Anthony Bourdain's Blog

Wrong Again!

By Anthony Bourdain on July 21, 2008 12:22 PM | Permalink | 234 Comments

It sounded like a truly terrible idea from the get-go -- Solicit video submissions from absolute strangers, pick one of them, and then put myself into said stranger's hands for a week, someplace I've never been. I hadn't been paying attention when the network suggested it, and I looked at the prospect as a far away, slow moving train that would hopefully never arrive and figured that in any case, it could be finessed. If I actually had to go somewhere with a fan, I'd pick someplace close and easy.

But the train was here, now. A decision had to be made. And Buffalo was looking like a mighty strong contender. Out of thousands of often terrifying submissions, dark figures muttering at the camera from blood-freckled cellar rumpus rooms, there were actually a few really good ones. Nelson Starr's admirably deranged ode to Buffalo was a snowy masterpiece -- if limited in its culinary offerings. It had the advantage of being close. And that it kind of "rawked".

Augusto Elefanio's enthusiastic plea to take him along to the Philippines, so that he could reconnect with his roots, was also excellent and heartfelt and might get the masses of Filipinos who've been (understandably) hectoring me ("Why haven't you been to my country yet?") finally, off my back.

Eric Rivera suggested Thailand -- from a kick-boxer's perspective, in an articulate, compassionate video presenting a place that was already familiar to me and well known for its outrageously varied and delicious cuisine.

And then there was Danya Alhamrani's earnest, professional looking tape urging me to join her in Saudi Arabia -- just about the last place I would ever have considered going.Unfortunately, for my plans to basically rig this whole, shameful project, to pick some marginally comprehensible, and relatively unthreatening fan and spend a few days shooting footage of me comically avoiding the contest winner -- in like, Bermuda, or Montauk, Danya's video was just so damn good. And Saudi Arabia seemed like such a difficult, even foolish option.

I mean, let's face it, how much fun could it be? Most of the hijackers came from Saudi Arabia. They're mostly pretty fundamentalist Muslims! Women cover themselves head-to-toe in black. The men wear head dress and white floor length, skirty things! It's hot --really hot. There's NO BEER!! If any destination was predestined to suck, this was it.

But Danya Alhamrani is an extraordinary woman. And the fact that during finalist interviews, she pretty much challenged me to visit her country and still think ill of it, was well, pretty persuasive. She touched that obstinate streak of contrariness in me that little voice that's always telling me that if I'm sure of a thing -- and everybody agrees with me -- then I'm probably wrong.

And it's nice being wrong. One of the delights of travel is finding, again and again that all your preconceptions, all the conventional wisdom, everything you thought for sure was right -- is, in fact, wrong -- or at least, far from a complete picture. Saudi Arabia, it turned out, was fun. Really!

I urge you to take a look at producer Amy Teuteberg's excellent and provocative crew blog. There's not much I can add to that (and what you see in the show) -- except to lavish even more praise on the remarkable Danya, her friends and family. It's only right, I think, that a tough, independent Western woman's perspective should be most useful and relevant when talking about what the experience was like. It is women, after all, who are denied the right to drive, who must cover themselves in public. So, wheel over to the Crew Blog as soon as you can.

I can only tell you that standard male dress in the Kingdom, the "thobe", felt surprisingly ... liberating. Walking through my hotel lobby, there was a strange relief, a comfort in looking exactly like everybody else. And superb testicular ventilation.

And if there was one really big surprise, it's that so many Saudis we met had a sense of humor. This is not what you'd expect after watching "60 Minutes" or "Dateline" or various hard news descriptions of life in the Kingdom. Fact is we met a lot of funny, good natured, very, very generous people over there. They actually had the capacity to laugh at themselves. They were all too aware of how they look to outsiders. They watch "Friends" and "Oprah" and "American Idol".

Many, many of them were educated abroad. They were scrupulously devout in their faith without being humorless. It was a flawlessly organized and executed shoot -- thanks to newcomer producer Amy, the magnificent Danya, and Dania and many friends -- and in fact, a rollicking good -- if alcohol free -- time. I think a lot of people are going to be surprised by the show.

As a final note, we will, on some snowy winter day, shoot at least part of a show in Buffalo. And Nelson Starr shall surely be our guide. Bangkok is on the horizon for the coming season. And we would be remiss if we did not have Eric Rivera, with his unique perspective and unusual access along for the ride. Plus, my wife wants to take a week or two in mui tai camp there. And just as the Phillipines are long overdue for a show, Augusto Elefanio deserves to have his dreams come true.

So with luck, everybody, as they say, is a winner.

 

Tags: blog , anthony bourdain , anthony bourdain blog , no reservations , crew blog , travel , channel , zero point zero

