you are not pretending or catering to a target audience. Sometimes when I watch the foodnetwork, it feels restricted, fake, unauthentic, and forced. Plus not to mention their all white panel of cooking hosts. There are a billion italian hosts and okay, that one Cuban and Black host they show is not going to cut it. Not to mention the lack of diversity and asian recipes is disgusting. Those racist bastards! Morimoto is like the only asian and he only performs sometimes. I hate how some viewers of foodnetwork would idolize these figures and it makes me wonder, "how does this program give them legitamacy compared to other hardworking chefs and caterers?" I think this show is great and I hope it lasts for another 50 seasons or however more. I hope your travels bring you to more exotic locations. Some locations like: Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Persia, Egypt, Nepal, Macau, Polynesia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Brunei, Morroco and Guatemala. I mean with these showings, it will draw in more audiences of different races and bring light to forgotten countries. I feel that asians are completely misrepresented in the media and in politics, but this will help, elevate our status and our importance in the world. jkv
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    Alicia - February 04 2008 @ 9:38 pm Tony, you have no idea how lucky you are. Or maybe you do. My husband and I eagerly await each new season - and then each new episode - to follow you around the globe. We appreciate your authenticity and honesty. We have done quite a bit of traveling ourselves. We get a good laugh when we see that things don't go exactly as expected during the taping of certain episodes. That's REAL travel, real people, real places, real FOOD. I read Kitchen Confidential last year...I need to get my hands on A Cook's Tour now. Soooo looking forward to your SE Asia show(s) as we are headed there next year. Keep on travellin', Tony...as we'll keep watchin' as long as they'll have ya! Best-- Alicia in Safety Harbor, FL
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    S.End Chantelle - February 04 2008 @ 11:44 pm I'm loving the blog-however, as I type this post, I am watching the horror that is a commercial for FANs to go on a trip with Tony. I'm a huge fan of his, but I wouldn't want to bother him at work-and I'm sure he wouldn't want to do the same to me. I feel bad for Tony having to sire some rube around some city they'll be "so excited" to be in with him-ugh... I'll watch the show, as I do every epeisode, but just to see Tony's reaction... cheers
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    vina - February 05 2008 @ 12:13 am oh wow! i'm so happy i found your blog! i love you, my sister loves you (because of me. ha!), and my boyfriend has you up on a pedestal (yeah, ok, he loves you, too). he and i try to do the "bourdain trail" for our travels :P is there any chance you could come here to the philippines?
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    Joe LL - February 05 2008 @ 12:18 am I just got done watching the New Orleans episode of "No Reservations" I'm a native New Yorker, but descended from Sicilians who came to the US thru the Big Easy over 100 years ago. My grandfather was born in Louisiana, and when I visited there felt an immediate and deep connection with the people and the culture. Thank you for the reminder that things are not right yet, and that it will some time before it will improve, and how important it is for the rest of us to visit, and help support these people. It's time for me to head "down home" again
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    diane - February 05 2008 @ 12:34 am did tony get married recently i never noticed a ring until this season i got a man od my own just wondering if he married his favorite companion on the show
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    mrs - February 05 2008 @ 12:40 am New Orleans. I'm still in tears- what a way to start out my Fat Tuesday! It was really well done and I wish you could have covered Tony Mandina's in Mid City (which was hit pretty hard as well). It was my local restaurant that served italian food, cooked by a mostly african american kitchen. They made the best oyster artichoke soup. Thank for also going to Vic's. I met my husband there. mrs p.s. I met Jon Spencer (several times) at the Howlin' Wolf in the early 90's. Those photos survived Katrina!
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    Faire Elinor - February 05 2008 @ 12:41 am Loved the New Orleans episode, Tony. Cried a lot, but loved it. I've never made it to the Big Easy any way but vicariously, reading James Lee Burke--but one day--one day--
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    chris - February 05 2008 @ 12:57 am Tony Thanks for letting me escape from the two feet of snow blanketing our home here in central oregon. You come across very real and I think that is part of the appeal of your show. Your introspective on how each new setting effects you as you move from adventure to adventure is refreshing. I imagine that like any sausage you love you should never see it being made...but I have to think that behind the glitz its still a lot of fun. Keep it up Tony, Keep it up. And if you make it to Bend we have a few spots for you to try.
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    kallista - February 05 2008 @ 2:25 am Do you actually read these? I love the show, watch religiously. Love your commentary on the show, your voice is very sexy and so are you! And that coming from a 22 year old! Anyway you seem like an awesome person, so laid back yet filled with so much intellect... Rock on man, Rock on!!
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    Cyndie - February 05 2008 @ 2:39 am Tony, Love the show. The furthest I ever got to going out of the country was Canada, I was twelve. The food was aweful but at twelve about the only `exotic` food I liked was fried shrimp. Whole fried fresh fish, head on, wasn't my cup of tea at that age. Now being all grown up, I enjoy Asian, Spanish, Indian,ect... I will skip eyeballs, chicken feet, can't do it, heck it would be like sucking someones toe after a hot shower. And chickens lets face it, don't care where they walk. Thanks for the show, you're entertaining...even better than Racheal R...want a sammie Tony? Peace!!!!
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    Leslie - February 05 2008 @ 2:57 am TB- Can we please see more shots of you in tight pants as in the first few episodes? I have to say, you are a very handsome man, and that is not why I watch. I love the show, your humor and your lust for all things different and exotic from the typical American venture. But your pants make it extra special! Ok, so it may be one of the reasons I watch. Loving the New Orleans episode. Watching it right now in AK. -LW
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    Alexandra - February 05 2008 @ 10:31 am Dear Mr. Bourdain, I’m "No Reservations" addict. I’ ve seen it all and I’m delighted with it. I would like to ask you, why did you have "cara de vinagre" in Russia?:)) Alexandra, Moscow.
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    Chesh - February 05 2008 @ 10:35 am S. End Chantelle - I am so there with you! I enjoy the show because Anthony does not have to be bothered by starry-eyed fans. The first time I have seen him pose for photos on the show was the NOLA episode last night(and that was ok because they were his fellow kitchen compatriots) The 'Travel with Tony' contest is such a shark-pushing gimick, and I am sure - not his idea. I would be too scared of Anthony to travel with him and thats the way I like it! I am sure I would not think he was nearly as sexy if he was publicly chastising ME for spending too much time in the bathroom. Seeing him forced to humor one of us just isn't as entertaining as I doubt he be allowed to berate a fan for their stupidity. For one night a week I tune in to imagine what it would be like to acompany the NR crew on their adventures and yes, I would choke down a sheep spleen for the opportunity to have a drink with Anthony, but spare me from watching some other (and surly less deserving, less entertaining...) fan get the opportunity to do so. Although the idea of some love-sick Disneyland fan winning and dragging Anthony around the magic kingdom with her kiddies fills me with a dark joy, my sympathies are seriously with him on this. If I wanted to see people like me get drunk and eat exotic foods, I'de be watching 'survivor' (retch). Watching Tony endure self-depricating humilliation is all part of the fun - but please spare him from having to hang out with fans like us. I wonder what he reeeaaallllly thinks about this.....Vic?
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    okifoodie - February 05 2008 @ 10:59 am I too shuddered and winced when I read about the "travel with Tony" proposal. I mean really, you guys may be treading seriously close to the pandering line with this one, we'll have to tune in to find out! Please don't let some "know-it-all" or worse yet fawning groupie dilute my (as of yet) unadulturated joy of tuning in to see Tony explore some far-flung or close to home destination in a way peculiarly his own! DON'T DUMB IT DOWN!!!
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    Zoe Fiasco - February 05 2008 @ 11:10 am Zoned out on the recliner last night, I found "No Reservations" for the first time. This morning I found this blog while looking for an e-mail address to tell A.B. that last night's episode was not only a great food adventure but the best effing show I've seen on post-Katrina NOLA. Now how do I tell my boss that I'm late for work because I couldn't stop reading about Todd on the Tokyo toilet? You've got yourself a new fan, Mr. B. I hope your show gets people back to New Orleans pronto.
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    Sonny - February 05 2008 @ 11:12 am The "travel with Tony" contest CAN'T be Tony's idea. It reminds me of the movie "Win a date with Ted Hamilton". EW!But I'm sure stalkers and lunatics around the country already have their cameras ready...
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    Jo Ann Nouri - February 05 2008 @ 12:38 pm Bon jour chef Tony! You're edgy,urbane,twisted,But oh so P%#@IONATE about life!!! Every week as I watch N.R.,Ican't wait to see your diplomatic skills put to the test...Foreign cuisine is foreign cuisine,but dude, you deserve a MEDAL! Witnessing your consumption of the crap-filled tube,bloody raw seal chunks, and fermented regurgitated spit drink put me right over the edge...Kudos to you! As a JerseyGirl, fellow foodie and traveler,when my wanderlust kicks in,sometimes I just have to enjoy your exotic misadventures from home.THANKS for SHARING the WORLD with us! Jo Ann
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    Messy - February 05 2008 @ 12:57 pm If you're still in Japan, I have a suggestion. We were in Tokyo for the sumo tournament last fall. Stadium snacks yummy, beer nice and cold. The Boy ended up talking to a nice young wholesaler of carrots in the box next to us, and matched him snort for snort in sake. Result? the Boy was able to reel back to the subway, his drinking companion was hauled away by his friends at the direction of his wife like a dead salmon. Sad. However, after spending a great deal of time walking in blistering heat in both Kyoto and Tokyo, we were looking for a place to drink the beer and relax the day before we went home. The Boy consulted his list. We ended up at a place called Bois Cereste, a Belgian pub owned by a Japanese man who made a living for many years playing jazz piano in, you guessed it, Belgium. He stocks over 400 Belgian beers and his bar is built around his baby grand, which he will happily play for you if you ask. The mussels were brilliant.
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    Marc - February 05 2008 @ 1:38 pm

    I loved the New Orleans episode. Other than John Edwards, and maybe Barack Obama, the Presidential candidates haven't said a %#@! thing about the plight of the people of New Orleans. It was good to see Anthony Bourdain remind Americans, that we still have a long way to go. It was also good how he demonstrated how food is essentially bringing people back together, and reviving a great food culture.

    
    

    Lastly...it was good to see Anthony together with Emeril. I didn't think I would see that in a millions years. He "manned up" on talking trash about him, while at the same time showing respect to a celebrity chef, who actually does know how to cook, and has helped people like myself become foodies, and in my case, a caterer. Great Episode!!!

    
    
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    donnie k - February 05 2008 @ 2:44 pm You're the !$#@ man mr. Bourdain. Living the !$#@ dream. Hope you CAIght that superbowl the other day.
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    Big Red - February 05 2008 @ 2:47 pm Tony, Nice to see you have a blog of your own instead of lurking around on certain other people's blogs. Although through the network? They seem to have let you have some creative license and language. What did that cost ya?? No really, can't wait to see this episode, and I watch your show all the time. I am a huge fan from way back during your Kitchen Confidential days. Keep plugging away, and really picking apart each culture like a no-thumbs wise guy trying to pick apart a chicken. Methodically and with a lot of humor. And congrats a little late on the new "developments" in the last year.
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    eiram - February 05 2008 @ 2:51 pm I heart you, Tony!
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    Jo Ann - February 05 2008 @ 3:39 pm Bon jour chef Tony! Keep up the good work... JoAnn
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    New Orleans native - February 05 2008 @ 3:39 pm loved the N.O. show . Read Chris Rose's book on the flight home after my 1st post-Katrina trip home-a few months after the storm- -and I love that you ended the show with a quote from it. we left home 10 yrs ago b/c of (Army). watched in horror as it was nearly swept away- and now I watch amazed at how much has changed and how much has not. New Orleans is a unique city ,an important place - thank you for reminding everyone
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    Gwyneth - February 05 2008 @ 5:07 pm I just watched the New Orleans show and I gotta say, that was one of the most touching things I've ever seen. Thank you for giving an honest window into what goes on down there now. The continual triumph of the human spirit through seemingly mundane activities is not a perspective often seen on network tv. You do good work.
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    EddieMoscone - February 05 2008 @ 5:40 pm So, my wife and I go to JFK the other day to pick up my mother-in-law who's arriving from Tokyo. I'm waiting at the end of that Int'l arrival runway type thing with butterflies in my stomach, as she's about to be with us for 3 weeks (and staying in our apartment!). We are tracking each shadowy figure moving from left to right behind the multi-colored gl%#@ when all of a sudden our favorite TV chef/traveler/author/adventurer emerges. Thank you Mr. Bourdain for shocking my system and calming my nerves before what would have been a very stressful moment. BTW, your reunion was a beautiful thing...
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    Brenda - February 05 2008 @ 7:37 pm Hi, Just starting watching your show recently. Now it's my favorite show. Thanks for all the travel information but mostly for all the laughs. I laugh out loud every time you look in to the camera with that funny look on your face and make a snide comment. I can't understand how you stay so thin when all I see is you eating. Good luck and I hope you and your show are on for a long time. I haven't had so much fun watching a tv show since Johnny Carson. Don't loose your cockiness and great sense of humor. May God bless you and keep you bacteria free. (ugh some of that food) *GROSS* Brenda in Connecticut
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    Natalie - February 05 2008 @ 8:49 pm Since this is the 10000th post here, I'm sure you'll have snoozed long before you get to read this, but ... When the time is right to take your snarky on-the-road act to parts farther south in Japan - namely, Okinawa - I'd gladly be your loyal "fixer" there. Whereupon you and your crew can revel in the luxury of a huge TWELVE-SEATER BAR. Surely, Okinawan cuisine is quite different, as is the culture. And that includes the not-so-delicate melange of molteyness inspired by the presence of US service members. Nevertheless, Tony, there's no warthog @#! that I'm aware of. But there is an off-the-beaten path yakitori place whose specialties de la maison include pig ovary, chicken cartilage, and various creatures' genitalia. Then there's the I-drank-way-too-much-and-now-it's-4am-so-I-better-eat-something-hearty-and-cheap-before-I-ralph place. Note too the man we call the Tempura Nazi, whose tempura menu could read, simply: "tempura du chef". Whatever he's making, that's what's for lunch. And there's nothing better to make you a centenarian than Goya (bitter melon prepared the Okinawan way). For the really brave, there's just Goya juice. Nothing added, so nothing to take away from the bitterest plant to issue forth from Mother Earth. Are you man enough? Six years on "the Rock" known as Okinawa, and all I can say is Thank God I'm Back in New York City. But I do miss the hot springs, the special dishes, and the ritualistic summer festivities. And occasionally I even miss Goya.
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    SUE IN ATLANTA - February 05 2008 @ 9:47 pm Love your toilet stories...While driving from France to Germany I stopped at a highway rest stop/gas station/eatery..I opened up the stall door and stood there dumbfounded...Yes, your favorite, a concrete hole in the floor...just a hole, nothing else....I held it in until we got to Germany...Makes you want to stay at home.
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    LauraRed - February 05 2008 @ 11:26 pm Oh, to be able to spend ONE DAY with friggin' Morimoto (in friggin' TOKYO)!! You have got to be the luckiest human being on this planet. I miss seeing him in the context of the original (real)Iron Chef episodes, where they would rise out of the floor in a cloud of smoke to an unseen choir as the flamboyantly-clad Chairman Kaga crunched (with reverb) into the pepper...oh the pageantry! Do you know how sad I was to learn that Chairman Kaga was not, in fact, an eccentric millionaire that built Kitchen Stadium? I always fantasized about sneaking in there in the middle of the night and summoning the Iron Chefs out of the floor.;-) Now instead we have some douche actor doing backflips. Grr. Anyway, so did you hit up the used-panties vending machines? I gotta' ask ;-)
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    asktunes - February 06 2008 @ 10:27 am I have nothing to add. Just wanted to make an appearance.
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    Josh - February 06 2008 @ 12:09 pm So either they publish your blog with big font or small font, or the change it up mid-entry. Other than that, thanks for writing more than you can say on these shows. Please keep making good television so that I can somehow live with the fact that my only outlet for food on television is a chanel that frequently runs all day marathons of guides to specific destinations. Royalties, anyone?
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    Mariella - February 06 2008 @ 12:11 pm i am in NYC now. When Chef will return to City? I need to contact him.
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    LeighAnn - February 06 2008 @ 1:55 pm I'm a huge fan. Beruit and New Orleans have been your most inspirational trips I've seen. Not only do you inspire travellers and foodies worldwide, but you bring insight to these places that need some attention. And you do it with flare. I recently read an article that Haitians are now eating dirt that they make into cookies because they can't afford the price of rice....in Haiti. I would love for you to do a show there and turn the tables. Cook for them. Give them food, let them cook for you. Love your writing, artistic style, direct objectiveness to succumb to society rules. I don't know how you can get yourself to eat some of the things you do, better you than me, but it's sure fun to watch.
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    PatMc - February 06 2008 @ 2:44 pm Tony, you are so right about those Japanese toilets! Even in the throes of jet lag, the first thing I did when I reached my hotel room in Tokyo (well, no-- the SECOND thing...the first thing I did was USE it) was take a picture of the "control panel"! Tell Todd to watch out-- I saw an article in a newspaper recently that reported that some of those wondertoilets spontaneously combusted! Thanks for doing another Japan show!
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    fabian - February 06 2008 @ 2:53 pm this is a question off the the record, when you visit us?, ciudad de méxico, you can find interesting things, i maybe you knew it