234 Comments

  1. 1
    Bill - July 21 2008 @ 12:46 pm Hrmmmm.... Sand, desert, heat, and no beer. (I mean really? ouch) Well, I'll watch from the air conditioned confort of my living room with an ice cold one on your behalf. Keep up the good work. Great show! Cheers!
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    Elliot Aronow - July 21 2008 @ 12:51 pm Tony when are we getting loaded and listening to fun house like you promised? I have "dirt" all queued up on the hi fi! Best, EA
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    Tera - July 21 2008 @ 1:00 pm Can't wait.
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    meg d. - July 21 2008 @ 1:02 pm When I heard about this contest I had to laugh in horrified sympathy - you don't really seem the type to agree to arranged, potentially deathly terrifying groupie encounters. That said, I'm . . . well, surprised, and also pleased, that you found someone to surp***your expectations (and mine). Can't wait to see the show!
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    Fru - July 21 2008 @ 1:03 pm Hey! I cant wait to watch the saudi arabia show, it trully doesnt sound like a good destination, its amazing how perspective changes. Emmm my name is Francisco, from santiago de chile, you should come here some day. I have traveled since very little, and in a couple of monts im going to NY for the first time. NY is a city that really scares me, i think i'll feel overwhelmed by noise and lights. But well after watching you show in NY i felt a little more calm. I dont actually know why im going to NY, im just going. I dont know what im gonna do there, but, the thing is just to be in a place where you dont know anybody. My email is here if anybody wants to recomend me places to go and things to see, also im looking for music schools to continue my education, so if anybody know about this please help me. Tony, your show is amazing, really sincere. and you look like an amazing person also, well... chef, traveler, dead boys and richard hell fan, writer, i dont know haha, i hope i get to meet you some day. take care
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    Feisty Bourbon Girl - July 21 2008 @ 1:06 pm Again with the wife? Tony, we get it. You're married. Will she be picking locations now like Michael Caine picks his movies? (wink wink nudge nudge) That being said, I cannot wait to see you in a caftan.........and when you do get to Buffalo, a few suggestions: 1. Duffs - the best wings, period. 2. John and Marys - order the sausage sub with oil (be sure to indicate that, "with oil"). You won't be disappointed.
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    Ursula - July 21 2008 @ 1:14 pm I've no desire to go somewhere with that much sand unless there's a beach nearby. You can't even get me out to Arizona, much less Saudi Arabia. And I'm no America-loving Republican. That being said, I'm more than happy to watch you deal with a groupie and dry up like toast while I eat my beach-side dinner in AC.
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    Ladymissgailo - July 21 2008 @ 1:22 pm Veeerrrryyyyy Innnnteerrreessstiinngggg...I'll have to watch!
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    Mary Jenkins - July 21 2008 @ 2:12 pm See Anthony, you and I both have bambinas.That has changed my notions about travel! Hasn't it yours? I used to think I'd like to go to Saudi Arabia,India, Africa, Korea. Because of my kid, I try to avoid death, disease, danger and accidents. Of course, traveling isn't my career...
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    Scott - July 21 2008 @ 2:32 pm I traveled to Saudi back in 2000 for business and thought it was a great trip. The people were generally terrific, but I think that's because most people are pretty terrific. Religious radicals and government fear-mongers are still in the minority as far as I know. Looking forward to seeing the show.
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    Maria - July 21 2008 @ 2:36 pm Looking forward to tonights show. I'm sure its going to be especial! Won't missed it for the world!
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    Misselle - July 21 2008 @ 3:21 pm Excellent, Tony - I am really looking forward to seeing this one. I often use your videos once or twice a semester for culture training for my Business Communication students (they especially loved the show on Sweden) and this one will surely be one they would be interested in. But - here is my public service announcement - you do need to give Texas another try. I agree with you that the border area can be a depressing commentary on America's obsession with fast food, as well as a stark illustration of our ethnocentrism, but we have some excellent food, like Texas BBQ, and.. Texas sushi. That's right - the Japanese community in Texas has adapted in some odd ways, including using hot peppers native to TX in their sushi. And that is just the beginning! We have a lot more to offer than just Chili's. There's my plug :) Love the show, and I look forward to tonight's airing!
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    MorganLF - July 21 2008 @ 3:22 pm Of course I'll be watching. Cold beverage et al. Tessticular ventilation....LOL!
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    MorganLF - July 21 2008 @ 3:23 pm Of course I'll be watching. Cold beverage et al. Testicular ventilation....LOL!
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    joelfinkle - July 21 2008 @ 3:27 pm We were just laughing about this watching the Columbia show: you said something to the effect of, "Everywhere you go in the world, there's fried pork products and beer" and then the commercial break that followed says "Next week, Saudi Arabia". Second funniest thing we saw that week (first is Dr. Horrible)
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    artnlit - July 21 2008 @ 3:29 pm Lovely, Tony. I enjoy it when you are surprised by a culture or experience. An open mind brings enlightenment, no? As for Buffalo, yeah, a vid submission like that deserves a shot. Just give me a ring when you are ready to do Pittsburgh. You know I'll take care of you and the crew. ;-) As always, be safe, Bonnie a.k.a. artnlit
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    Lisa - July 21 2008 @ 3:58 pm Sorry for your luck Tony. But having said that - can't wait....is that wrong? I truly enjoy the show; my favorite trips were Cleveland & Vegas (Ruhlman's cool) - and Korea with Nari.
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    justfoodnow - July 21 2008 @ 4:08 pm I read you blog for pure pleasure. No reason. No pressure. In the hope, of course, that you do say something on food but I thoroughly enjoy it. You go sir! :)
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    Fitzy831 - July 21 2008 @ 4:12 pm Tony, My eyes, most definitely, popped when I first viewed the "Saudi" promo. I'm really looking forward to tonight's show. So...ummmm...when are you coming to Philly? We've got a lot more than greasy cheese-steaks, although I could show you where to get some great ones. Pat's, Geno's, & Jim's all suck...there's a reason why you don't see stray dogs running around in Philly, and they're it. Unless you're stumbling drunk or stoned to the bejeezus and have some serious muchies you never, EVER want to go to either of them!
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    ThaiBoxer - July 21 2008 @ 4:28 pm Tony, After speaking with Danya, the first time I met her in New York, I knew she was "the one". For all of you devout blog readers on here, Danya, is as Tony says an extraordinary woman. I only spent 3 days with her, but honestly, the girl is charismatic, sweet, intelligent, and well she knows the politics of winning over ZPZ, which is, pitch an exotic destination and bring treats for the crew. Right Danya? I should of brought boxes of candied dates too, ha ha. But really, the girl knows her stuff, and is cool as hell. I don't really know what she pitched to you Tony, because none of the finalists could discuss our ideas with one another, but Im sure it was fantastic. It had to be, you've been alot of places and I doubt anyone can pull one over on you when it comes to good food and exotic places. I knew this whole fan thing wasn't really your cup of tea, because well, judging from some of the videos I saw that were submitted, you attract some crazed people. So my idea with the whole Thailand video, was to show you a side of Thailand I know well, but that most westerners do not. I guess it was an added bonus that I found out your wife likes to kick people's a@#es. In the end I just appreciated the "realness" of you and everyone at ZPZ. You guys aren't trying to be anything, you just are who you are, take it or leave it. It's that attitude and feel, that hooks people to the show. And learning that it wasn't just "all for TV" was a great experience. I remember Augusto and I, discussing the NYC experience, and well he was right when he said that just being there with ZPZ and Bourdain himself was a prize in itself, winning the whole shebang would just be an amazing bonus. I can't wait to see the show, I made a good friend in Danya, and I can't wait to see what she shows you. From what we talked about over some good ol' Gray's Papaya hot dogs in NYC, Saudi is really alot different than what the media tells us it's like. So I agree with you when you say that sometimes when a place seems to conjure up so may preconceptions, negative emotions, and stereotypes; finding out that they we were all wrong is well,...liberating. Keep up the awesome work, Tony! FAN-tic, ERIC "ThaiBoxer" Rivera
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    Pedro Perez - July 21 2008 @ 5:24 pm Tony, If and when you make it to the Phillipines hopefully your guide(s) will help you portray the billiard world. I hope it's not like your Rio Grande episode where you didn't make to the my home The Rio Grande Valley. Billiards is the perfect counter colutre the show can capture.
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    Aaron K - July 21 2008 @ 5:57 pm Tony, can't wait for this episode! I leave it to you to help me feel safe while I watch this one from the comfort of my couch sans the dirt and grit, while I drink a that beer, and have the A/C cranked down so low that it's shooting out freon. Call it a controlled state of schizophrenia. Cheers, Aaron K
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    Sir William - July 21 2008 @ 6:03 pm Tony, Like everything else everywhere else there is a Saudi Arabia so full of debauchery that you would revel in it's genius it's feasts and yes even in the considerable satisfaction of lust that "The exclusive ones", Saudi Arabia's finest enjoy on a daily basis without you. Don't forget that Tony ! That's not your girl by the volleyball net and plebes eat with plebes and often eat testicles, a forbidden fruit for the Holy ones.
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    EB - July 21 2008 @ 6:58 pm I've been seeing the promos for a few days and I've been pretty excited about the Saudi Arabia show. I'm actually interested to see where a female Saudi thought you should visit. To see her country through her eyes. Can't wait.
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    JennieTikka - July 21 2008 @ 7:06 pm Alright, the picture with this blog entry is PRICELESS! The "I'm wrong, huh?" look is great! As far as Saudi goes - if you have satellite t.v., both Dish and Direct both have Link T.V. Link runs a daily program called "Mosaic" which is major news stories from middle eastern news programs (including Saudi's nightly news) translated into English. I've learned a lot I didn't know about Saudi and the middle east from watching their nightly news. They include news from Qatar, U.A.E., Lebanon, Jordan, Dubai, Iran, Iraq and Israel. Very interesting stuff. Requires a lot of reading between the lines but - better to hear it straight from the source, in m opinion.
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    kcray - July 21 2008 @ 7:09 pm Tony, thank you for making a TV show that's worth watching. And I'm looking forward to watching this episode. I'm curious, what did you think of the reference to you as a "culinary &%$&%$in" on Top Chef's reunion show?
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    Sara GH - July 21 2008 @ 7:31 pm I think it's about time someone did a show like this in Saudi Arabia. The one thing I've learned is that it is harder to look down on a country when you see what the people there are really like. If more people traveled it would be a happier place!!
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    Steven J. Beto - July 21 2008 @ 9:26 pm No Reservations is not just the best travel cooking show on television, it is the best show period. Along with Bazaar Foods (a close second) the show introduces us to a huge variety of cultures, and what better way to do that than through the stomach? Thank you, Travel Channel. Atta boy, Bourdain.
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    Kate in the NW - July 21 2008 @ 10:07 pm Please have your crew write more blogs - they're great, and the one from Saudi Arabia was particularly enlightening. Nothing is simple, huh? Alos, I'm glad you had a good experience with a "fan". Some of us out here are sane, literate, well-traveled (okay, not as well as you...), and genuine food people. THAT'S WHY WE WATCH! This is the first "on-line community" I've participated in (now I'm hooked on Ruhlman's blog too) - and those two are still pretty much the only ones I bother to comment on. I'll cop to using them to hone writing skills and/or procrastinate, but mostly, it's great to find like-minded folks.* I know you probably want/need to protect your family's privacy, but I'd love to see you venture into talking about kids as they relate to food, travel, and culture. Maybe in general terms, without involving your own family. Those issues are favorite topics of mine, as a mom/traveler/cook. Good stuff, and thanks to you and ZPZ again. * (We do not have a rec room or a chest freezer. Or even a chain saw.)
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    Caryn - July 21 2008 @ 11:05 pm Sawubona Tony, I am a new fan who really enjoys your refreshing tv style! Keeping it short 'cause I know you've got a LOT of fans: I'm a travelling South African who, having been to a few of the places you have, thinks you would do really well in our country!!! (where as far as i can find you havent been) I mean, a country with 11 OFFICIAL languages (yes you read right) you can only imagine the various cultural cuisines... Yip everything from Smilies (boiled sheep heads) and Walky Talkies (chicken heads and feet) to koeksisters(deepfried dough soaked in a sugar ginger and cinnomon syrup) you dont have to try it all... ok, tried to keep it short but hey look forward to watching you explore places i hope to visit (and taste)
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    rob - July 21 2008 @ 11:19 pm I was a great idea too bad i noticed it too late u need to come to chicago for a show and our cities in the chicago land area would please you. you can bet ill be watching your show. your teenage fan, Rob
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    Renata - July 21 2008 @ 11:31 pm Tony, I am watching the show right now. Although the idea is great, I feel this is not your show today. I know that she is your tour guide, but you are WAY MORE reserved for this show. My husband was just deployed to IRaq and will get to see the middle east, but not the same way you did. BTW I am addicted to your show!
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    Veranda - July 21 2008 @ 11:33 pm Thank you for choosing Saudia Arabia. I am glad I saw it through your eyes and it makes me want to visit even more. Of course I would have to be covered head to toe, so I may be miserable but I would endure it for the experience. Thanks, XO
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    Renata - July 21 2008 @ 11:34 pm PS you should give POLAND a shot. They will DRINK you under the table. The food is great and the culture is amazing. GIVE POLAND A CHANCE.
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    Juan Lebrija - July 21 2008 @ 11:35 pm Saudi Arabia...? I'm suprised you even agreed to visit. I am a food fanatic - wine (and tequila) lover - culture enthusiast - self made chef (and financial advisor during the day) and I was dissapointed after I saw your last show, interviewing four very pathetic nobodies. Are you kidding ? Buffalo with a wierdo ? Thailand with someone who's been there once ? No wonder you don't want to travel with a fan ever again. I'm a fan a food...period. And, you happen to be a pretty cool dude that knows his stuff. How about some "tacos de escamoles" with a side of mezcal in the main plaza of downtown Oaxaca, or some "huauzontles en salsa roja" with some pulque in Mexico City's Zocalo ? how about a "mixiote de carnero en hoja de platano" at the beach in Merida or maybe a "cabrito a las brasas" and a cold beer in Monterrey's macro plaza ? Or, you might even like some "sopes de tuetano" or maybe even some "huaraches de cabeza"... Mexico, I think, has some of the best food in the world, at least some of the most interesting, as long as you know where to find it. I was born in Mexico and have traveled all over the world. Now I live in New York with my wife and a four month baby, but if you ever want to have a culinary tour of Mexico let me know and I'll show you around... Cheers, Juan
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    ZenPanda - July 21 2008 @ 11:35 pm Awesome show! Danya was an EXCELLENT choice! I'm glad I decided not to enter...I'd have been one of those you quickly tossed after 5 seconds.
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    I need a shirt - July 21 2008 @ 11:44 pm Anyone know what that white shirt that Tony wears all the time is? I want one!
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    John L - July 21 2008 @ 11:51 pm Tony thanks for showing off the Kingdom. I lived there during Desert Storm till around 1998 and it had to be one of the best times of my life. I lived on the opposite side of the country in the Dharan/Dammam area. I miss eating naan bread for breakfast and then having a few shawarmas for lunch and then a some broasted chicken for dinner. I had to laugh at the chicken place since its a local restaurant because I can remember when Taco Bell/KFC opened in Khobar and everyone went nuts that we had "American" food. You could have gone to Dharan area so you could go across the King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain and got some "tasty beverages"
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    brooklyn gem - July 21 2008 @ 11:52 pm Wow. Could Tony be anymore condescending to his most ardent fans? Everyone who sent in a contest taped was deemed, "crazy, murderous, or dangerous" by Tony. He seems to think that there is NYC and then there is everywhere else in America. His casual cruelty and off the cuff put downs of America food, outside of NYC is getting a little played. His comments about Saudi Arabia and American's understanding of the country where "15 of the 19" 911 boys was ridiculously simplistic and laughable. For such a cosmopolitain he can be a real dolt. The show made me vomit - just a little bit. Yummo.