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    Antoinette - February 06 2008 @ 2:53 pm NOLA was incredible. Stumbled upon Uzbekistan...I was yawning and getting a bit bored when WOW....Bourdain goes into get the "m%#@age". On pupose, apparantly. Made sitting through the first half of the show all worthwhile. Delicious. Of course, I shall submit to become the "fan" on the road to Belgium. I need to stand outsite the brewery and yell.... Stella!!! As my ancestors before me must have. If the worst is tolerating an aerophobic, vomiting, hung over "fan", then so be it! It was only a matter of time before someone thought to involve the Cult of Bourdain in the show.
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    Laura Mc - February 06 2008 @ 6:40 pm I used to live in Tokyo. Can you tell us why the Japanese refuse to put any salt in their sweets, so we could actually taste the sugar? Oh well - it just means you have to have more sushi for dessert. I'm not generally a big fan of TV, and specifically of being told by some corporate "celebrity chef" what should taste good to me, but I do seem to get sucked into NR. It's not a bull--- Chamber-of-Commerce postcard - or maybe I just like your brand of bull---. Anyway, thanks for not being an effite crap-hawker, for being entertaining, for recognizing graciousness and good company as the supreme factor in making a good meal, for being funny and snarky and (oops) kind. And good luck with the fan thing. Sounds kind of nuts to me, but hey - do whatcha gotta' do to keep the show on the air!
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    Sean - February 06 2008 @ 8:22 pm I noticed your coming to Pittsburgh in March. You may want to make a trip to a restaurant called Jozsa Corner. It's a Hungarian restaurant in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Hazelwood. It's tiny, the food is great, and the owner asks that you call for an appointment not a reservation.
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    tennislover - February 06 2008 @ 8:51 pm Dear Mr. Bourdain, I love your show! It is exciting, inspiring, interesting and sprinkled with humor and great food. I thought the show of Uzbekistan was very good. I laughed so much. Cheers, Heres to No Reservation! A great success. ;)
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    akemi - February 06 2008 @ 11:58 pm i just watched the new orleans episode and i came rummaging around this site because i needed more. never did i think i could be so moved by tv.
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    Jason - February 07 2008 @ 1:03 am "No Reservations" is definitely my favorite show. Tony's sense of humor, his style of traveling and trying food, genuine interest in the people that he meets, and his lack of fear of pointing out douche-bags as he comes across them is refreshing and thoroughly entertaining.
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    ian - February 07 2008 @ 2:34 pm i love the show im glad theres someone there who doesnt give a s*** about cursing or drinking no matter what time of day and sometimes delving into the world of the afterwork bar and then semiinduced world of occasional narcotics makes me feel at home being a waiter for the past ten years i know the feeling and am glad you dont forget what its like to be in the resturant biz
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    Alyssa - February 07 2008 @ 2:47 pm I love you. Will you marry me? ok, I love the show, I love your books. I love you. enough said. PEACE
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    George M. - February 07 2008 @ 7:45 pm I live in Los Angeles so I spend a lot of time in traffic. I just bought Bourdain's first book "Kitchen Confidential." I am enjoying it immensely on my iPod.
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    Sharon Hoosier - February 08 2008 @ 12:31 am have simple gotta tell you how much we enjoy your shows... this one I caught recently ya'll were in south Miami Beach, kept me in stiches for the whole of the program... Thanks so much for the very human side of Tony. Namaste. Sharon in San Antonio, TX.
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    Ken - February 08 2008 @ 8:25 pm "That Guy who played ‘Big &%$#@‘ on the Sopranos"...yeah I remember that episode. Just before judging Morimoto's dishes, he grumbled "I don't like 'dis raw stuff", then going on to make stupid comments of the "ewww-what's-this" variety about Morimoto's food throughout. WTF was Food Network thinking bringing him on?? Hiroyuki Sakai reportedly was so irritated by Food Network and their uneducated minions he refused to appear again on "Iron Chef America".
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    Jeez - February 09 2008 @ 10:36 am Hi, i'm enjoying my last few days with the warm toilet seats here in Tokyo. I plan to spend my final day in Harajuku. Any affordable, great sushi outlet/eating place to recommend there?It can get pretty difficult to look for one with all the japanese neon signages here.
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    Carmen - February 09 2008 @ 4:30 pm Why keep pacing those back alleys... try a RESERVATION for a change... smile
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    brandy - February 09 2008 @ 4:50 pm mr. anthony i am going to hear you speak in pgh, pa on 31 march. i want you to eat at my restaurant. it's small but really !$#@ good. i love the fact that you are still a cook. what do i do to get you here?????????? brandy
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    Russ - February 09 2008 @ 10:32 pm Dear Chef and crew: Just saw the New Orleans piece. If there is any justice in the world you have another EMMY in your future !!! Congratulations !!!
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    Alexis - February 10 2008 @ 7:54 pm Hi! I don't know if this is the place to leave this comment, but it's only place I can find! I was going to submit a video for the travel with Bourdain contest, but alas I'm Canadian. Despite that setback I still wanted the No Reservations crew to know about the place I would have promoted: Ghana! You guys should really check out West Africa, it's the neatest place and Ghana is wonderful and warm-hearted. If you're interested in going let me know, I'd be glad to hook you guys up with some locals to give you the true experience. By the way I love the show, it combines my three great loves: Food, travel and sarcasm! Cheers
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    Christopher Martinez - February 11 2008 @ 3:11 pm OH MY GOD!!!!! No wonder nobody would let me get to a laptop when we were in Japan. As the actual Chris Martinez let me respond to some of the pernicious falsehoods Mr Bourdain has delivered here. Firstly, my editing room isn't "dark", it is cozy (in a dark sort of way) and provides protection from cosmic radiation, most forms of mind control and the evil rays of the sun. Secondly, Mr Bourdain neglected to mention the "other" yakitori bar we went to where, as per the ancient custom, I selected my meal from the "chicken tank", killed it myself and painted my face with it's blood. Remember that Mr. B? Finally, at that same meal I called his bluff about the karaoke. He knows perfectly well that I am the only person on this earth who hates karaoke more than him. You should have seen the raw terror in his eyes when I agreed to a sing off. Oh, but there will be consequences. Serious consequences. You just hang in there Leslie in AK. You want tight pants shots? Oh you just wait. I see a whole "History of Tight Pants Shots on Anthony Bourdain" episode in your future. And another thing, where's my December issue of Outlaw Editor?
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    Sandra Aylor - February 11 2008 @ 10:13 pm Same as other people who have posted here, I wanted to recommend a travel experience for Anthony. My husband (Kyle) and I are the judging chairs for a Memphis Barbecue Network sanctioned event held in Oxford, MS in the fall. This year our contest will be held October 24-25, 2008 at the Oxford Convention & Visitors Bureau. Last year's contest was a huge success and we would like to invite Anthony Bourdain to come and experience pig the way it is meant to be prepared. Championship style! Ribs, shoulder, whole hog (not to mention hog bacon and hog jowl)...plus tons of other side dishes that are key southern traditions here in the deep south at a BBQ contest: Bacon-wrapped artichoke hearts, bacon-wrapped duck and shrimp (wrap a turd in bacon and grill it up and it would probably taste great!), corn on the cob, baked beans, chili, catfish, smoked sausage and homemade sausages of all kind, hot wings, homemade BBQ sauces (3 separate categories - tomato, mustard & vinegar), beef and chicken dishes, exotic dishes you couldn't imaging (venison, fish, crazy-%#@ desserts - it could be ANYTHING from lamb to camel to zebra...you just never know!)...however it's always a party! Lots of booze, some partially naked women occasionally (and sometimes streaking men)...it's ALWAYS a ride on the 'Crazy Train,' believe me!!! Thousands of people attend over the 2-day event. It's definitely right up Anthony's alley! We love 'No Reservations' and TIVO every episode (and watch them at least once). We are extending a challenge for Anthony to do something a bit different. Come back to the U.S. and hang with us for a weekend and let us show you what real pig is all about! I guarantee Anthony will not be disappointed! Warm Regards from Memphis, TN - Sandra & Kyle Aylor www.myspace.com/riverwalkmusic oxfordbbq@comcast.net
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    nick s - February 11 2008 @ 11:54 pm Fantastic that you started the UK No Res with Get Carter, Tony. I've taken that trip so many times, the flat fields out of London growing lumpier and bumpier to Newcastle, and then the astonishing stretch by the coast as England gives way to Scotland. Marco? Seeing him back on British television, doing 'Hell's Kitchen' -- such a %#@! ego, such utter self-%#@ured confidence in his own abilities, but such a willingness to teach -- gave my wife an instant crush, and I had to explain the number of 'name' chefs who walked through his doors. You're right to say that he's recreating a childhood -- and a squire-like life -- he never had: but kids from the council estates who have aspirations beyond the dictates of his cl%#@ and accent always do. More power to him and his kitchen. Ramsay (or rather, Ramsay's charges) and Blumenthal have their own groundbreaking niches, but Marco and Fergus Henderson manage to put the long-hidden kitchen tradition of British food on the restaurant table. Your hanging question? I dunno. My grandparents knew the mastery of tough cuts and innards, my parents, whose childhood straddled the end of rationing, remember when chicken stopped being a treat and became industrial protein. Something happened in the 70s, I think. But that was the era of Elizabeth David and Fanny Cradock, wasn't it? The end of the local supermarket chains in the 80s, perhaps. Fergus is right: it's hard to put your finger on it. (Gerry's, though? Some secrets need to be kept.)
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    Esmeralda - February 12 2008 @ 8:11 am this seems like the only place i found to leave a comment so i will! i love watching No Reservations!!im addicted to the show and record it when i cant watch it. Anthony is everything ive ever wanted in a show food,sarcasm,cursing,no fear and a seemingly *&%@! way of doing things, but in a way that makes him even more loveable and human (and not to mention easy on the eyes *blush*) Now as i read the part about the toilet...it reminds me of the episodes of the Simpsons, when they visited Japan, and had the toilet plays music and makes a wonderful fountain like display ... and with that i have to say...i think...i'd stay in the bathroom too it was made that %#@! comphy!! either way ill say it again i think anthony is funny and sexy....and makes that show wonderful!(pardon any mispellings =>)
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    animusCollards - February 12 2008 @ 10:44 am London/Edinburgh: Did you say "Besides the point" Tony? Besides the !$#@ point?! Are you kidding?! I realize you're a cook not an English professor, but c'mon! Don't you pretend to be literate these days? PS: Love the shows (seen 'em all), books (read them all).
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    Trent - February 12 2008 @ 11:19 am I just wanted to say that I have been watching your shows from the very start, and this is the only show that I make sure that I am home for. Food is my hobby an cooking my p%#@ion. So every Monday, I set up shop with beer in one hand and cigarette in the other and in paradise for at least 60 minutes a week. Thank you for great work, Trent
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    dan - February 12 2008 @ 4:13 pm hi i know that this may not be the right place for this but it is the only one i can find. i recently saw the new orleans show and have decided that i want to go down there and volunteer for a semester. i was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction, be it anthony bourdain himself or any of the bloggers. thanks for the help.
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    Vic and Judi - February 12 2008 @ 7:30 pm Tony has the best show on the Travel Channel - We love each espisode and take it as the REAL skinny on the places he visits. Tony, we love you, keep traveling - we will keep on watching
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    Cynthia - February 12 2008 @ 9:27 pm I love love your show...did I say I love it? Ok here is the deal...I know if Anthony new I was out here watching him, he woud come and get me. Let me travel with him. But until then I will keep watching from afar. Drink a beer for me!! Cynthia
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    SALMON et TUFE' - February 12 2008 @ 10:46 pm Great trip out in Northern Mexico....(smile) "Daddy's real badddddd!" Thinking of the struggle held by the kid in Monterray, it sounds like stories all over.Take the plight of those stuck on "Indian Reservations" for example. They are American... but black labled. Russell Means could tell the entire story... he's an Indian American "Jesse Jackson"... without the props. check him out at TREATY PRODUCTIONS... Lakota lands in North Dakota http://www.russellmeans.com/treaty.htm ... his own film industry. He is a serious contrast to the head man in charge at BLACKFEET AMERICAN INDIAN "RESERVATION" in Montana. I believe that's sheep farming land out there. Good to see ya moving round... anywhere. One last inert and I'm outta your "natural" hair
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    Matt Smith - February 12 2008 @ 11:12 pm Tony, In the Mexico/US Border episode you mention that it is "almost impossible to find good Mexican food in New York City." Well, I've found it impossible. Could you please relay to me what anomalous Mexican restaurant you have in mind? Keep on Truckin, Matt
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    Seth Villalobos - February 13 2008 @ 1:32 am Dear, Tony I have in my life never responded to anything that I had seen on TV but for the first time I felt compelled to write to you. This is in reguards to the episode about Mexicano's in the kitchen(guess whos cooking your food)? I live in San Antonio, Tx and 3rd generation on my fathers side and 6th generation on my mothers Mexican American. My families background is the "gentes""raza" that picked the food and also cooked it in the kitchen to get it to america's plate. As long as I can rememeber the joke from us to America is guess how Asian or French the cook is Wan,Jean no JUAN! Sir DON ANTONIO BOURDAIN from one world traveling culinary admirer to another you have my utmost and deepest respect. Thankyou for always having your eyes open and telling it how it is.Gracias. Seth Andre Villalobos
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    Sarah - February 13 2008 @ 1:44 am Tony- Hey! Come make yourself comfortable here in Arizona. My suggestion is go to Sedona. It's beautiful up there, plus it's a center for Wiccan culture, which would be cool to explore. Anyway, last time I tried sushi I had a California roll which my mom brought home and made me eat the next day. Wouldn't you know it, my %#@ got sick! Darn mom. Love ya! Sarah.
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    Ellen aka "Queen of Sky" - February 13 2008 @ 3:15 am Hey Tony, I feel so lucky that the cable fairies have blessed me with free cable so I can watch your show! I miss traveling to exotic destinations (was fired from my job as a flight attendant because of my blog a few years back) and your show gives me that fix. Happy travels, my friend! P.S. Your blog ROCKS!
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    Goddess Irena 1. - February 13 2008 @ 9:09 am Greetings Tony.loved the show from Mexico. I have loved their Music for a time! I saw that one 4 times.you seemed Happy there,Maybe you should go back again.However your love for people and Aquarian nature for adventure is what makes your show Great!.(Your Cancer Sun,keeps your interest also in food) We all know you well! Thanks for the great presentations. Best Wishes from Goddess Irena 1. http://www.biznetmall.com/goddessirena1/
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    Chesh - February 13 2008 @ 11:10 am Caught the Mexico episode last night. It is wonderful to see someone putting faces and stories to the immigrants (legal and not)that fill the jobs our own citizens can't be bothered with. Each spring in my industry we advertise in colleges, newspapers and web-sites, but get little response. Those that do interview are often irresponcible and unemployable. Instead our most reliable and hard working employees come from south of our border... (few questions asked) Politicians and Minute Men can spout statistics about how immigrants drag down wages and rely on welfare but they are so misinformed, I am certain they have never had a conversation with one of their 'enemies'. These guys exemplify so many characteristics that our own citizens lack. They work hard, save money, support their families, have a strong sense of community and find joy in a difficult life. Quite the opposite of dragging down our economy, I think they prop it up. Any one proposing a wall along the border or deportation should have to work the jobs of the people they expell. You don't see them sending their children out to become fry cooks, landscapers or meatpackers. I know it was an old show but great job NR!
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    Willy Mac - February 13 2008 @ 12:56 pm AB, O.K., I've been hooked with the show for a few seasons now, and even catch you on that "other network" whenever possible, but now I've found myself anxiously awaiting the latest blog, too! I't been going on two weeks now, and I must admit, I haven't "jonesed" this bad since kicking the habit many years ago! (never mind which one - big brother's always watching!) I look forward to Laos, since I have a good friend from there, and I ran a bar in Yokosuka for a few years, so that'll also have my interest up! Thanks goodness for the daily re-runs to keep us AB-dosed, but please... I need my blog-fix! Write something (even if it's wrong!) Thanks. Peace, please... Willy Mac