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    M - July 21 2008 @ 11:55 pm As a feminist and an evangelical Christian, I get into the religious/feminism quagmire, well, every day. As I'm watching the episode right now, and chatting with my best friend (who is gay by the way) I'm absolutely filled with joy. I have been advocating both in my church and with my gay friends (I've got one foot in both communities) that opening your eyes to different perspectives makes you realize that the person you think you hate has more in common with you than you would ever imagine (and is an amazing, fascinating person to boot). You have managed to say what usually takes me years to communicate in one hour. My hat's off to you. Thank you for this episode.
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    Jesse - July 22 2008 @ 12:06 am I just finished watching the new show, and I have to say it felt very different than your other episodes. It was great though -- I feel like there is just so much more that didn't make it on the air. Maybe someday we'll see a behind the scenes dvd or something. Thanks for making t.v. that I actually want and make time to watch. Well worth my time.
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    Max - July 22 2008 @ 12:10 am I think..it was fast...it was clean,..it was unimpressive... But, i love the show generally
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    patrick - July 22 2008 @ 12:13 am This show was a huge disappointment. This girl was raised in Nebraska and all her friends and family were obviously western educated (one dude had on a Syracuse t-shirt) and westernized to a degree. Where were the locals that had never been abroad? She took Tony to a restaurant to eat offel, snorkeling, to pick out a camel to eat, lizard hunting, and 4-wheeling in the desert. AND she had never done any of it before herself! The only thing she had ever done before that she took him to do was shop in a western style mall and to eat in the Saudi version of KFC... It was so inauthentic that it was almost laughable. I didn’t learn anything, see anything cool or interesting and walked away from the show pretty much just shaking my head at the whole thing.
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    Kim - July 22 2008 @ 12:20 am The Saudi episode was incredible! Tony, your humorous conveyance of the principle of tolerance is something that is greatly needed by our society. I thought the show was well balanced between explaining stereotypes and showing differences people may not realize. If only everyone in the world would connect in such a personal way, then there would be no war. Anthony Bourdain for President!
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    Vera - July 22 2008 @ 12:23 am Bravo, Tony! Just finished watching this episode and for being a pseudo-host to your own show I have to say this one was a hundred folds better than that Korean shenanigan. PS- I know this sounds totally inappropriate stalker-ish, but when I caught wind that you were in DC this past weekend, I went out of my way for a visit to Ben's hoping to finally meet you in person.
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    Sir William - July 22 2008 @ 12:36 am OH TONY ! What were you thinking when you aired that tonight ? You were working them through a thorough background check ? How blasphemous and insulting to the legitimate people of Earth ! From wikipedia on YOU : Adding to his untamed image, Bourdain is a former user of cocaine, heroin, and LSD. In Kitchen Confidential he writes of his experience in a trendy SoHo restaurant in 1981: "We were high all the time, sneaking off to the walk-in [refrigerator] at every opportunity to 'conceptualize.' Hardly a decision was made without drugs. Pot, quaaludes, cocaine, LSD, psilocybin mushrooms soaked in honey and used to sweeten tea, Seconal, Tuinal, speed, codeine and, increasingly, heroin, which we'd send a Spanish-speaking busboy over to Alphabet City to get."[14] OH, that's funny to you ?! It would appear as though you could be refused reentry to the U.S.A., having folklored and fostered more drug culture than the beatles ever did when they were refused ! Anthony, Shame on you, Heroin ?! So You're s chick stalking pin cushion with a life you never did deserve.... What has come of the world ? I guess you belong in the kitchen at General Motors , next to "Rick whom twinned them too" at the NEW, lower wage bracket established after I "washed all of me and they out of what they claimed they were" in gross worth. You're an eater in the world of chef's, a square peg, an insult to them whom you confront, I'm disappointed in you,you failed your global background check to your birth, period the end.
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    Janice Leung - July 22 2008 @ 12:38 am Tony - I love your show - you make me laugh. Janice
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    Justine - July 22 2008 @ 12:40 am Wow! I was really looking forward to this show, and I was not disappointed. I knew you'd would give Saudi Arabia a very good profile; that's part of why I love your show. I now know that I would really go for a visit to Jeddah, but I'd want to go with Danya. It's a given that I would love to spend a week with you, but she is the main event. Her friends and family, too ... and I welcome, oh I so welcome, someone to offer me camel toe soup! LOL Nicely done - and I hope that in the future you welcome submissions from fans again. I have ideas of my own. I'm not a psycho or a vegetarian ... and if anyone asked me Beatles or Stones I'd honestly have to say Kinks!
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    Bo - July 22 2008 @ 12:41 am Camel humps and no beer aside, I liked the show but there's just one thing I'm still in therapy over: Tony, did you really say "yum-o" or did someone put that brain sucking creature from Wrath of Khan inside my ear?
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    Jill Cahr - July 22 2008 @ 12:43 am While I appreciate your ability to walk in the shoes of a Saudi woman, I can't escpae the feeling that Danya did not show you the way real Saudis live. She and her family and friends are clearly western educated, sophisticated people who are aware of the outside world and have made free choices. I highly doubt that your average Joe in SA lives like that--especially the women. I am sorry to say that you guys missed the boat on this one. Where were the snarky comments--the cutting observations? You succeeded in demonstrating that the SA elite live in a separte world. By the way, how could you fail to discuss Danya's ability to travel on her own with no male relative in sight?
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    Ilsa - July 22 2008 @ 12:50 am AB-you are one of my favorite Gods--however, Saudi Arabia? It was the worst, host sucked, food sucked, etc... Your producers should do some research. PW
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    J - July 22 2008 @ 12:53 am While it won’t compare in theme to the illumination of an unfamiliar culture such as Saudi Arabia (great show), I must implore you, with already positive inclinations, towards a Buffalo visit. I’m glad to see Nelson did my hometown justice. There is never a shortage of local musical talent that thrives off the late night bar scene, sure to be revealed. Re-iterating the obvious, a trip to Duffs is a must and while not the original, serves the best wing in town. Beef on weck is another splendid choice, and while I’m partial to Charlie the Butcher’s, any downtown mom and pop will suit your needs. If you want to experience the more rowdy, p&%$ionate Western New Yorker, visit a Bill’s game tailgate in December. Crowds lined to take shots of Jack Daniels out of a bowling ball, wings cooked on the hood of a Ford Pinto that somehow survives the weekly trip to the stadium, and dozens of deep fryers operated by the dangerously inebriated? All standard fare, and if one’s lucky, a lake effect snowstorm will bind it all together.
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    A fellow New Yorker - July 22 2008 @ 12:56 am I found it very disapointing that the Saudi Arabia you show is not the true representation of the country. Abuse of imported workers treated as slaves, lack of basic civil & human rights for women and radical islam to name a few are the sides of this terrorist harboring country you should have shown. I found no people and country in the world as offensive as this country. Before I am called a close minded american cowboy, i will let you know i was not born here, but have resided in the US for over 30 years. As they keep all western ideas and principles out of their country we should keep them out of the western civilized world.
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    michael Castiola - July 22 2008 @ 1:05 am When is the next contest?????????
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    Kathleen C - July 22 2008 @ 1:08 am This was an AWESOME show. If not one to start the 'healing' process...I don't know of another. What a great view into 'normal' Saudi Arabia families and traditions. And I LOVED seeing how 'normal', funny, animated, etc. they are!! They seemed to act just like my family at family dinner parties!!! Wow Thank you for bringing this particular show to American television...
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    Shane Mathewson - July 22 2008 @ 1:24 am I am of course a fan of the show but the Saudi Arabian show was different. I do have to admit I have never entertained the idea of going to the middle east, actually I think I would rather avoid it. But a tribute to Mr Bourdain and his Hostess I now think I would love to visit Saudi Arabia. I love it when I suddenly see the world in a different light. Thank you Anthony Bourdain and Danya Alhamrani for shattering a position born of ignorance.
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    Lisa - July 22 2008 @ 1:26 am Anthony, Did you ever consider Tunisia as a future destination? I have been twice and they have plenty of exotic, straight from the ocean, fruit of the sea. (as they call it) The beaches, the souks, the history, and the people are all inspiring! Nice work on the Saudi episode. It would be interesting to reveal what that country actually allowed you to visit. Good show!
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    ophiesay - July 22 2008 @ 1:34 am AWESOME Saudi Arabia episode. We just finished watching it on Tivo - my two kids (3,5) could not take their eyes off the whole thing. My daughter (5) thanks you for not killing the baby camel. And we were all a bit grossed-out by the lizard, that frankly tasted like a "lizard" (hilarious!) Kudos for presenting Saudi Arabia in such a wonderful and open-minded way.
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    Jennie - July 22 2008 @ 1:41 am Awesome show. I just love the way you describe the food locales and their culture. I particularly liked you show to Asia. I'm hooked
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    apo - July 22 2008 @ 1:55 am I'm presently a middle-eastern studies major (with a major interest in food) so as soon as I heard there was going to be a Saudi Arabia I just about lost it. The Middle East has so much amazing food and culture that goes completely unmentioned, almost moreso than any region on earth. The episode definitely did the region justice.
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    Shaffy - July 22 2008 @ 2:00 am Hi Tony! Great video on Arab! Superb presentation of Arab and great food too except for Dhob the Lizard scene. Well, we watched you ate even "grossier" than that and uncooked too! Well, I read somewhere that the Dhob's oil is great for many things though. Danya certainly had done a wonderful job on revealing the truth about Arabs that most of the western had misconception about. I mean, I'm from Malaysia and also a Muslim and covered my hair too but our style of wearing the head scarves is different because cultures will define the way you dress yourself. Anyway, people did asked me certain things on why we covered ourselves and how are womens treated. Well, honestly, womens are treated very fine in Muslims world but of course you may read once a while of the abusive men which happens to all women all over the world. I mean, we're pretty much the same with all others despite our differences in faith, cultures and what not but the basic that every human being shares are loves in family and food. This is a very unique video you've ever had and it's fun too.
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    james - July 22 2008 @ 2:02 am What do you have against Denver? What, is it the crisp air? The skyline-by-god? The wonderously friendly people? What? Tell me what is it and why you would never go there. I know, you probably prefer the gritty New York/New Jersey scene where I will concur that the food is a few steps above from the mountain west, but what do you do to get away from it all? Oh, I saw the NJ show, you go "skiing". No, you strap two pieces of fibergl***to your feet and go down a hill that has been created and added to by the disposal of various "made" men gone bad. Is that the ticket? The idea of outdoors is a few acres surrounded by sidewalks. I know of no one from my home state -hell, area- who goes anywhere east of the CO/KS border and looks out the window and says "oh, pretty field." Yeah, never happens. Is it our lack of extremely tall buildings? Hey, for one thing, God built the Denver skyline, OK? And large buildings only compensate for other areas where individuals are lacking, so, you see where I am going here. But then, maybe I don't want you to come. Maybe its best you do stay away and far away. See, where you go follow the despoilers. From 1995 until your Cooks Tour book came out, I had a little hidaway that I could remove myself as far from western civilisation as I could in Vietnam. After 2002, it was all a wash. My own personal shang ri la gone. I blame you and you solely. No other travel/food show put so much into showing how beautiful that country is (was, too many westerners now its become "trendy" Thanks.) Since you went to Cambodia and Laos now, there serenity will not last. (OK, "serenity" is used loosely in Cambodia) Now you should go to Myanmar given your track record. I digress, back to the problem at hand. Its bad enough I have to deal with day-in, day-out with flat-landers whining and complaining about the altitude, thin dry air, the expense of doing anything there, the traffic, the smog. If its not one thing its another. So, stay away. Its too much for you and too much for us to have to deal with the onslaught that will surely follow. Great show though. James
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    Scott Wallett Jr - July 22 2008 @ 2:26 am Chef Excellant show. I too was amazed on how i guess you could say laid back. I have always thought it was a very serious culture, and in ways it is. I never would of thought that the single men would be seperated from the families at the chicken stand. i also must say i thought the doors on the booths was something else. The one thing that i was so happy to say was you and her both tried new foods together for the first time, now that i think about it you did have something similar to the lizard, the igauna right? Anyways looking forward to your show next week, till then have a great week.
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    Betsy L. - July 22 2008 @ 2:28 am You know, I first started watching your shows about 2 months ago. At first I was like "who the hell is this geeky know it all guy?",but now I'm totally addicted to your shows. I used to watch Samantha Brown, and I love her...I mean she's just sugar and spice and everything nice. But YOU, you're just down & dirty, just the way I like it. You take me to places I'd never thought I'd go. Sometimes I cringe at the things you're willing to try, especially alot of that nasty, disgusting food. But you really seem to enjoy it, so more power to you. What I can't understand is how the f--- do you stay so skinny! But seriously, I want to thank you, mostly for opening my mind to so many things that without your show, I would never experience. You've found your gift to the world, please keep doing it as long as you can. One question... if you could choose ONE place to live, out of anywhere in the world, where would it be??? Thanks again, YOU ROCK!!! Betsy L.(Windermere, Fla.)
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    Thaviesak Nachampassak - July 22 2008 @ 2:48 am Tony, your show is the greatest series on tv since the first generation power rangers. I'm so happy you wen to Laos and saw the reality of the final unexplored frontier of southeast Asia. It is disappointing to hear so many people say "where's that" when you tell them where you're from. I think you should go back because it seemed like you only explored that of the north and mid sections of Laos but none of the south even though it has some of the most amazing natural sites to see especially Pakse and the southern region where my family origins come from since my great grandfather ruled south Laos a while back and my grandpa was governor of pakse before the communist take over. Any who i love your show, and everywhere you've been. I just wanted people to see more of this land lock country for it's natural beauty.
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    Lazina - July 22 2008 @ 3:13 am Hi Tony! I love love LOVE your show. I'm really glad that you picked Saudi Arabia. I'm Muslim, and I was excited and a bit nervous. I could picture it all going wrong like it had in Lebanon. I wasn't sure what would go wrong or what impression it would leave you, but I'm glad you got to see the 'human' side of a place that most people forget 'humans' live in. There are just so many ignorant people in the world, who only see things one way, and would rather not bother to see the humanity in a people they've already p&%$ed judgment on for the deeds of others. I'm glad you enjoyed the trip. Sorry there was no beer or pig. Thank you again for visiting Saudi, and for giving some people a look into a world they never understood. Maybe nothing new was learned, but at least North Americans saw Saudi Arabians, not terrorists. Thank you! :D PS: I would love to see you visit Fiji!!
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    Tariq Moustapha - July 22 2008 @ 3:13 am Tony, Thank you for the show on Saudi Arabia. As an Arab, I really appreciated your honest depiction of daily life without shying away from the social change that does need to occur. One of the above posters stated that you should have focused on radical Islam and the abuse of foreign workers. While I agree these are important issues, the facts are that you're trying to show the people, not the politics. Just as you didn't examine human rights abuses when you were in China, or the plight of immigrants while in France, you handled Saudi life with your requisite style. I'm really looking forward to the Egypt episode, and glad to see the Middle East being better represented in this season. I'd love to see you able to return to Lebanon, and Tehran (which you had mentioned in an interview at Google), and I'd love to see you visit Israel. The Middle east has some of the oldest cultural traditions in the world and it is reflected in the food. Thank you for expanding your horizons, and allowing us to expand our own through you.