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    kanani - February 13 2008 @ 1:18 pm They're building spec houses for wealthy asians in my community. I went through an "Open House," and people were congregated in the bathroom to look at the toilet. The only thing it didn't do was answer phone calls.
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    Chris n TJ - February 13 2008 @ 7:56 pm Back in Japan! Alllllllll righty then, Tony - time for some more Mountain Oyster! C'mon..you know you want some. Nothing could be that bad twice in a row.
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    Bonnie - February 13 2008 @ 11:46 pm I have a mad crush on this travel man. I watch him on a trapeze, diving off a cliff. Eating, drinkin, smoking, swearing. He is sexy, and smart, an everyman with an edge.
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    Varun Patil - February 14 2008 @ 5:24 am Well well... Does it have something to do with Japan?... I head to my local Japanese Restraunt, thankfully not in a 7 starrer cause frankly I cannot afford that luxury( you know fish flown in directly from the shores of Japan, polished to suit the eye and well fed to feed the soul) and was greeted with the traditional ambience of the mountain country. We removed our shoes and sat down on the table which was not at all uncomfortable because as Indians we were used to eating sitting on the floor in the village. What caught my uncles attention was that they had kept tripods with small fire lamps beneath them. I dont know what got to him but he was extremely delighted at the sight. I wasnt interested..I wanted my sushi rolled up in bamboo, with all sorts of veges and herbs stuffed into it(Somebody kill me! i dont know anything about sushi; I eat what i like) and I wanted it right away. I dont care about tempuras..%#@! get me some raw fish! As I was lost in my own world,I dint notice that the tripod lamps were lit up and a small white dish with a fluid like water was kept over the tripod to be heated. It was that time and the time we left the place with evry meal on the menu in our newly carved pot bellies and our card companies happy. SAKe! I do not remember what all I had that evening nor do remember how much did we spend, all I remember is that Japanese food goes well with SAKe and SAKe only... and Tokyo is just as crazy!... Maybe thats just my inner drunk speaking... bbut again there are many who still have to grow up... As for the "travel with Tony" proposal...cmon man BRING IT ON! Rock on Tony m/
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    Blondee - February 14 2008 @ 9:05 am Great show--love what you do and how you do it! and great fans' comments--where else could I get so much pleasure out of potty talk (toilets, squirts, etc.) and food talk (sushi, brains, mountain oysters)all in the same place!
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    Teriyakiman - February 14 2008 @ 10:37 am Tony-san, Unfortunately, I didnt get to catch this episode but I will on the marathon coming up! How I miss the land of hokka hokka tei and it sounds like you had a awesome time. There are many places there that are just like that little bar you went into. When I was stationed there (Sasebo, Kyushu prefecture) we had 2 bar "districts" for us Navy folk. One was "Sailor Town" and the other "Saki Town", ah those names bring chills. Sailor town was your run down dark alley with a handful of bars which attracted usuals (98% Gaijins and a lost drunken Nihonjin here and there) and had their notorious "bar girls". Close by was the famous "Mama-sans", man this place rocks some serious rice and chicken but my personal favorite has to be her Yakisoba. Almost every drunken gaijin would make their way there after a long night of drinking to feed the need and try to sober up a bit before going back on base. You should check it out sometime next time you go around that area. Saki town, my fav, was a semi maze of "better" bars which was located at a more lighted place near a shopping area. It still hosted your usual bar girls and kareokee machines that were heard outside of every bar. I cant imagine how many times I heard plenty of drunk gaijins singing "Under the bridge" thinking...wow in a few minutes I will be doing just that. Well this was my experiece in my town there, may not seem like much but it was memorable enough for me to blog about. If I told you about Fukuoka, well lets just say there would be lots of editing. Bayonne!
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    Bob - February 14 2008 @ 11:57 pm Great blog
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     Catherine Hilker - February 15 2008 @ 9:05 am I look forward to watching new shows each week. I especially appreciate the sarcastic narative and adventerous eating choices. However, my favorite moments are the ones where you're sitting around a table with locals, eating a home cooked meal with some spirits. The "tender" Tony comes to life and says the most profound things...thank you for that! By the way, thanks for the larger print!
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     BurgerBoy - February 15 2008 @ 12:06 pm Tony, thanks for all the great trips man. wd love to get to the land of the rising sun and just be able to catch half of yr expirience there! looking fwd to the next trip. thanx for the one on Berlin, though the currywurst is better in Saarbruecken!!! going to check out yr pommes and tartar soon. keep on keepin on.
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     joanna - February 15 2008 @ 6:28 pm chef!!! i am a culinary student in santa barbara.CA. and i would like to thank you for the international insight you have provided for me through your travels. as well your book i a, barried in it kitchen confidential has given me laughs insight and insperation all at the same time.i am also going to send in my 3 minutes video.. hope to win a trip with you ciao!
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     Erik Stephens - February 15 2008 @ 8:38 pm "Two beers later and then back to work." I envy you guys. You guys are saints for taking your editor out of the box. We tape cutters can be strange at times and need to be taken outside of the comfort zone.
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     Masato - February 16 2008 @ 5:44 am Hello Tony !! Still we can watch your Toscana's edition on TV but I found your interview article in Today's news newspaper. We know that You have been exploring Japan for seeking your favorit, but I think still not reach to the TOP. You will be able to find top of KAISEKI & GEISHA at near by Tsukiji Market (its really 10min. by waking distance) better to ask with Shinji. The best tastes are not expressed by "three stars" as you know well. I hope you will visit here with your new family!! from Tokyo Tsukiji
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     michael bilodeau - February 16 2008 @ 4:09 pm I know this comment is a little dated, but when you traveled to northern ireland I was quite suprised at your comments on the differences between protestant and catholic murals and the message/impression it left on you. Im glad you spoke from the heart and did not try to appease anyone. It was refreshing to see/hear someone on television actually speak their mind on a subject. also loved your ghana show, my wife is a native and we travel their consistently, have a house there. thanks for an interesting show
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     karen - February 17 2008 @ 4:40 am When you go into a public restroom, the "toilets" are percelain lined holes in the ground with a place for your feet when you squat. There is usually one stall that has a sign on it "Western Style" for the squat-weary, less adventuresome types. You can purchase napkins from the machine outside because they do not have paper towels. MOre often, you will see people with their own personal wachcloths. Harajuku-the Bizarro-ground zero of Tokyo, has a great store called Condomania- yep! you guessed it! Everything is made from condoms. some of the best places to eat are those little noodle shops tucked away in the alleys. alot of food for a little money! Itadakimasu!
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     Melanie - February 17 2008 @ 7:12 pm This cinches it, I'm buying one for my bathroom. After looking, reading and watching video's Oh My. Dear Todd, and the crew of No Reservations have sold me on the super duper Japanese toilet seat. :) Cheers, Melanie
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     Lee - February 17 2008 @ 9:50 pm anthony, it's leap year. i am going to cut to the chase. will you marry me? :) hugs and kisses, lee ps i had to ask someone it doesn't come around often, you would be my number one pick <3.
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     Adam - February 18 2008 @ 11:09 am In the off-chance that yourself or anyone from your crew read this, I wanted to express my deepest of heartfelt thanks. Last week, I left my job, canceled the last in a series of wasted semesters and have began to see what the world actually looks like from behind a book. Being a culture geek really hinders your sanity when there are no travel opportunities presented, so I've taken it upon myself to do just that: present an opportunity. First stop--London--before moving to the only other language base I know--Japan--and yet, maybe I'll try Germany or Egypt. I finally get to make good 'mistakes.' So, from Knoxville in Tennessee, thank you and your crew for presenting the best and worst in places, an honest view hard to come by.
     