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    Jasmine Kavezade - July 22 2008 @ 3:17 am I was so happy to see you traveling to the Middle East man! Next stop Iran! Go! you'll find array exotic foods such as cow tongues and liver marinated in sweet saffron sauce to basic filleted beef with hints of traditional Persian spices. (Government permitting) You should definitely give it a shot! Peace
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    farah - July 22 2008 @ 3:34 am Thank you, thank you, thank you for not fearing the middle east. While Arab and Persian cultures are two different entities, the similarities between the two are what unify us as "middle eastern". What you see, the welcoming, warm, happy people are what the PEOPLE of this region are like when you take away their oppressive governments. I hope that one day you'll be able to go through Iran to show America that it too is more than just a desert with camels. And my hats off to Danya, as a woman who wants to make her way into the film industry, i see how i (as an american woman) am treated here in america and couldnt begin to fathom the difficulties of being a woman in saudi.
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    Ken - July 22 2008 @ 3:36 am Tony, Tonight's episode reminded me why your show is the best thing on television -- better than anything commercial or PBS. Your travels take the viewer into places they never imagined going to and giving us such amazing insights. This season, you've taken us to three "pariah" countries so far, each one such a revelation. I hope Travel Channel realizes how much we treasure shows like yours (and hope this dissuades them from producing more dreck like Andrew Anthony's "Life's a Trip"). I hope you win an Emmy this year! P.S. Thank you also for visiting us in Hawaii. You went to my fave places -- like Ono Hawaiian Foods -- that I never thought would see the light of network TV. Next time can you make a public appearance? You've got many fans here. Aloha, Ken
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    june-baby - July 22 2008 @ 3:46 am Saudi Arabia episode Loved it. Danya and the girls of ZPZ did a great job (heres to girl power). Yes Tony I did read Amy's blog on the crew blog and I loved her blog I even put a comment over there too. I would have liked to see Tony ride a camel...wait a minute he did ride a camel in the India episode, LOL. Even though I'am not Muslim the call to prayer is a beautiful sound to hear. It was an interesting look into a culture that us westerners do not understand. Thanks again Tony for picking Danya to show off her country. Tony we all know you let Danya win at air hockey (LOL).
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    Jamee - July 22 2008 @ 4:04 am Anthony First off let me say I love your show it is my absolute favorite. I do not miss an episode and religously watch your reruns everyday. Your show on Saudi Arabia was an eye opener for me. I consider it one of your best shows. I was absolutely shocked and surprised to find out that it is really a remarkable and beautiful place. I don't think I would visit since I am female (and I like to drink), but I do find it refreshing to know that my misconceptions have been shattered. You have really given new light to a place that many Americans would consider unstable and dangerous. Keep up the good work!!
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    suzie - July 22 2008 @ 4:12 am love ur show,because of your show we get to see how other countries live,eat and culture's are.
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    Nelson Starr - July 22 2008 @ 4:27 am FANatic (Now “Saudi Arabia”) Postmortem: Truth… A Thousand Shades of Gray ~ An Open Letter to Tony ~ Tony, OK, so maybe I’m a bit jealous over losing out to Danya…congratulations by the way to her (a great, great job!!!) …but was Buffalo really the easy way out??? I have a differing opinion there but first some gracious pleasantries and some earnest praise. As always, thank you Mr. Bourdain, Zero Point Zero, Amy and Nari, and the cast and crew for a great, and I’m sure very difficult, show. In all honesty, the Saudi show was FANtastic and I can only hope, perhaps naively, that it might really do some good by exposing our (all too often) xenophobic reflexes to some reality-checking, through the magic of Tony TV. Anderson Cooper couldn’t have done it any better! So, I say bravo to you, Tony (et al), for showing us those thousand shades of gray that really do make up the honest answer to the tough question. As for the first segment of the show (the contest), I can also only thank you for not making us (the FANatics) out to be - as most “reality show” productions seek to do at every turn - idiots, psychos, stalkers, and narcissists. Hey, people can find that out on their own – they don’t need you to spoon-feed that notion to them! All kidding aside, you took the high ground and …well, I expected you would do that because you are a cl***A, cl***act! There are, of course, some comments and observations from the critic-at-large in me (after all, this is the COMMENTS page) …I loved the music, I loved the cinematography (if that word still applies to digital?), and I was proud of (and frankly astonished by) your resolute temperance. Maybe you aren’t an alcoholic after all, Tony!? Forgive me for that past proclamation, for I was just following AA guidelines when I let slip my real, if unjustified, opinion (if this makes it any better…I would also label myself, using the same guidelines, as alcohol dependent). I hope you will eventually absolve me for my rash judgmentalism. But before you do… although I love her and think she is the coolest person ever, it frankly annoyed me that Danya was, well, made so squeamish dining within her very own culinary milieu – all the more considering the choices she made for you to wolf down. What's good for the goose is good for the gander, I say. But alas, her bravery in each and every other area of her existence (which evidently is also a happy and rich existence) completely transcends her lack of courage for eating pluck, awful, and roasted then stewed lizard. Yes, at the end of the day, we should surely look the other way on that only deficit. This ain’t a “Bizarre Foods” contest after all. OK, my only real dispute – although it all depends on how you look at it (relativist I proudly am) – has to do with the oft repeated thesis that the Saudi show was the “tough choice” and that the Buffalo show would’ve been “the easy way out”. I agree that spending a week without booze of any kind while surreptitiously glancing as quickly as humanly possible at women dressed up in beekeeper outfits (to quote the always politically-incorrect Bill Maher) was a huge stretch for you. I also imagine that you, no matter how rational, made welcome, and comfortable you felt in Saudi Arabia (and blue state liberal you are), must’ve had a bad dream or two about some AK47 toting terror cell coming out of hibernation to seek misplaced vengeance on your mistakenly George Bush loving American &%$. So, yes, you were a brave soul indeed. (And, again, this was a brave show and choice… because you nobly risked upsetting some people’s reflexive prejudices about the Kingdom - for the sake and true value of honesty and education about our sometimes friend and, arguably, sometimes foe, Saudi Arabia.) Yet, where I have a single bone to pick with you is over the contention that a Buffalo show is “easy”. You have to admit that going to strange lands and eating even stranger food is, in a sense, old hat for you. You are the best at it and we all love it to death! But, what just may be even harder than that is doing a show (very much like your incredible Cleveland show) that has none of those oriental fireworks – that does not make or write itself based on exotic content but, instead, relies heavily on your very dangerous and apt writing (and improvisatory) chops to pull it off …i.e. - artistic form LEADING compelling content. An “Americana” show is something that you ALSO do better than anyone else and that we, your FANs, don’t get to see enough of. Your talent for beautifully twisted and original observations is often all the more keen on your native soil. A Buffalo show would’ve tested your mettle as an artist and conceptualist… while simultaneously testing your liver for proper enzymatic function. So I urge you to please keep an open-mind regarding Buffalo …and stay liver-fit for our 4 AM call here! Lastly, I hope and pray (to dearest TV Satan) that you will ultimately and bravely do “something” with Buffalo/Niagara in your No Reservations future. After all, the whole damn City is following this thing now. Unfortunately, I am still under the impression, both from our “interrogation” and from your blog, that you may feel Buffalo – on its own – is lacking the quantitative content needed for an hour of frolicking good times (a notion which, at the time of our meeting, I was ill prepared to fully rebut). So your concerns are understandable. Yet, since then, I have spent many a sleepless night pondering the right answers to your very reasonable and probative questions. I have substantiated these ruminations into a Word document that I’d be happy to lay on you at any time (and have revised continually since March). I’ve added a compelling fine dining option, revised and retracted the 10,000 Maniacs segment (now more up your punk-influenced musical alley), and enlarged the geography to encapsulate and better express the region’s essential nature – it’s much more a Buffalo/NIAGARA thang now…more US-Canada, NY-Ontario, post-911, post-industrial hologramerica. Try crossing that border without papers! Can you make it over THAT in a barrel?? You may have different, surely better ideas but the document exists if you are at all curious. Whatever transpires in the future, it’s been a great ride and I will always be a FANatic! Your show continues to inspire all of us to see ourselves as the great unity of humanity - in colorful diversity (and stupid t-shirts) - that we are. Keep the flame alive…just don’t use it to light up a cancer stick, OK!?? Stay clean, Nelson “I am an alcoholic too” Starr
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    FireHazard - July 22 2008 @ 4:28 am Oh my gosh, I LOVE this whole food storys and i have to watch them all the time before i go sleeping! as an german, i definilty love your outspoken language... please smoke an cigaret and drink something! sonja
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    Spike, Hong Kong - July 22 2008 @ 4:33 am I suppose it would come off as whining if I was to write that it's a damned shame you don't blog more frequently, only when there's a new episode of the show or someone cooks marshmallow meatballs on Top Chef. Yeah, I know, something is better than nothing. But still.... And you've been to Thailand enough (okay, maybe that's not possible) but DO go to the Philippines. The way you love pork and the way they barbecue it there, you'll never want to leave. And every other mango in the world runs a poor second to Philippines mangoes.
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    Lena - July 22 2008 @ 4:41 am Aloha Tony.....kudos on another fantastic show! Muslims and Islamic countries are complex, like everything else in this world. It is impossible to put a label on any one group. Thanks again for taking us with you on your journey of enlightenment. That camel did look tasty....
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    Annonymous - July 22 2008 @ 4:56 am You failed to show the real Saudi Arabia. Did you hide all artifacts that are non-Islamic? Did you not have to ride in the back of segregated buses? Did the stores not close when they saw you approach? What you experienced was well planned propaganda. As an American woman who has lived in Saudi, I know the difference and you failed to show your viewers it.
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    noy - July 22 2008 @ 5:08 am thaks for a good show on saudia arabia, did not know how the culture was, got to see how the live, they seem to be friendly people. i thought women was second cl***citizens, but was able to socialize with both men and women.
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    Peter - July 22 2008 @ 5:24 am ****************************************** Tony and NR Crew, C-. As an avid fan, I think this episode fell short, but I also understand Laos and Colombia set a really high bar for this new season. I have three hypotheses: 1. You had an obligation to the contest winner and wanted to put your best foot forward 2. You had to temper your trademark cynicism/snark due to the sensitive nature of the country 3. Maybe it was in the editing? Didn't really seem like you were in your stride. I know in the depths of your soul you were not pleased about eating fast-food chicken for a segment. I applaud you and your crew a good effort but it felt somewhat forced, sterilized, and lacked the emotion the prior two episodes had. You can't have all knock-outs I suppose. Nonetheless, I am still excited for each new episode. Best, Peter Lincoln, NE (the "camel toe" soup thing was good but not good enough to save this episode) ******************************************
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    Crystal - July 22 2008 @ 5:41 am i watched your saudi arabia show, this is my first time i saw a host go to saudi arabia , it was an excellent show. thumbs up to u and the crew! u r one of the person i wanted to meet so much..good luck to u on your next journey..
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    Usama - July 22 2008 @ 9:02 am I am a Muslim, so when I heard that you were travelling to Saudi Arabia to do one of your shows naturally I had to watch it. I thing the most important lesson that came out of the show was that Muslims are not strange people who live, eat, talk, and behave like aliens. Muslims are regular people who have their own religion and culture like so many other countries in the world. All we Muslims want is to be left alone not forced to adopt someone else’s way of life or pressured into living like someone else, and we in turn will do the same. Great show, loved it, next time you need to go to the far away villages, in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.
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    Abu Sinan - July 22 2008 @ 9:49 am Anthony, I am an American man married to a Saudi lady. We live here in the Metro DC area. My wife's family is actually from Jeddah/Mecca and Medina. We watched your show last night and were really impressed. You showed tolerance and openess and did a great job. After years of being involved in a large Saudi family I can tell you Saudis are just like anyone else. Spot on, keep up the good work!
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    Yul Gomez - July 22 2008 @ 10:42 am Tony, I saw your show on saudi arabia it was great and danya seemed to be genuinely a nice person along with her friends and family. thanks for taking me to a place and culture i would never get to see and experience. we in western society may not agree with their customs and laws but it seems pretty crime free and family oriented which is a good thing. tony i hope you visit panama 1 day when people think of panama the canal comes to mind and when most people visit panama it is a panama canal cruise they take and the only town most of them see is colon. panama is more than a canal. in portobelo there is the statue of the black christ more than 600 yrs old, darien jungle, panama city and various provinces, islands and indigenous tribes as well as afro caribbean descendents. i hope you visit 1 day one of your fans Yul Gomez
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    Yul Gomez - July 22 2008 @ 10:47 am Tony, I saw your show on saudi arabia it was great and danya seemed to be genuinely a nice person along with her friends and family. thanks for taking me to a place and culture i would never get to see and experience. we in western society may not agree with their customs and laws but it seems pretty crime free and family oriented which is a good thing. tony i hope you visit panama 1 day when people think of panama the canal comes to mind and when most people visit panama it is a panama canal cruise they take and the only town most of them see is colon. panama is more than a canal. in portobelo there is the statue of the black christ more than 600 yrs old, darien jungle, panama city and various provinces, islands and indigenous tribes as well as afro caribbean descendents. Ruben blades minister of tourism can show you around. i hope you visit 1 day one of your fans Yul Gomez
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    T. S. - July 22 2008 @ 11:00 am Next time talk to a Muslim woman who is not so privileged to see how they like living as a third cl***citizen in their own country, but they wouldn't be allowed to speak to you.
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    Yasser - July 22 2008 @ 11:18 am The good people whom you’ve met in Saudi where most probably part of the liberated elites, who also happen to be a minority in the kingdom. Even your hostess comes from a well-renowned dynasty. My point is, Saudi has an expediential growing population of 27 mio so far and naturally you’re bound to find the good, bad and ugly as in any other nation. The ratios are just different. Allot different! haha. The media always has credibility flaws that sometimes fuel the ignorance of its audience.
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    Galleta - July 22 2008 @ 11:18 am Right, not wrong. Tony, my man, you hit a home run last night. You and Danya deserve the Nobel Peace Price, or a Golden Globe, or an Emmy nomination; at the very least a plate full of fried organ meats (chicken for Danya). Kudos
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    Olga - July 22 2008 @ 11:19 am Tony, thank you for this episode. In today's world, when everything Muslim seems to equate to "evil" in the minds of so many, your intimate glimpse into the life of Saudi Arabia is refreshing. I've been fortunate enough to have traveled to Egypt twice in my lifetime - once in 2001, albeit before the 9/11 attacks, and the second time in 2005, after the world had changed. And from the people I met there I saw nothing but extreme warmth, hospitality, pride in their country and culture, and sincere, endearing interest in the US - not the politics, but what the people in the US think, dream, aspire... I felt welcome and safe, and would love to go back to that part of the world if an opportunity presents itself.
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    Ladymissgailo - July 22 2008 @ 11:34 am You look so much better since you stopped smoking.