     %#@!, it feels good to be a gangster.
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     Elizabeth Rhiannon - February 18 2008 @ 2:11 pm I'm not a big t.v. person, but I find myself searching for your show more often and now, here I am. I fear I'm being sucked in. Stay true ;)
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     Jayne - February 18 2008 @ 2:49 pm This has no relevance to your post, but you should really go to the East African coast....it had a rich culture and cuisine influenced by India, the Arabian Peninisula, it's African roots and Portuguese and British colonialism. Amazing people, views, and food.
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     Janet Isserlis - February 18 2008 @ 5:38 pm Notes From the Road ... The Home Edition By Tony on January 11, 2008 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (255) an old messgae, from a new reader of this blog. I *just* last night read the chapter in kitchen confidential about the day at Les Halles, and found myself growing anxious as the day wore on. not anxious, anxious, but a little shaky. (this from a woman, about your age) who dusts the stove when my partner's out of town. you're not a %$#! (a word, generally, I avoid) relative usefulness? even though I still steadfastly avoid cooking myself, i do find myself thinking about food a little differently. and, now that I've almost finished kitchen confidential, it's excellent news discovering there's a place to read about what you're doing now. used to live in Vancouver and was glad for that episode. 28 years is a long time to bend and flex and get burned, damaged and otherwise abused by the work you love. look at it this way - you're just making room for someone else to do it. and informing the rest of us civilians (who do, after all, still have to eat). thanks for that Janet
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     [AVERIL MCKENDRICK] - February 18 2008 @ 10:44 pm Teach me everything. I want to be your apprentice. I love travel. I love food. I love cooking. I love you. Do drugs with me you sexy bastard. Seriously though, take me with you across the universe. Your crew would love me, I'm a total %$#! rockstar. You know you want to. We'd be fabulous jet setting partners in crime, tackling the foreign and the fabled and the phenominal wonders of this, our culinary treasure chest of a planet. I'll be in Rome all summer. Come visit me. Do it. xoxo
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     nick s - February 19 2008 @ 12:48 am NR Jamaica: Whoever made the executive decision to forgo the American standard practice of subtitling people speaking English with 'difficult' accents? You have have my love. (Jayne's East Africa suggestion? Do it. Dar es Salaam beckons.)
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     Alan Wong - February 19 2008 @ 3:15 am My review of your book, "No Reservations: Around the World On An Empty Stomach" has been published in the Malaysian English daily "The Star" on Sunday February 10, 2008. The URL is: http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2008/2/10/lifebookshelf/19817815&sec=lifebookshelf I was a bit bummed out to know someone from The Star had previewed your book before (in a report dated 11 December 2007), but it was still nice to read and review your book, and I hope that you and your crew would continue your good work. All the best to you all. Regards, Alan Wong PS. Did you ever develop a taste for the "mountain potato"?
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     John Dittmer - February 19 2008 @ 3:35 pm Tony: Did you hear the news about Robert Irvine being caught in a bunch of lies about himself? Interestingly enough, your buddies at the Food Network have yanked his biography. Very, very interesting.
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     Trina - February 19 2008 @ 3:55 pm I am so in love!! with you and your show.. I would move mountains and learn to cook too..lol, if that would give me just half a snowballs chance to be able to go onn the road with you and your crew.. I'm no rock star, but i know how to party like one.. Please please please!!! PICK ME..lol.. You are one sexy !@#$ piece of man flesh.. Whew, it's getting hot in here, and i'm not cooking..lol..
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     Adam - February 19 2008 @ 4:43 pm Is there a contest I don't know about, 'cause it would seem a good number of people are pleading to go boot-thumping over the planet with him?
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     RaniRo - February 19 2008 @ 5:03 pm Hi Adam, No contest, but there is a casting call - http://yourtrip.travelchannel.com/special/Bourdain
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     Adam - February 19 2008 @ 5:39 pm Thanks for that update. Since I've started traveling, I don't really know any of the places I'm staying beyond my reading, but good times to both Mr. Bourdain and whoever takes him into boozetown. There, there will be alcohol, yes?
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     Michele - February 19 2008 @ 5:47 pm I just wanted to thank you for your amazing show no resv...it is so amazing to watch. I actually feel like I've gone somewhere and learned so much about culture and people! I love to travel above all activities...now that I'm a mom of four I spend a lot of time home...and travel adventures consist of Disneyland or Happy Meals! You and your show keep that spark alive in me and makes me excited that as my kids grow older we will go on uncharted adventures...thanks again! Keep up the great work!
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     Antoinette - February 19 2008 @ 7:42 pm Oh my. The Cult of Bourdain is spinning seriously out of control. Evidently we need a Bourdain entry more than every 2-3 weeks. Yes, don't we all. It's funny....everytime I watch Bourdain I get very thirsty. Last night it was Red Stripe on the beach in Jamaica. I'm off to the Evil Place for cold beer.
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     Quiznos Himself - February 19 2008 @ 7:49 pm yea anthony bourdain is not the "bad boy" of the culinary world and he has nothing on my two dollar sammies.
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     Jason - February 19 2008 @ 9:21 pm Tony, Make a call to your people. I need a travel show of my own, if for no other reason than I can do better than that Zimmern guy...I'll be waiting for your call.
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     Nurse Nancy - February 19 2008 @ 10:52 pm Never watched the show before the marathon on President's Day....I am totally enchanted! My favorite quote of the day was when Tony said, "Give me 9 hot inches..." Just can't get that thought out of my mind, M. Bourdain!
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     CHRISTINE - February 19 2008 @ 11:03 pm Well, Anthony- No one can dispute that you do have a command of the "English Language" but positive reinforcement is sometimes well deserved- add a little of this without reservation and I may become more interested- I am tired of hearing the negative side of so many wonderful places you let me experience with you. LYM
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     Ali - February 20 2008 @ 1:33 am mmm...sushi...
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     rye - February 20 2008 @ 3:02 am boz tony, i'm hooked of your "no reservation show". i hope you will consider visiting the philippines. and incase you do, add cebu province to your iterinary for a nice,crunchy and tasty pork roast(lechon). and the beaches of palawan, boracay and lots more. more power to your show!!!
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     GoddessIrena1 - February 20 2008 @ 11:50 am Hi Tony.Such a nice presentation on the FN last night on your homeland in France.Very beautiful place,and no wonder you are the Tall American and so focused and a good writer! must be that raisin bread breakfast you had every morning! However the marathon was great and quick moving and informative as always! Thanks again for all your excursions presented. Goddess Irena1 www.biznet1.com/goddessirena1
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     Mel - February 20 2008 @ 12:39 pm I really think that you could have done a better job on the piece you did about Jamaica. You totally made that island look like a dump when it is in fact one of the most beautiful. You went to a local beach which is by far the worst beach on the island because it is in the city as opposed to the country which 95% of the island is lush country side. You also claimed that there were no caves there...did you ever hear of the Green Grotto Caves. You instead chose to go to some feces infested bat cave in the middle of nowhere. Jamaican children actually take trips to the Green Grotto caves so obviously it would have been a better experience for you. But I understand that you needed dramatics for TV which is why you chose to do what you did. You definitely did no justice to this nice island...the last few episodes of The Girl Next Door was filmed in Jamaica where Holly's sister got married and that is more like what Jamaica is like. I think that Anthony had too much Jamaican Rum and just wanted to stay close to the airport in Kingston, so he did not even explore the island at all. Lazy, Lazy, Lazy. So instead he went a few blocks to Hellshire Beach and then to the Blue Mountains. I always watch your show, but not I will know that what you do is not authentic at all.
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     Chesh - February 20 2008 @ 2:09 pm Mel, And you think "The Girls Next Door" is an accurate portrayal? You must not have left the Sandles resort on your trip! I hate to break it to you, but all American women are not barbie-blondes and some parts of Jamaica ARE a dump. Anyone who has seen the commercials knows the island is a tropical paradise, but not everyone there has it so easy. And that does not make me any less willing to travel there! Open your mind and see how the rest of the world lives. Besides, you saw Tony's appreciation of nature in the cave scene - do you realy think he wants to go into the countryside?
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     Blank gErination - February 20 2008 @ 3:37 pm hahaha That is hilarious. I would kill to hear the Tony Bourdain version of "White Wedding." Ah, Tony...I know I'll probably never meet you, but know this: You have a female slave in Boston if you want one.
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     Carolyn - February 20 2008 @ 4:30 pm I don't care where you are or what show you're filming / airing this week... I just wanted to say YOU TOTALLY ROCK, man! :D You go places and do things very very few of us would ever have the guts to do. Furthermore, you open our eyes to the cultures of the world and the food they eat. For as brutally honest as you are, you always treat people with the respect they're due. I hope you're doing this gig for years to come. Love Ya, A.
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     Annonymous - February 20 2008 @ 7:45 pm HI everyone! Does anyone know the artists or music that was playing in the Jamaica episode of Anthony Bourdain? Hue
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     Zhao Z. Chen - February 21 2008 @ 1:44 am Great show.
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     Kalyan - February 21 2008 @ 6:31 am Hey Tony, I live in Mumbai, India and am originally from what we Calcuttans call the food capital of India - Calcutta. I just love No Reservations. And watch it whenever it comes on TV even if I have seen the episode before. I love your kick a@*& and no hang ups style. You have definitely ispired me to write my own blog on food www.finelychopped-k.blogspot.com Would be great if you check it out Hope to meet you some day Cheers Kalyan
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     Jimmy Z - February 21 2008 @ 8:59 am I only have one thing to say, Mr. Bourdain. YOU ROCK! That is all.
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     M. Takahashi - February 21 2008 @ 10:55 am I just wanted to say I can't get enough and I'm hungry for more. We love you out here in Japan and our warm toilets are waiting for you and your crew. Don't be afraid to press that button and get a burst of freshness. Just don't press the button with the girly mark. Other than that you'll be ok. Well, do take care and continue what you are doing and yes I love what you doing for the new season of episodes. Only one question on the show you did in italy was that director that grumpy. Anyway, I am looking forward to all of your new adventures. OH YEAH! PLEASE STAY OUT OF THE MIDDLE EAST. I WANT YOU TO LIVE FOR A LONG TIME. ALSO STAY AWAY FROM INDIAN FORTUNE TELLERS THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR LOVE LIFE IS LIKE. On a totally different note do you have any recipes online? meaning your recipes. Take Care and remember Cheers in Japanese is KAMPAI- pronunciation- comepie
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     andy barton - February 21 2008 @ 1:12 pm I would take that over some of the "WC"'s in Greece and Turkey. Dont get me wrong I would hop a plane tommorow for either place. It seems the natural beauty of the country is better when the toilets are more "basic".
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     sue lynch - February 21 2008 @ 7:09 pm we are going to be in NYC this weekend. we are going to eat at les halles-park ave. location. i am trying to figure out the real situation with this restaurant. is tony still the executive chef? does he still have a hand in the workings of it at all? if not, is it going to be a big let-down? while i am looking forward to filling my belly with grey's papaya throughout the weekend, i would like to eat a good sit-down meal as well! :)
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     Britney - February 25 2008 @ 8:39 pm get as much of the nice, heated, hotel toilets as you can. they come with the sprayers and the button you can press that makes "cover up" noises incase you had a little too much of the raw fish the other night. I hear the toilets outside in the more rural areas may not to provide toilet paper, and some are the traditional urinal type... ie, a squatter. on the other hand, id take a hole in the ground any day if it meant I was in japan!
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     Tayva - February 25 2008 @ 10:09 pm Overseas toilets... They make me want to linger in the bathroom all day, as well. American toilets just don't compare. I'm enamored by the toilets in Europe, particularly. I wish the standard American household toilets had half of the balls that the European ones possess. You can suck a horse down 'em! I can remember the first time I flushed a non-US toilet, it was in Belgium. Scared me half to death, it was so powerful and loud! Another lovely aspect of overseas "toiletry": FOUR PLY TOILET PAPER. Like lush pillows for the !@#. Honestly, I've never had toilet paper do such a remarkable job of cleanin' the ol' bits. I wanted to smuggle a whole bunch of it back in my suitcase during my recent trip to Spain. Sadly, I know that heavenly four-ply would severely clog our 'marvelous' American loos.
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     Annonymous - February 26 2008 @ 2:34 am Shame on you, Mister Anthony, “IDIOT”!! You made a trip to one of the most exiting culinary cultures and you took a no-educated not Romanian guide, that show you the lowest of the low of the society that even him did not like! 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! You where in Romania with a Russian? Go to Russia with a Russian! 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. Instead we show dead pig heads most of your show. If it was a freak in that place it was you and your friend. 2 outsiders came in a nice place one more stupid than the other and transform it into something with some journalistic facts put in very unfriendly terms. You could have seen so much traditional food in Bucharest. Each region specific with so many soups so many others 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 joke of a man with 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! The only good think I can thing of, coming out of the terrible misleading show in Romanian, is that is broad out so many Romanians together in indignation. Why don't we get together and have parties and enjoy our great cuisine and dance the hora. How about to meet in any Romanian Restaurant in USA, in each of our cities. Why don't we meet on 1st of March on "MARTISOR" woman’s day Saturday night? And celebrate our food and dance
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     Annonymous - February 26 2008 @ 2:39 am Shame on you, Mister Anthony, “IDIOT”!! You made a trip to one of the most exiting culinary cultures and you took a no-educated not Romanian guide, that show you the lowest of the low of the society that even him did not like! 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! You where in Romania with a Russian? Go to Russia with a Russian! 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. Instead we show dead pig heads most of your show. If it was a freak in that place it was you and your friend. 2 outsiders came in a nice place one more stupid than the other and transform it into something with some journalistic facts put in very unfriendly terms. You could have seen so much traditional food in Bucharest. Each region specific with so many soups so many others 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 joke of a man with 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! The only good think I can thing of, coming out of the terrible misleading show in Romanian, is that is broad out so many Romanians together in indignation. Why don't we get together and have parties and enjoy our great cuisine and dance the hora. How about to meet in any Romanian Restaurant in USA, in each of our cities. Why don't we meet on 1st of March on "MARTISOR" woman’s day Saturday night? And celebrate our food and dance