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    elk - July 22 2008 @ 12:14 pm I liked the Jeddah Saudia Arabia show. You won't see too many other shows going over there film. Two thumbs up! My only qualm is that Danya seemed new to most the of food that was showcased. I think it would have been a bit better if the host had more insight into the food. Non-the-less the show and Danya's hospitality really shined through
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    chris - July 22 2008 @ 12:22 pm Tony, if you do make it up to Buffalo, maybe you could swing by nearby Rochester and get yourself a garbage plate. that's a Rochester culinary artery-clogging specialty.
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    Claudia - July 22 2008 @ 12:52 pm Uh oh. Ottavia's really serious about her kick-boxing p&%$ion, isn't she? She already laid Ruhlman low at SOBE last February, and now with her enhaced muay tai training, she should be lethal (!) Watch your back, Tony!
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    Jo - July 22 2008 @ 1:08 pm Another wonderful episode! Tony's comp&%$ion and honesty brings tears to my eyes. Bourdain Rules!
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    Donna A - July 22 2008 @ 1:12 pm Another entertaining NR episode!I welcome the insights into the Saudi culture.It'll be great to watch an episode on the culture and food of the Philippines.The balut (duck embryo) and dinuguan (blood stew) are actually good. Looking forward to the Uruguay episode...
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    Kim - July 22 2008 @ 1:28 pm Great episode! Thank you for the trip to Saudi Arabia!
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    Annonymous - July 22 2008 @ 1:50 pm Tony, So how did Camel Toe taste? I love your show, but this Saudi Episode lacked your cl&%$ic wit -- in fact you looked a little scared at times. Maybe because you've had a kid and you are going a little soft...that's understandable and it probably makes you a better Dad. But if it weren't for Danya and her enterage, how would you really describe Saudi Arabia? Danya and her friends looked like very liberal Saudis (and I think the chubby giggling guy had a crush on you). But what was the general populus like? Because outside of the controlled environment that you always seemed to in during the many scenes, Saudi Arabia looked as interesting and fun a place as Hackensack on a Tuesday morning. How about this....be soft at home and be Tony Bourdain in your travels. Don't let the Travel Channel censor you. I have traveled quite a bit and I grade each place as such --- 1. Excellent = I would go again in a heart beat. 2. It was a beautiful place = I might go again under the right circumstances 3. It was an alright place = I won't go again 4. It sucked. So really, where is Saudi Arabia in this grade system? I like watching your show because you tell it like it is from a New Yorker point of view.... and i'm from New York. We have Samantha Brown to give us neutral guides to foreign lands...that's not your game. Now if you did really like Saudi Arabia, you certainly didn't sell it like that. You know that you would be saying the same thing to me if I did that show. Beatles or Stones? The Grateful Dead! (they pretty much cover all music) Happy travels and I look forward to your next adventure!
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    Freddy - July 22 2008 @ 1:51 pm Unreal, saw Saudi Arabia and it sucked. Buffalo would have been much better. I mean, this show is about food, travel and Bourdain getting loaded. Instead it has turned into a social commentary show, and a bad one at that. Hmmm, producer is a female and the one video they picked out of four finalists is a female film maker.... Can you say rigged? Go figure. Hey, this chick from North Dakoda never even tried most of the cuisine of her own culture. I bet AB would have had a load of fun at the Anchor Bar, a Bills game tailgating, JJ's House of Breakfast, crawling down Pearl St at 2 am, etc... One more episode like this and I'm buying a Cook's Tour on DVD to watch instead...
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    Phil - July 22 2008 @ 1:53 pm Tony, you made the right choice. Danya was the perfect co-host, and Saudi Arabia was a destination perfect for your show. No beer, though - man that's rough. It's 100 degrees 24/7. Doesn't that scream for beer? Some of those submissions from your "fans" were scary as hell. I suggest you hire a bodyguard the next time you do a book signing, just in case these nuts come out to see you in person. Holy crap.
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    Peter - July 22 2008 @ 2:03 pm Tony, the whole fan-natic concept seemed like a "jump the shark" kind of gimmick to me, much like the Les Halles show. But, like Les Halles, you dodged that bullet, mostly by picking a destination that most travel hosts fear to tread, and one laden with political and cultural land mines (as noted by some of the more ignorant posts on this blog). The show overall was very good. Cl&%$ic NR, showing us a place from ground level. I was stunned to see that they had malls that resemble the Beverly Center, fast food places, not to mention something resembling chicken mcnuggets. I know it's only a snapshot of a place, but it was an educational and entertaining snapshot. I do notice, however, that you've become more and more open about your political views this season. Anyone who has read your "cook's tour" book knows where you stand, but I am intrigued you've become more vocal about it, especially in the first 3 episodes. Since I share your views, I have no problem with them, though I wonder what your motivation is. It's often said that when you have children, you begin to see beyond yourself. It's also said when you travel, you see beyond yourself. So maybe that has something to do with it. In any case, I look forward to Uruguay. Though, I do hope you'll be going somewhere soon where the climate is, shall we say, cooler?
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    JohnB - July 22 2008 @ 2:09 pm Tony, I saw this episode last night, and I thought it was hilarious and a really interesting introduction to Saudi Arabia. Like you, I had some expectations about what you would run into and was pleasantly surprised to see them shattered. To hell with the other commentors who don't like a show unless you get totally plastered. I've always liked your way of diving head-first into a culture and its traditions and food, in addition to its alcohol.
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    john jerritt - July 22 2008 @ 2:27 pm Rich Saudi kids and you just did not do it for me at all. Oh, maybe I should say how much I would love to go there. Not! I was all ready there before and I always felt like an unwelcome outsider. Do they love there God, country and family? Sure they do but most them with a far different perspective then us. Sorry Tony but please try again.
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    Nina - July 22 2008 @ 2:32 pm I watched the saudia-Arabia show...I loved it, I saw the people,food,country as I have never seen it before. Danya was such a wonderful host! The food looked so good!! oh! and the fast food chicken placed the chicken looked so yUMMY LOVED IT ALL!! From Fort Worth Texas
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    Annonymous - July 22 2008 @ 2:44 pm All my life I have wanted to travel the world to meet, greet and understand the cultures that live beyond my little slice of life. But never having the guts or fortitude it takes, I say thanks to Tony. Thanks for bringing the societies, food, song and beautiful pictures to my home and heart. Rock On!
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    Karr Leslie Galang - July 22 2008 @ 2:59 pm Tony, If ever you want to go to the Philippines, it would be an honor to be your guide. I was born and raised there so I know all the wonderful places that you might like and the not so wonderful one. I can bring you to Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo, Manila and of course my province, the home of the wonderful cooks, Pampanga. My grandma is a very good cook, too so she can cook for the two of us (and your crew). I can also introduce you to our street foods, especially balot. I really just love your show and how you deliver it. Oh and we have Filipino beers, too that you might like... and GIN.
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    Karr Leslie Galang - July 22 2008 @ 3:07 pm Hi Tony, I would love to be your guide if you ever decided to go to the Philippines. I was born and raised there so I know all the places you might want to visit. I can also introduce you to our street foods, bring you to different places such as Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Aklan (BORACAY) and of course the home of the good cooks and my home, Pampanga. My grandma and some of my relatives will entertain your palette with delicious foods so get ready. Just don't forget to email me :) and it will be an honor. Oh and by the way, we have Filipino beers (yes, ice cold) and gins you might want to try.
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    SMB - July 22 2008 @ 3:08 pm tony - i know you're in dc at the moment! but where? hope u didnt go to ben's chili bowl...so overrated.
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    Maria - July 22 2008 @ 3:27 pm Dear Tony: Good show, but I agree with some viewers who said that "it was not you". You were so different to the Tony we are used to. We missed the wit and the jokes ("could have been the lack of a cold beer"?) Maybe for respect to Danya and the culture so different to the previous shows,you did not looked like the Tony we know and love. We got the impression that you didn't look very happy and sometimes you even looked unconfortable. Above it all, the show was excellent and we the viewers had the opportunity of visiting through you a Saudi Arabia family (which by the way was very pleasant).
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    Brian - July 22 2008 @ 3:40 pm testicular ventilation, ENGAGED!
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    love2travel - July 22 2008 @ 3:44 pm Tony, I was really, really looking forward to this show... and I'm a lover of all things NR... but I have to say that, at best, I thought the show was just OK. The scenery was lovely and Danya seems like a wonderful, intelligent, kind person. That was evident. Her friends and family seemed the same. As others have mentioned though, I thought you were unusually reserved. For example, I was dying for some follow up to your question to Danya at the chicken shop re: treatment/ segregation of women, but you just smiled and accepted her response and then went on to eat - of all things - a ^%#^ chicken nugget! (Tony, Tony, Tony??!!??) I also agree with the comments of an earlier poster that much of the show pertained to things that Danya herself had never done or experienced... I'd rather see a show where your guide lives and breathes the very things they are exposing you too, so that their p&%$ion is evident and is p&%$ed on to you. (The Korea show with Nari is a prime example.) I think that's the way you best share your experience with your viewers (even the chainsaw loving ones). Why take you to eat nasty bits, lizard, and camel if that isn't a normal part of her life? I'm sure that Danya has interesting enough things in her life without conjuring up camera-ready experiences to feed back to America. Laos and Cambodia? Terrific shows. Danya? Wonderful. This episode overall, however? Less than impressive compared to the high bar you have set for yourself. Still love ya though... whoever thought that there would be a reason to look forward to Mondays??
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    Eyota - July 22 2008 @ 4:09 pm tony, i am a huge fan of the show. my wife told me about the show in jeddah, but unfortunately i could not watch because i am in jeddah, damn!!! al-baik, did you really like that stuff? Next time try bubbles across from the u.s. consulate.
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    GRH - July 22 2008 @ 4:25 pm WATCHED THE SHOW LAST NIGHT. AS AN AMERICAN HAVING LIVED AND WORKED IN MOST OF THE PLACES IN KINGDOM YOU WERE SHOWN, I WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE COVERAGE. AFTER LIVING AND WORKING IN JEDDAH FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS, I FEEL THAT I CAN SAY FROM EXPERIENCE (ALMOST 20 YEARS IN KINGDOM 81-04)THAT YOU WERE CERTAINLY SHOWN THE CLEANSED VERSION OF THE KINGDOM. THAT BEING SAID I HAVE HAD SOME GREAT EXPERIENCES AND MADE SOME LIFELONG FRIENDS. ALL IN ALL IT WAS A SURPRISE TO SEE ANYTHING FROM THE KINGDOM LIKE YOU DID. MUST BE TRYING TO IMPROVE THE IMAGE. GREAT JOB. GRH
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    DeAnna Bridges - July 22 2008 @ 4:29 pm Tony, Love your show, and the chance you took in traveling with a fan. Danya sounds like a wonderful woman and you appeared to have had a great time in Saudi. I lived overseas in several different countries and I know first hard how we can have preconceived ideas about a country based on the media. I teach a high school technology cl***and I have made it part of my cl***to watch your or Samantha Brown show once a week. I feel this allows my student who may never leave the small rural Mississippi county we live in or better yet our state to experience a different part of the world, it culture, foods, people, and wonderful sites. Thanks to you and your staff for bringing into my home and my school interesting and educational information about our world.
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    dmoss in denver - July 22 2008 @ 4:38 pm I thought the crack about Denver was hilarious. However, you did appear to be more reserved in this episode than usual. did you feel constrained in Saudi or were you deferring to your guest? You don't seem to be the type to defer for a whole show... Also, at the last dinner at Danya's house, did my eyes decieve me or was there something crawling in the large rice dish when they set it on the floor? Hopefully that was my error (and actually a date or something rolling) and not an uninvited guest. Anyway, i thought the episode was awesome. It challenged my preconceptions--never a bad thing. Keep kicking @##!
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    danielle - July 22 2008 @ 5:33 pm this episode is exactly why i love you and your show...you go to a place and basically lets the place prove itself despite what people's pre-conceived notions may be. on a side note: I think you would love the Philippines and its people. The food is amazing. As someone who has visited there many times, I still discover new things about the place. Another great place to visit is Guam, a place I call home. In my opinion you will never find more hospitable people especially toward someone who is willing to embrace their culture. And if you ever need someone to show you around either place. I'd be more than willing to. =)
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    pb&j - July 22 2008 @ 5:41 pm Wow, amazing show as always but I did feel that Danya was making more of an Andrew Zimmern Bizarre food show when she had you trying all those exotic strange meals....especially when she doesn't eat those items normally. I understand that they are traditional dishes over there but she should have at least tried them before you arrived so she could have said she had them before. I felt as though she was trying to stump Tony to see what he would eat next. You couldn't even wash them down with a beer!
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    Yusuf - July 22 2008 @ 6:21 pm Hi Tony, I think the Saudia show was excellent and very well done! P&%$ed the link to all my friends on facebook. Living in the West We only see and get negative and harmful images of the Middle East and it was refreshing to see something positive! Keep it up, may be next time you can visit Pakistan or my native Kashmir! Best of Luck! Yusuf
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    angie - July 22 2008 @ 6:29 pm Hey, Tony. Love the series and especially last night's episode from Saudi Arabia. As Danya stated it will take time for things to change, if at all. In the meantime she allowed the western world to see a lighter side of the country and it's people. Take care, Angie
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    Zina - July 22 2008 @ 6:33 pm I did enjoy this travel destination very much. I read the crew blog first then watched the episode and that helped me get over my preconceived ideas about Saudi Arabia from a woman's view of point. Main stream media always blasts the negatives of societies but not once do they give those in the societies a chance to show what they love about their countries and way of life. Tony, thank you so much for going to Saudi Arabia. I enjoyed the entire show and it was very cool to see Danya experience parts of her own culture first hand.
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    [AVERIL MCKENDRICK] - July 22 2008 @ 7:25 pm I was the third craziest submission... REALLY?!? I will admit I'm pretty honored to be imortalized as one of the off-the-wall entries, but seriously...I laughed so hard at the look on your face right after those two clips of me flashed by the screen, after I stopped screaming, of course :) I just hope you don't really think I'm that insane...Granted, I'm 20, I'm a rock n roll party queen, I never apologize for being who I am and I tend to intimidate the f*** out of everyone who meets me in my full glory...if you've read any of my other blog comments you probably know that already. Honestly though Tony, I love your show and very much respect you for what you do. So if that means you make fun of me on national television, than so be it. However, if you ever have the chance to meet me in person, I promise you'll be much the more entertained than completely appalled. We have a lot more in common than you think. Thanks for making me a permanent, though fleeting, part of the Travel With Tony final episode. I'm very flattered :) xoxo Claire xoxo
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    Joe - July 22 2008 @ 7:28 pm This was a really good episode. I thought it had the right balance of dealing with the relevant political issues (rather than shying from them) while coming to find a larger truth and appreciating the people you met and the food you enjoyed. The offal looked tasty...and bring on one of those feasts!!! MMMM, Camel... (Insert Homer-style gurgling).
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    Annie - July 22 2008 @ 8:08 pm Tony, This was the best show that you've done EVER. Danya is probably one of the best 'amb&%$adors' around. You (crew & all) showed the humanity behind all the politics. Well done!
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    Kitty - July 22 2008 @ 8:14 pm I had high expectations and thought the show was so-so. My biggest complaint is that Danya kept asking you to try food that she has never tasted herself. If this was supposed to be an insider's guide, she should be taking you to her absolute favorite places to show you the best of the best. Not the foods she doesn't eat. And I agree that you seemed more reserved than usual. The show was lacking the typical wise cracks and acerbic comments. Also, I too thought I saw something crawling around in the rice dish during the final scene. What was it????
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    penny - July 22 2008 @ 8:15 pm I found the show interesting and funny, at times, even rolling with laughter, however, It is strange to visit a strange land and to eat things that are even strange to the locals. Most everything you ate with Danya , was also new and "foreign" to her as well... What does she eat everyday? that I would have liked to see... pizza, chicken wings? in Saudi Arabia? Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed watching you eat lizard and camel, but it was just as new to her as it was to you.........perhaps you will need to return...and see what the "real" Saudi's do and eat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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    Lauren - July 22 2008 @ 8:52 pm Our family really enjoyed your foray into Jeddah, but were hoping to see more of the places we frequented as expats who lived and worked there for two years. As for the culinary side of your journey--did you sample any shawarma (a sandwich of either spit roasted pressed chicken or beef, with creamy garlic sauce, and french fries rolled in flatbread)? Did you have a chance to dine at the Moroccan restaurant in Al Balad? Or Harry Ramsden's Fish and Chips on the Corniche? Other than that, I think you, Danya, and your crew did a great job presenting life in Saudi Arabia--the people we met and spent time with were also warm and welcoming. Would you consider doing a show from Phoenix?
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    Jim - July 22 2008 @ 8:56 pm Tony Great show and what a a refreshing image of Saudi Arabia. I would have wanted to have gone to Hong Kong with you myself knowing that it is one of your favorites. Love the Show and one of mine and my wife Claudines Favorite is the Uzbekistan bathhouse show your commentary had be laughing my %^# off! Kudos!!
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    CARMEN... not "karma" - July 22 2008 @ 9:27 pm I PROMISE NOT TO INTERFERE IN THIS JOURNAL ...again.Now, after seeing DANYA's "TOUR WITH TONY" show, I wanted to congratulate her on providing incentive for an IMPROVED opinion and respect for the MIDDLE EASTERN nations ... and Saudi in particular. (BRAVOOOOOOOO!) Secondly, I congratulate Mr. Bourdain for having the brevity to take the challenge. I think many people are errified or prejudiced against persons of that arena. Everyone loved ALADDIN and related stories... that's where I got my first fascination! They are just like us! Third... The hijab and required effects that go with it, were not forsaken. From someone who has always had to live an "ON GUARD" lifestyle... She handled it all tastefully and with respect for her countrymen. So... where is my share of the BAKLAVA?
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    John - July 22 2008 @ 10:08 pm Thanks so much for this slice of Saudi Arabia. Once in a while you find a way to transcend the food centric message of the show, and this is one of those times. It may not mean much to that more snarky, sarcastic side to your persona, but somewhere in there you may be interested to know that your show has lightened my life a little and helped me see a people in a both fresh and familiar way. Even if it is presumptuous for me to say so, I think you were at your best. And when Danya Alhamrani was on camera, well what can one say but that some people "have it". Thanks so very much to all of you who make this show possible.
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    Penny - July 22 2008 @ 10:18 pm I saw it too!!!!!It was a fly , I think!
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    Paul - July 22 2008 @ 10:33 pm You probably already know this, but that episode really worked because of your host. This could have been a disaster in the wrong hands, but Danya really loved her home, and she was ready to explain things clearly without being defensive, patronizing, or apologetic. At the end of the episode, I wanted to know Danya and her family better. (I shudder what would have happened if you had been hosted by the Saudi equivalent of that retarded Russian last seen %$#@faced somewhere in the Romanian equivalent of the set of Hee Haw.)
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    Lori - July 22 2008 @ 10:36 pm Excellent show again, Tony. I applaud your ability to once again overcome what you may have thought about a place like Saudi Arabia to be able to visit and remain open to any and all new experiences. From the very first time I saw your show last year (Okay, so I wasn't always a Travel Channel viewer) I have been fascinated and quite taken with you. I must admit that with every show I watch, with every one of your books that I vociferously read late into many an evening, and with every tantalizing little bit of information about you that I am able to uncover, I've become more than just a fan. I've got a major crush. And let's face it, anyone who dislikes Rachel Ray as much as I do has to be pretty freakin' cool.
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    dina - July 22 2008 @ 10:39 pm tony, i'm so thrilled that you took this challenge on. it's so refreshing to see that americans are still curious enough to find out what "the other" is about, even if it's a potential inconvenience. as an american of egyptian descent and as a muslim woman, i praise you for enjoying being wrong about this one. although egypt is a much more liberal place than saudi arabia, especially for women, i have been over there and it was even weird at first for me. i've always valued your work and your perspective. keep doing what you're doing. i have a newfound respect for you today. cheers.
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    Chris - July 22 2008 @ 10:50 pm Did I hear you say "yum-o" in this episode? Did you really utter a Rachel Rayism? Did you lose a bet? It's like the Dodgers moving from Brooklyn to LA...it's just so wrong! PS The lovely lady you went to S. Korea with should have her own show. I know it doesn't tie in with Saudi Arabia but she was great!
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    MJ - July 22 2008 @ 11:00 pm Tony: Please disregard the comments from people who didn't like this episode. While I have to agree you were more reserved on this show, it was completely appropriate for your first time to Saudi Arabia--a place you had zero frame of reference except for what is shown on American TV. Remember the New Zealand episode? How those Kiwis couldn't relate to the Tony Bourdain who first walked off the plane? You were a hit only AFTER you had spent some time in their country. Had you made your usual SNARKY comments during your first trip to Saudi, I think you would have had a poor reaction to the show like you did with that NZ audience . . . but on an international level. You are the "bad boy" of the Travel Channel. If this trip to the Kingdom could get you to sit back, shut up, learn, and reflect (without being under the influence of anything to boot), that is saying A LOT. Still, I can't believe you ate the lizard or the chicken nugget. Finally, PLEASE go to the Philippines. I am Filipina, but like that guy on the show, I live in the USA. You already know you need to go with a local. Enjoy the balut.
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    Gene - July 22 2008 @ 11:21 pm Mr Bourdain, I am very glad that you made the choice to take up Danya's offer. As you said, it wasn't the easiest choice compared to the other 3 finalists (though Buffalo...seriously..and I say this as someone born in the St Lawrence Valley of New York) but in Danya you had the perfect foil to work off for your introduction to Saudi culture and society. Thank you for taking the risk and providing a more humanized presentation in comparison to the dominant presentation of Saudi culture in the American media. Now, one more thing - you've visited Saudi, you've been to Egypt, you've been to Beirut, you've been to Crete. How about Istanbul and/or Turkey in general???? Center of empire, both Christian and Muslim, for over a millenium, a culinary hotpot taking influences from three continents, a cuisine that raises offal to a fine art, and a society that offers an alternative interpretation of what it means to be Muslim in the 21st century.
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    pam - July 22 2008 @ 11:40 pm Hey tony, watched the show last night, and I thought you should of come to buffalo. This weekend you could of went to : the Canal fest, the polish fest, the italian fest, the puerto rican fest, the hamburg fest. All with in 30 mins. of each other and NIAGARA FALLS. Please come to buffalo someday. AND BRING ZAMERE. If he is allowed. Of all the people, Nelson was the only one from where he wanted a show.. Not born in the midwest, and go somewhere else.. I thought that was not the contest. anyway.. Big Fan, just south of Buffalo...Love your show.. and that zamere guy.. you guys are great...Peace.
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    SouthernJerz - July 22 2008 @ 11:42 pm Anthony, I thouroughly appreciate what you do. Your show is by far the best one on TV and i strive to one day do what you do. It is very nice to see someone that comes from a background much like mine succeed (not the French background, but the questinable decisions in our youth), and to be so successful and not be pretentious is very refreshing. I just want to tell you to keep doing what you are doing because there are people such as myself that really find it inspirational. Basically you're the most entertaining person on TV and i love your show. P.S. Anthony Bourdain had the balls to write about has past, and he has proven himself. Therefore dont p&%$ judgement on anyone Sir William, Especially Bourdain...I got his back.
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    Camusman - July 22 2008 @ 11:43 pm Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm . . . suckling camel.
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    SouthernJerz - July 23 2008 @ 12:08 am Tony, I would like to say that I loved the episode in Saudi Arabia. I was a little disappointed that Danya was from Nebraska, but then again I admire her finding out about her heritage and embracing it. Great Job to both of you. I also have never seen an episode of your show i did not enjoy. I would love for you to one day do an episode on South Jersey. I know as a person who feels strongly about New York you may have negative feelings about New Jersey, but it is really a place with a vast array of foods. I might just think that because it is where i am from, but i would love to know your opinion on the cuisine found in southern New Jersey. As a person who spent his college years studying food and the business of food I find the recent movement towards Asian fusion in southern New Jersey very interesting. Any comments about that regions cusine you could give me would be greatly appreciated. I am a huge fan and would like to tell you to keep up the great work. I look forward to hearing your comments, or maybe ignorance is bliss, haha.
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    Blue Mountain Coffee - July 23 2008 @ 2:18 am Bad ideas spring eternal.
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    Annonymous - July 23 2008 @ 2:39 am Someone give Tony a beer....quick! Sorry, man. Interesting to a point but I thought the whole thing felt a little staged. The show lacked the spark and wit it usually has. When there is a "moment" (like your meal with the family in Laos and the man whose limbs had been blown off by a landmine), you feel a connection; it stays with you. I didn't feel any of that here. I would have liked to see more of the real Saudis - the non-westernized ones....more of the reality of how women live (which I'm sure was touched upon in your crew blog). Even more of a glimpse into Danya's life would have made it better - how she broke into film; the struggles she faces as a woman in a male-dominated society; the struggle between ever-increasing westernization and old traditions (such as what we see in Japan and China). I think I would have rather seen you dig deep int Dubai to see what makes that country tick. Now that is one fascinating place!! Peace, anyway. It was a good show. A littel bland, but ok.
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    Annonymous - July 23 2008 @ 2:43 am YES!!!! Something in the rice dish DID move!!! I thought I had lost my mind!! Thank you, Kitty!
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    Charias - July 23 2008 @ 3:16 am I'm an ardent fan of Tony's and of the show, but I found it very hard to reconcile the acceptance of the oppression of women. Women in Saudi Arabia are treated as second cl&%$ citizens, are not allowed to enjoy the same personal freedoms that men enjoy-- and yet it was all accepted on the show (albeit marginally) as part of the nation's culture and history. Well, if it were the "culture" of another country to limit the rights of an entire race of people, would Tony overlook it just because the oppressed people weren't rising up in opposition? Why is it acceptable for 50% of the Saudi population to be singled out for limits on their freedom???
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    justfoodnow - July 23 2008 @ 12:15 pm I have just read your article but skipped the comments - am a tad ill right now, but I just thought I'd tell you that you write as well as you talk. And that's a compliment. You actually made my day! I knew the white 'dresses' would be cool - but the black? Surely they can't be. Thanks again for a brilliant article.
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    sherry - July 23 2008 @ 1:21 pm Tony? This is such a contrived show? Now you have a little "Tony formula". Maybe you always had it but I never noticed until now? It goes, 1, Piss Tony off with a painful trip to show location. 2, Connect Tony up with local who never does much talking. 3, Take Tony to little funky dive for stomach or testicle lunch. 4, Find dangerous conveyance for Tony to get hurt on. 5, Take Tony to home of family that clearly cannot afford to entertain. 6, Spend 3 minutes in upscale setting and comment with smart #@% distain. 7, Finish off with a remarkable, intelligent, sensitive and yes, even poetic summation. Why did this great show become so predictable?
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    Michelle - July 23 2008 @ 4:27 pm You should've went to Buffalo.
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    Ben Orbach - July 23 2008 @ 4:34 pm Good for you that you chose Saudi. When I moved to Jordan after 9/11, most people I knew thought that I had some kind of problem. In a similar way, it wasn't an obvious choice for a destination to move abroad to. Also in a similar way, there and in other travels around the Middle East, I found color, humor, the absurd, and complicated people who treated me in a way that I never would have imagined. I also got to shop for camels along the way. Nice piece- Best, Ben Benjamin Orbach author of Live from Jordan www.benjaminorbach.com
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    Dear Prudence - July 23 2008 @ 4:38 pm Wonderful show. I was not surprised by the Saudi hospitality. My husband is from Bahrain, which is attatched to Saudi by a 30 mile bridge they call the cause-way. Bahrain is a much more liberal country, meaning, the women do not have to cover and you can drink there until your hearts desire, but it is also an islamic country(kingdom, actually), and I have been waiting and waiting, for you inparticular, to visit there. Since Bahrain allows people of other countries to work there with the proper visa, there are vendors from all over the middle and far east selling goods, and of course, food. Thank you so much for your insightfulness and sometimes brutal honesty on your show. I would love to see an uncensored no reservations in the future... HBO perhaps? i don't know.. anyway, thanks again! ~Heather E.
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    Carrie - July 23 2008 @ 4:48 pm Hi, I want to get in touch with Danya...I lived in Dhahran for a decade as a kid and would love to talk with Danya about some things related to her production company. Please forward my email address on to her so she can contact me if she has a moment... Thanks for the show, you brought tears to my eyes...with laughter! :) Thanks Tony. Carrie
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    Nan - July 23 2008 @ 5:11 pm I was so interested to see this Saudi show, since I love middle eastern food. You may have enjoyed the trip but we didn't like the show -- thought it was one of your worst -- and Saudi Arabia did not look one bit appealing to us. Yuck. Sorry.
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    Dya - July 23 2008 @ 5:24 pm Well, I watched your Saudi show. I like that you were objective and I LOVE that a strong, independent Saudi woman was your host. The food didn't look that appealing to me, though. Especially the enormous camel carc&%$. And I'm no wimp (nor vegetarian); I'll try almost anything. I'm glad you didn't oversee the slaughter of that cute, doe-eyed baby camel. Speaking as a Lebanese-American, I'm still hoping you can get back to Lebanon some day. Oh, and just read about you being a papa. CONGRATS! My daughter is now 17 months, and she absolutely loves Lebanese food. :)
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    Jilly - July 23 2008 @ 6:26 pm I must say, without really watching your show, I had you to be an "arrogant %#@," not fitting to do a travel show, let along know anything about food. That is before I read your marvelously written cookbook, that someone tossed in my face; and even though I knew how to make MOST of the recipes, it was an inspiring way to present cooking to even a novice. I started watching and listening to you and your show. Your way of presenting yourself and the places you visit, both verbally and visually, is admirable, and entertaining. And this article describing the "Saudi Arabia" experience was exceptional. You are a truly gifted writer, and "visitor." Your aura has improved with each show. YOU NEED TO GET SOME T-SHIRTS OUT THERE FOR FANS TO BUY -- Grill Bitch is OK, but it isn't 'YOU.' Keep up the great work.
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    Mike A - July 23 2008 @ 6:42 pm Come to Buffalo,the Ramones used to love us.Anyway if you do make it here I'll have plenty of great sake and uncover a few women. Really you will have a good time, some decent food and Ill make you some good Fish. Fondly, your one legged sushi making cook friend. Mike A. Buffalo