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     Eric - March 02 2008 @ 12:55 am I'm telling ya, a good okonomi-yaki, it'll bring out the best in the world.
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     Shannon - March 02 2008 @ 11:29 pm While no food professional I do have the benefit of having lived in Tokyo for a few years. The next time you come I would love to suggest a few places that you might not find out about otherwise. Golden Gai would have been high on the list, but there are still many 'back alley' places that I think you would enjoy. One such place is in the suburbs of Tokyo (about 15-20 mins. West of Shinjuku) called Noji. http://noji2005.com/ There are many expats here and I hope that if you have advance men, that you'll take advantage of our hard-won knowledge on local cuisine.
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     Deb - March 03 2008 @ 6:57 pm I'm sorry I took so long to google your name. I just finished reading "Kitchen Confidential," and as an ex-expat who lived in Shibuya for nine years, my burning question after reading it was, "How much did that meal in Roppoingi cost?" Roppongi is expensive, and eating sashimi and sushi is also expensive (albeit, not as expensive as in the States) (I am discounting the 100 yen/plate kaiten-zushi places, of course. I ate my heart out while reading that section, of course. I'm glad to know you continue to enjoy the eating styles of the Japanese. Personally, I think your buddy Chris committed a crime against nature ordering a take-out pizza while in Tokyo. My husband (also a quasi-vegetarian) wisely sets his eating quirks aside when in Japan. I think his philosophy is, "I'm in a gold mine: it's time to get naked and roll in the dust." From what I understand, Tokyo is still in the thrall of tofu right now--a movement that began about two or three years ago--so your friend should be able to eat plenty of tofu--sukuidofu (simply to die for), tamagodofu, yudofu (best in Kyoto, of course), gomadofu (my weakness), and, of course, tonyu-nabe, etc. I'm also glad you made it to Golden-gai. No one, including the Tokyoites, ever seem to make it there, but it is one of the most special places in Tokyo. Incidentally, there is a slew of Korean restaurants close by that are pretty good. I'm feeling very natsukashii right now. I hope you travel to Japan again soon and write about everything you eat in loving detail.
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     Deb - March 03 2008 @ 7:01 pm P.S. My sincerest apologies to Morimoto-sensei, but Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is not my favorite. It's the inclusion of the noodles that I don't like. Otherwise, okonomiyaki makes a terrific lunch with some nice, crisp beer.
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     Deb - March 03 2008 @ 7:53 pm P.P.S. My apologies at my seeming inability to let go of the topic. I tend to get excited about the topic. A little tip for your vegetarian friend, Chris: Kamakura has a shojin-ryori (Buddhist food/vegan) restaurant called hachinoki (http://www.hachinoki.co.jp/). Also (and this has nothing to do with eating vegetarian), for a special dining experience, Mt. Takao has a place called Ukai-Chikutei (url: http://www.ukai.co.jp/chikutei/index.html) that I would have to recommend. The food is pretty good, but what I like best is that it is exquisitely landscaped, and they release fireflies during the summer for the viewing pleasure of their diners. How great it must be to have Morimoto-sensei as your guide. I remember when he first came on "Ryori no testujin." My husband and I were amazed at how imaginitive his cooking style is. It's a pity that most U.S. viewers are unaware that he is so extraordinarily creative.
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     Santa Cruz Momma - March 13 2008 @ 3:02 pm When my son was three years old I got a call from a good friend, she found roundtrip tickets to Japan for $400, do you want to go? We had to leave in two weeks but I thought it would be an adventure of a lifetime. Seeing your show made me ache to be there again... the food was amazing, the people are kind and helpful. My little boy did great with all the travel and still remembers visiting the temples (he's now 8). Some day when my finances look up I will run off to there again. And those warm water potties rock. You can buy them in Japantown SF... been so tempted. :) When you kid is old enough, start showing him the world... you'll never regret it.
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     Jill O'Neil - March 25 2008 @ 3:56 pm Please, please, please answer me this...Where was that waterfall you stood under? something...valley? (Japan) I am a huge fan of yours by the way. (not in size, but in appreciation) thanks.
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     Darren Cronian - April 03 2008 @ 11:10 pm Man you need to add some images in your blog posts to help us readers! Great post though, Tokyo is high on my list of destinations to visit, primarily because I'm a gadget geek and would love to stay in one of them capsule hotels.
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     kathleen shipler - April 12 2008 @ 6:26 pm Enjoy the show. Would love a photo.
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     Mark - April 15 2008 @ 5:42 pm Hey Tony: I recently bought all four seasons of No reservations through Itunes at like between $20 - $30 per season and I noticed that the Tokyo show was not in it. What gives, that was the best of that season .
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     jane - May 05 2008 @ 8:27 pm Just shared french tomato sausage with my friend Anthony. (In my mind anyways) Been eating it since I was a child and the market (Twaites)is still around in Methuen MA. They make the best (scottish)pork pies and we know how you love your pork! Love your shows and watch repeat after repeat. Ever in the Lawrence MA area visit the many latino retaurants. Many are in old and in renovated mills. Kind of neat. Work with low income middle school girls (Esperanza Academy)that haa a chef that volunteers and comes in and teaches them once a week in the culinary arts. Bet you never had food like these kids can prepare. Smile :) Keep up the great material with the fantastic shows.
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     aphexddb - July 09 2008 @ 10:38 pm Just discovered your blog, %$#@ing great. I spent some time in Japan and you are the only personality to do it justice. Don't stop making TV.
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     dre - July 17 2008 @ 12:40 pm anthony bourdain is awesome!!! im actually in japan right now, ive been here almost 2 months and unfortunately i leave next thursday..i visited all of the places anthony went to in japan, and the food in osaka is amazing!!!
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     Rachel M. - July 17 2008 @ 6:26 pm Oh my God Tony doing karaoke, what has the world come to?!?!(although I am mildly curious as to how it will turn out.) Anyway just reading this blog makes me want to pack up my things and go to Japan.(I've always wanted to go there...)That's really sad about Todd.
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     Charlie - August 12 2008 @ 12:31 am I love the jazzy traditional Japan tunes during the morimoto monk fish prep. Does anyone know the artist?
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     chat - November 18 2008 @ 9:14 pm

     Thanks

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     Karınca yumurtası yağı - January 02 2009 @ 8:43 pm

     nice
     karınca yumurtası, tala, tala yağı, karınca yumurtası satış

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     louis vuitton - October 09 2009 @ 8:58 am

     dre - July 17 2008 @ 12:40 pm anthony bourdain is awesome!!! im actually in japan right now, ive been here almost 2 months and unfortunately i leave next thursday..i visited all of the places anthony went to in japan, and the food in osaka is amazing!!!

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     games - October 14 2009 @ 7:45 am

     Now that's a killer combo. Wish I'd been there, but at least I'll get to watch the show. Please keep making great TV!

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     laser pointer - November 19 2009 @ 3:15 am

     warm toilet seats here in Tokyo. I plan to spend my final day in Harajuku. Any affordable, great sushi outlet/eating place to recommend there?It can get pretty difficult to look for one with all the japanese neon signages here.