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    Melissa - July 23 2008 @ 7:28 pm Hi~ I'm Mel, I'm 22 and an artist/writer, I'm working on a comic that's based all over the world (cept America.) I also cook! I live on a self-cooked Asian diet. (don't worry ;} I still love eating meat. Especially pork.) I've been watching your show for years but this is my first time here. In short, you've inspired me to be myself, regardless. I've always been a cultural nut and people often look down on me because of that. Especially for loving Asia. Why do people complain if you love Asia?! Anyway when I get #%&@ for it, I just think about how you'd deal with their close-minded bull%$#@, and all is better. Anyway I just want to say thank you for that. Thank you for being yourself and for brining out other countries so people realize they're human too and not just... a whatever race in 'that country', you know? Now to the subject of the blog; 'superb testicular ventilation.' Best-Line-Ever! XD I loved this episode! It was cute seeing you both eat that lizard for the first time. I also loved the togetherness. I wish the US was more like that. I hope this episode will make people see the Arabic countries differently than what all the problems have given it. Your shows always make me want to visit these places! It's your fault I wanna go to Ghana, Vietnam and other areas like that now. I would have sent a video, but I live in WI and it's boring here and I'm pretty much an alien. I'm from Seattle but you did that already (Love how you called us "an obsessively creative culture" that sums me up perfectly!) Plus I'm shy. I would have asked to visit NorthKorea, but I wouldn't want to put everyone in danger - but honestly, that place is begging to be uncovered! That's my third-world obsession. The government sucks but from what I see the people themselves are great, they just normally can't be themselves. The sent in videos you aired were scary. what was with the dude in the top hat? He sounded more like a 1-upping jerk than a fan. And the girl begging you to take her... lol I can't even think of a response to that one. That was just wow.
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    John - July 23 2008 @ 7:59 pm Just saw the episode, It's hard to believe they wouldn't have a pint of "the hair of the dog" stashed away somewhere in the house. Unimaginable of any country to be that dry, even being in the desert. I would think it would accentuate the taste in the food. It's understandable though that it wouldn't be shown on camera, because seeing you publicly lashed wouldn't be one of the highlights of this episode. China has the same type of setup (privacy booths) in some of their eateries, where there are back rooms for private dinners and keeping the locals from staring at the laowai while slurping away at the chicken bone soup. I found it most convenient when eating out.
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    Ruba - July 23 2008 @ 8:15 pm I lived in Saudi Arabia for many years as an expat so I was really looking forward to this episode of NR. Thank you for choosing Danya. You showed a willingness to visit a country and culture you were wary of, which is admirable. Danya was a great host and she is an exceptionally independent woman in a male dominated culture, good for her! Of course she showed you the positive, "clean" side of Saudi Arabia. Human rights groups and media outlets are quick to point out all that is wrong with the country, Danya did not need to show you that. Her point was to show you the warmth and hospitality of her people and culture, something that is not known in the western world. When you questioned her on the segregation of the sexes, she noted that it will take Saudi Arabia a long time to change and ease some of its restrictions (but it truly has come a long way from when I grew up there in the 80's and 90's). I do wish she had focused on some of the other foods of the country instead of the bizarre ones. Have you ever had a Shawarma? If not, you have to return to the Middle East and try one. Some of the comments on this blog said you were too reserved on the show, they seem to have forgotten it was the FAN-atic episode, you even said you were stepping back and that it was Danya's show. Your comments were insightful and interesting. I really enjoyed reading your blog as well as the crew's blog. No Reservations is one of my favorite shows, thank you. I hope you will return to Lebanon some day (my country of origin) and complete the show you had originally planned before the war started in the Summer of 2006. Lebanon deserves a second chance once things settle down... Keep up the great work!
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    Allie G - July 23 2008 @ 8:38 pm Tony, Tony, Tony, HOW COULD YOU??? Talk about soft...this show was so unlike you! This was a snoozer. It seemed liked you were afraid to touch upon absolutely anything controversial to your hosts. Talk about a BLAND show, not what I expect from No Reservations. Plus, I never thought I'd see you devote so much time in an episode going to a mall (gasp!), snorkeling (in Peru with piranhas is another story), atv riding (WTF?). I understand Danya's point, though. Sure, she wants to show that not everyone in Saudi Arabia is oppressed and lives primatively. I think we already know that. But we also know that the majority do not live as she does. I mean, I don't know that Danya and her family/friends are a good representative slice of the true Saudi experience. I mean, if she were not of the privileged sector, I don't think she would have even been "allowed" to squire you around. I mean, come on, women don't exactly lead a charmed life over there. Heck, in Uzbeckistan, you at least acknowledged that and told it like it was. But, here, you let it seem like this was all a very normal experience. I guess the moral of the story is: stay away from other people's agenda. We're not interested in watching their propaganda. Just present Tony's view, that's why we watch....
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    NB - July 23 2008 @ 9:23 pm Allie G - I sadly couldn't agree more with your comments.
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    Sarah - July 23 2008 @ 9:24 pm Hi Tony, So whenever you're ready, let me take you to Iran. Politics aside, it is an amazing country filled with the most amazing and delicious food! Kebabs as long as your arm, fluffy rice, pastries that are SO addictive you want to pack your suitcase with them, and gelato that is absolutely amazing . . . but that's just a tiny sampling! I have been many times and have a large extended family based in Tehran, so just let me know your timeframe and I will clear my schedule. Btw, I teach Persian Cooking at a local Adult Ed. cl&%$ as I was so frustrated that nobody seems aware of this wonderful cuisine. Thanks for your work and enlightening the m&%$es! Best, Sarah
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    Bakunin - July 23 2008 @ 10:11 pm Tony, Tony, Tony... All warm and fuzz? When are you planning to give the world a hug? In perfect harmony? I hear that Rachel Ray has her Iran show under wraps
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    Lisa Vollenweider - July 23 2008 @ 10:40 pm Dear Tony, This blog has nothing to do with the Saudi show, although I did enjoy it somewhat...baby camel? Well, what I'm really dishing about (pun intended) is your recipe for Coq au Vin. I read Kitchen Confidential, enjoyed it, and subsequently bought your Les Halles Cookbook. I followed you recipe EXACTLY BY THE NUMBERS!!! I did not vary off the stated method you proposed. Sweetheart, it was a purple watery mess, and tasted bilious! A friend suggested that the vomitous flavor was due to the fact that I used a beaujolais when maybe a burgundy, or merlot or another recipe I perused suggested Pinot Noir, would have been better. I even strained the broth through a cheesecloth draped over a chinois..the whole nine yards... What do you suggest for future reference? My abomination got hurled into the trash tout en suite! Potatoes, carrots? I'm at a total loss. I am a good cook, though not formally trained. Merci pour votre reponse! Lisa
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    luckyfatima - July 23 2008 @ 11:56 pm All of the haters who are so disappointed that you didn't show them the "real" Saudi are actually just upset because your show did not confirm all of their propaganda based pre-conceived racist/Islamophobic notions. Instead the show broke the mold by showing actual human beings...what a realization! Muslims, Saudi Arabian citizens, are *normal humans*! Too hard to swallow for some (*cough* bigots) I guess. Danya is from a middle cl&%$ family, and like many Saudis, is an international person...she is NOT so unusual as some commenters seem to think, though as a person she does have a special dynamic personality. One thing though: I am a Muslim and have lived in the Arabian Gulf for about 6 years...no one I know eats lizards and although you can get camel at the grocery store I don't know anyone who actually eats the stuff. Gulf people are more into fish, goat, and chicken with rice (which you did show---the mutton and rice is prototypical). I know the camel hump and lizard are interesting, but that isn't really representative of the food of the region. It would be like going to Texas and eating alligator and rattle snake, which some fringe element of people do eat, but most people don't eat. You really did capture that Gulf Arab/Saudi family dynamic very well; the food and sharing, that is indeed something special about the culture inside the Kingdom and the neighboring GCC countries. If you care to come back to the region, may I humbly recommend Oman. In Muscat you get a combo of local Gulf Arab, Iranian, Indian, and East African/Zanzibari influences on the food and it is exquisite. Something about the cultural amalgamation makes for yummy food. Omanis are cool people, too. Anyway, thanks so much for having the guts/ naivete/ or whatever it was that made you cross that bridge of East versus West misunderstanding that has so many Americans fear and loathe a country they know absolutely nothing about (but seem to think they know about), Saudi Arabia. It is a good bridge to cross and I am sure you opened the eyes of a lot of people in addition to showing off a cuisine that is little known outside of the region.
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    Jaiyen - July 24 2008 @ 12:25 am C'mon, Anthony, I thought you were smarter than this. I was disappointed that you chose Saudi Arabia as a country to profile. Do your homework and dig under all the news and you'll find that Saudi Arabia has more human rights abuses than all the other Middle Easter countries combined. The country should be boycotted, but of course our oil needs won't allow for that. Danya wants everyone to think that Saudi Arabia is a moderate country with affable, friendly people who are comfortable with the strictures in place. Have you ever seen a video of a stoning? Do you agree that a woman should be stoned to death for adultery? Enough said. This country has absolutely no place on TV in a culinary tour.
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    Charias - July 24 2008 @ 12:47 am Danya was a gracious and charming host, and she is definitely a pioneer. I understand why she and her country were chosen for the show, in which Tony highlighted many interesting aspects of Saudi culture. But look, anyone with half a brain (and most of Tony's fans have considerably more than that) already know that Saudi Arabia is much more than just the stereotypical view of bomb-toting religious fanatics and harem-loving oil sheikhs. My question is: If this were 1979, would Tony have gone to South Africa?
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    ali - July 24 2008 @ 12:57 am I agree with luckyfatima that we did not learn all we could about people in Saudi Arabia but, we have to remember this is a show about Food. Now if we learn something extra about wherever Tony goes, is a bonus. For example if Tony goes to Oman luckyfatima will learn that Oman used to be part of Persia now known as Iran and where she lives right now is Persian Gulf there is no such thing as arabian gulf.
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    Ruba - July 24 2008 @ 2:02 am I lived in Saudi Arabia for many years as an expat so I was really looking forward to this episode of NR. Thank you for choosing Danya. You showed a willingness to visit a country and culture you were wary of, which is admirable. Danya was a great host and she is an exceptionally independent woman in a male dominated culture, good for her! Of course she showed you the positive, "clean" side of Saudi Arabia. Human rights groups and media outlets are quick to point out all that is wrong with the country, Danya did not need to show you that. Her point was to show you the warmth and hospitality of her people and culture, something that is not known in the western world. For example, when you questioned her on the segregation of the sexes, she noted that it will take Saudi Arabia a long time to change and ease some of its restrictions (but it truly has come a long way from when I grew up there in the 80's and 90's). I do wish she had focused on some of the other foods of the country instead of the bizarre ones. Have you ever had a Shawarma? If not, you have to return to the Middle East and try one. Some of the comments on this blog said you were too reserved on the show, they seem to have forgotten it was the FAN-atic episode, you even said you were stepping back and that it was Danya's show. Your comments were insightful and interesting. I really enjoyed reading your blog as well as the crew's blog. No Reservations is one of my favorite shows, thank you. I hope you will return to Lebanon some day (my adopted country) and complete the show you had originally planned before the war started in the Summer of 2006. Lebanon deserves a second chance once things settle down... Keep up the great work!
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    Monty - July 24 2008 @ 2:49 am Good episode. I'll say this, though, -- you've looked depressed ever since you gave up smoking.
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    edward belho - July 24 2008 @ 4:08 am hey mr. bourdain I wish you could do a show on the fares of Northeast India especially Nagaland the land of headhunters. it is well-known throughout the width and span of India that we have voracious appetite for anything that moves. you will witness a hordes of new gastronomic delights and also new ways of cooking and spices. my people is all about food, everything is about food and for the record,though we are just a small state we consume the highest amount of protein/meat in the whole country. if interested contact me for more details
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    John Q - July 24 2008 @ 11:15 am Tony! You should visit the Philippines! And do visit ILOILO CITY, food culture is unbelievable, and a lot of foods are named after our districts, LAPAZ, MOLO, etc.! We can be you guide anytime!
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    Patricia P - July 24 2008 @ 2:48 pm Tony, thank you for choosing Saudia Arabia. You have given us a look into a culture that was very different than the preconceived one that most American's hold. It was nice to see that they are very peaceful. My husband and I really enjoyed watching the show and would have loved to have seen more of the Country.
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    Jill K. - July 24 2008 @ 3:13 pm Tony...Love the show and I was thoroughly disappointed that you did not come to Buffalo! I will most certainly keep you to your promise of coming here even if it is for just "part of a show." I realize that Buffalo's food is not as diverse as Saudi Arabia's, but we have some great cuisine (and I am not talking about chicken wings) and some awesome beer!!!! Did I mention the bars are open til 4am?!?!
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    steve - July 24 2008 @ 3:56 pm A bit belated, but big kudos for the Laos show. I've gotta believe there were some major league lines in the sand drawn over all the Vietnam war references. Being in my late 50's, and having fought the war (as opposed to having fought in it), I loudly applaud anyone who exposes what happened back then (unfortunately we're reliving history in Iraq right now). By the way, how the $%#@ do you stay so thin? What are you bulimic. Why'd you let the Saudi chick off the hook on her 'it's the men who are segregated in SA' comment? Yeah right sweet heart - women's rights all the way in Muslim cultures. And that comment comes from someone who practices yoga for spirituality - meaning I believe in a higher power, but it is in an unmanifested form. Einstein was right about organized religion - it's just 'childish superstitions'. Ever tried Borgo Antico on E13th between 5th and University - mention it because of your blog comments on the food you've been eating in Italy. cento anni
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    Patti - July 24 2008 @ 4:55 pm Mr. Bourdain, Amazing show Monday. I think it was awesome that you went to Saudi and my heart went out to you as you kept trying to get past the "hijab" look of the women. It was especially hard for me to watch you try to reconcile that fact that the men get to feel cool in their white clothing while women have to wear black...I can't stand it! The disingenuousness and false modesty that parts of that world display make me ill... But I still applaud your willingness to give everyone a chance. All the best!
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    Christine - July 24 2008 @ 6:45 pm Tony, LOVED the show with Danya in Saudi Arabia!! Her laugh is so contagious and she is delightful. Keep it coming, I look forward to it every week.
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    Michele - July 24 2008 @ 7:24 pm Tony- My new favorite episode. It epitomized everything you have said on the show (and during your speaking engagements)about what an honor it is to be invited to someone's home - wherever it may be- to break bread. By putting any political, cultural and culinary judgements aside, you allowed the rest of us to see what Dania had to show. Hopefully your graciousness to those you met will help dispell some myths about us in the West. Thanks. PS Come back up to Albany( aka "Yummo's" hometown) Make us forget our shame!
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    M.T. - July 24 2008 @ 7:30 pm Tony, I loved the Saudi show...not to sound too much like the typical ignorant American viewer, but when I saw that you were going to Saudi Arabia, I was a little "eh" to the idea. But wow did you prove me, and probably a lot of people wrong. That show was both informative and entertaining. I loved the woman who won the contest, and I think she did one hell of a job co hosting. I also enjoyed the Laos episode, and loved that you touched upon the dark side of that country's past. Sam Brown from the Travel Channel said it best, you are entertaining to watch, but your best shows are the ones where you are out of your comfort zone or element. You shine big time in those, like a curious child wanting to know more. Your book "Kitchen Confidential" is a must. By the way Aaron Eckhardt was on tv this morning and said he was a bus boy at Les Halles. Did you hire the now famous "two face" from Batman? By the way, for all you travel lovers, check out a 32 city tournament to unofficially crown the best "big city" in America. It is an ad free site that is basically running for the love of travel. www.itraveler.weebly.com Keep up the good work Mr Bourdain! I look forward to the Cali,Texas,Arizona,NM road trip episode later this season!
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    Dr. Roberto Llopis - July 24 2008 @ 8:00 pm Hi Tony, When are going to visit my native Honduras. I was born and raised in New Orleans so my family evolved into a unique culinary culture of Honduran/Creole cuisine. You should think about visiting Honduras one day and my family could show you around a very unique, beautiful and not well known Central American country.
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    Christi Mc - July 24 2008 @ 8:01 pm Hey Tony, well I watched the viewer episode last night and I have to say I loved it! Not only do I think Danya is well spoken, and very well educated on so many levels - but she was charming. I wa so excited that you picked a totally diferent place to go. I was upset that I wasn't able to enter - but I was on vacation at the time, and my pick would have just been run of the mill! It was a very interesting insight to the culture & the people who I think many of us have so many misconceptions about. Kepp traveling Tony, and I'm sure you dmight not want to...but make another viewers choice, you just never know, it might be as great as Saudi!! Take care!
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    Tanna - July 24 2008 @ 8:31 pm Good to know that the potentially horrible fan-induced torture episode turned out well. I was half-tempted to submit a spoof video requesting a trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula... complete with an image of a poor soul who had consumed far too many smoked-salmon pasties. The upside of the trip: m&%$ive quantities of ice cold beer. The downside of the trip: game-meat sloppy joes.
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    Nelson - July 24 2008 @ 9:29 pm Tony, I started watching your show about a year ago and I enjoy it immensely. Your show relaxes and takes me away with you each time I tune in. It's your style of delivery that I enjoy so much. I would love to see you do show in Portugal. I'm Portuguse and think you would have one hell of a time, not to mention an awesome show! Spend most of your time in the south my friend! Good luck and keep up the good work!
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    Trash&Vaudeville - July 24 2008 @ 10:09 pm Tony, I love you, I love your show(s), I love your fiction (write some more!,) found Typhoid Mary quite interesting, love reading about you in Ruhlman's books, and wish I had the kitchen to put my Les Halles to real use, BUT PLEASE - if you're going to ask me to drink the Kool-Aid, you've got to put some booze in and freeze it a little. The SA show was a sham. Looking forward to the deleted scenes on the dvd where you visit Sungl&%$ Hut and Mrs. Fields Cookies.
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    Max - July 24 2008 @ 11:50 pm Ciao Tony . I just wanted to say that i really enjoy your show and the way you live the moment.... I am a fanatic traveler.....and can't get enough to discover amazing places around the world...the way you do it.....the local way....just love it.... I am Italian...and i would like to see one day a special episode about southern Italy and the breath taking Italian Islands...It could be a great show and the best way to discover the real Italy. Well you know..in that case i would love to show you around ....bidibim ...bidibam.. All right buddy. Keep the good work... Salut..
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    andy roberts - July 25 2008 @ 12:18 am hey tony, if only i could go with you on your travels, of course if "if" was a fifth wed be drunk already. i just want to know what you think is the best culinary school in the USA. that is if you can take the time to answer me.
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    Marilyn - July 25 2008 @ 3:04 am I are really enjoy your show and I was very disappointed when you did not choose to go to the Philippines. However, I really liked the Saudi Arabia episode and thought that Dania did an excellent job. I hope you will do an episode about the Philippines someday. You gotta try the "lechon" - nice & crispy whole roasted pork (Andew Zimmern would be all over it...) have a San Miguel beer, and try some of the multiple kinds of yummy sticky rice desserts.. as Rachel Ray would put it... Yuummmooo..... Keep up the good work!!!!
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    scott acorn - July 25 2008 @ 4:48 am what the #$%^ do you mean you wont be coming to colorado!!!!!!!!!!! like everyone else if you ever came here i am pretty #$%^& sure you wouldnt wanna leave. like everyone else here these days i am not from here. really did like saudi show. i was there for the first gulf war. actually not a bad experience. also spent a couple years in upstate ny. a great place to visit live and generally just hang out.
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    J. Gange - July 25 2008 @ 11:35 am Tony - I'm actually embarrased for you. Fried chicken in the mall? You didn't notice that the gl&%$ booths were to "allow" women to eat without their costume on, not for family privacy like you were told? Made up cultural events like "find the lizard" and "eat the camel" that no one really ever did before? Not once did you try to find the %$#@e minorty, or talk to someone who wasn't a muslim. And the reverance for the religous experience - put a cross on top those minaret and make those christian prayers and Tony would have snoozed his way through it. All of the props for telling like it was in the Samir/Romania show are out the window. You owe us an apology for this.
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    BITTER - July 25 2008 @ 12:31 pm Tony, please come to Philadelphia! I know you have dismissed it as a "two horse town", which is one of the few times I've disagreed with you. As a matter of fact, I felt like punching your bony %#& in the neck. Still, mad love for you Tony Don't you go to Buffalo before coming here!!
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    Kristi - July 25 2008 @ 5:27 pm I am completely addicted to your show. You are just too sexy!
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    Melanie Meton - July 25 2008 @ 5:48 pm Tony- I've been a long time fan of yours, and thoroughly enjoy your blunt, sarcastic, cynical sense of humor, and am touched by the contrasting humble, respectful, openess you have for human kind and its people. I was impressed by Danya's perspective of Saudi Arabia,and happy to see you interact with a fan that wanted to share her culture. I am soooo excited to see that Bangkok is on the horizon. Alhtough it seems that your trip is going to be with the American muai thai fighter, I would like to offer a different perspective of Bangkok. Both my parents are from Bangkok and now live in the U.S. My grandparents and other family still reside in Bangkok. My grandfather, Payut Ngaokrachang is one of the pioneering animators/artists in Thailand, the Walt Disney of Thailand, if you will. My grandmother is a buddhist nun who lives in a temple in the jungle for the majority of the time. Both are in their 80's but love to show visitors wonderful Thai hospitality. One of my fondest memories of visiting Bangkok was wandering through the night markets and the different food stalls as a child. That's where I begun my love affair with food. Thais love their food and no matter where you go, you'll always find something exciting to eat. During your trip to Thailand I would like to take the opportunity to join your team in exploring the Thai food scene and culture in the city, the jungle and the beaches. One highlight can be visiting the jungle temple and having food prepared by the nuns who live there, then spending the night there(optional), bugs and all (netting a must). We could also stay with family friends that own a hotel and resort in Phuket. I just want to make a heartfelt attempt at showing you and the world that Thailand is more interesting than just kickboxing...but want to introduce you to Thai food, family and hospitality. Sawadee
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    Phil - July 25 2008 @ 9:34 pm Tony, I have to say, I wanted you to come to Buffalo. All of Buffalo wanted you to come to Buffalo. It's your kind of town, dude. But in watching the last episode, I totally respect your choice to go to Saudi. Kudos to you. It was the difficult choice, and it turned out to be (next to the Beirut show) the most moving episode I've ever seen. The wife has strict instructions to never erase it from the DVR. Come to Buffalo anyway. And, I don't care if you're a "Stones Guy", the answer is and will always remain "Beatles".
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    Katherine - July 25 2008 @ 10:26 pm thank you for the episode! danya was positively charming.
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    SaRaH =) - July 25 2008 @ 11:47 pm Tony, I was so thrilled that you chose Saudi. I can't imagine what a difficul choice it was. I personally I'm half Saudi. I lived there for 18 years (unwillingly, which is besides the point). I adore the generosity of the people. Like you stated they do have a great sense of humor. I'm glad that a bit the charm has been captured with your wonderful show. I have to admit that I'm glad you went. It's a wonderful place and it is changing much, to my liking. When it comes to politics I remain heartbroken about many things. The fact is though It's a different world, a different mind set. A little light shed on the truth never hurts. Thanks for the show.. Sarah
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    Ashley Croft - July 25 2008 @ 11:58 pm Wow, I loved this episode. I had to admit to having my own reservations about seeing Tony cigarette-less and drinkless but looks like you had a blast. Love ya!
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    MessyONE - July 26 2008 @ 12:19 am I don't generally post on this thread. Usually I'm over talking to DenverSousChef, so bear with me here. The Boy and I just watched the show - we time shift, because he works out of town - and we were both wondering... What's with the white shirts all of a sudden? You're starting to look like a waiter in a rib joint, dude! And khakis? What's that about? Next it'll be penny loafers or worse, driving moc&%$ins. *shudder* Even I still wear the Sacred Leather Jacket...granted, it now looks cool with a cocktail dress and heels, but you get the idea. Surely you're allowed to wear something, ANYTHING else? I can see not necessarily wearing band shirts all the time, but this is getting ridiculous. It reminded me of that season of (Ok, this is going to date me, but I'm still younger than you, so it's all right) Happy Days (told you so) when producers decided that The Fonz had to be more warm and fuzzy, so they put him in a golf jacket instead of leather. Bad idea. Ratings dropped. It was very sad. We still loved the show, BTW. The Boy was pleased to see that the food looked just as he remembered it from the time he spent in Jordan a few years back. He misses the rice...and the tea...
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    Trash&Vaudeville - July 26 2008 @ 11:42 am ""And, I don't care if you're a "Stones Guy", the answer is and will always remain "Beatles."" Truer words NEVER spoken. Thank you for saying what HAD to be said.
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    chris H - July 26 2008 @ 12:48 pm Tony, that was the most amazing episode of many shows I've yet seen. I watch for the adventure in eating and often get a cultural insight as well. I learned more about "common" Saudi's than I've learned in a host of documentaries and Frontline episodes. Saudi...having been there myself I came to the episode with biases heavily influenced by 9/11 and my time in the US Army. Well... I sat stunned in my living room for awhile after the show ended. Family centric, religiously devout, love to eat, and...four wheelin like Texas Rednecks. It was a lot to absorb in under an hour. I often discuss other cultures with others and emphasize the theme "they're people like us with kids and the struggle to provide for their families and generally want to be left alone." You and Danya illustrated that theme in a way every American should be able to understand. Bravo!
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    Mike Otto - July 26 2008 @ 7:16 pm Sounds like a whole lot more fun than Beef on a Weck or a Garbage Plate from Nick Tahoe's here in Rochester...admittedly at 3am after more than our share of Rohrbach's brew (a wonderful local brew) the garbage plate is a great substitute for White Castle. But if you do end up having to do penance and go to Bubbalo, consider a stop in Rochester to check us out. Ping me if you head this way. The Crew Blog entry was pretty amazing and enlightening. We do suffer from a huge case of recto-cranial inversion vis-a-vis other cultures ---uh, no, make that just people we don't know in general. You and Keith Floyd (the food Floyd, not the pink one) would be amazing together but I guess you'd have to either go to France or Thailand to hook up with him, but you two are the most original, zany, folks I'd be happy to slog for/with and drink with after service.
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    Carolyn Jung - July 26 2008 @ 8:59 pm This had to be one of my favorite "No Reservations'' episodes ever. I think it was the unexpectedness of it all that made it such a cl&%$ic. It's as Tony said: You don't expect this portrayal of Saudis _ the warmth, humor and humanity they have. It makes you wonder if we could all share a potluck with them if we'd gain a wiser, kinder world in the end.
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    Geoff - July 26 2008 @ 10:01 pm This show couldn't have come at a better time. I'm involved in a summer program for incoming Saudi engineering students, and I watched the show while grading their exams. I've found them to be very polite, friendly and jovial. The Saudis in this episode reminded me very much of my students, especially the man that was begging Tony not to make him eat lizard. My students all laughed when I mentioned the chicken fast-food chain. It's hard to reconcile how likeable the Saudis are at a personal level with how reprehensible I find their government's record on civil liberties and human rights. But then, I'm sure other countries have a similar issue with Americans vs. the U.S. government. My students are taking the day off to visit New York city. I'm hoping they're staying out of trouble. I know there was some concern about whether they would be visiting Ground Zero.
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    Josh - July 27 2008 @ 12:42 am Dude, That was the worst show, ever! Seriously, no beer and not one rant. I don't care how "American" the Saudis are, the soul wasn't there and the food was lack luster. I could care less about what the rich eat, here there or anywhere. What were the locals eating? How about the slave in the work camps? There was nothing nity-gritty about that show. You should visit me in Guatemala and eat at the Marriott! That would be almost as awesome! You could order a burger and have it served by the locals for "authenticity." When did you start pandering to your co-hosts, ignore m&%$ive human disenfranchisement. Whats going on? All I have to say is: "dude"?
  201. 201
    T. S. - July 27 2008 @ 1:37 pm Take your focus off Danya and look at the other women in the background. Do they look happy to you? Oh wait, how can you tell. I find ironic when Muslim women living outside of a Muslim nation comment on how great things are. Why not go back? Or do you enjoy your freedom? A short television episode made to entertain cannot provide a true window into a another culture, no matter how well you spice it. I like the show and will continue to watch, but I remember it's entertainment.
  202. 202
    W.N. - July 27 2008 @ 9:13 pm I have to say that I wasn't looking forward to the Saudi Arabia show. Since watching, I admit to being completely wrong. It may actually be my favorite episode. Danya is amazing, in my opinion and I really enjoyed her friend Amr. To my surprise, I found Danya, her friends and family to be funny, fun and likable people. Not at all what I expected. I also thought that Anthony seemed more laid back and relaxed than usual.
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    Caloy - July 29 2008 @ 4:48 am Yes, please do a show on the Philippines! Have Carlos Celdran (celdrantours.blogspot.com) and Marketman (www.marketmanila.com) be you guides!
  204. 204
    Olaf - July 29 2008 @ 2:36 pm have problems with the captcha
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    Alicia - July 29 2008 @ 4:01 pm OK, so it wasn't the best episode ever but the bar has been raised so high that even Tony can't outdo himself sometimes. Danya seemed nice enough but I couldn't get over the fact that she, herself, hadn't even tried a lot of the foods she had set up for Tony to eat. How 'authentic' could that have been? Of course, a camel-eating scene was way better than a chicken-nugget eating scene (wtf?). That may very well be what average Saudis eat but, hey, a lot of people all over the world eat McDonald's everyday, and that still doesn't make it desirable! Anyway, I appreciate the effort of trying to show a more 'day-to-day' face of Saudi Arabia, but I still don't think I'd want to travel there. The abbaya thing (great post by Amy, btw)...well, men walking around in cotton/linen white clothing, or shorts, appropriate enough for the 100-degree weather, as opposed to the the black, all-covering abbayas for the women it's, how should I put it?......just not right. It may be a cultural thing and women might be OK with it (somehow I doubt it), yet, I don't think I could go through with it. Also, I wish the subject of Danya being able to travel and eat ALONE with Tony had been brought up. Is that really OK in Saudi Arabia, or was her husband around all the time? I wish they had brought that up in the episode, or if some out there knows, can they please clarify that?
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    sohrab - July 29 2008 @ 5:34 pm Tony, this may not be the proper forum for what i want to suggest but i will give it a try anyway. I want you to visit Pakistan. Since its not just food you're looking for i would like you to experience the truth about the country as it is and also portray that and not what generally the television shows. I would love to accompany you, make necessary arrangements and ensure you taste the very different foods we have over there. Bear in mind Indian and Pakistani foods are very different so that shouldnt be an excuse. Security may be, but that can be taken care of. Please give it a thought. I reside in the U.S. (CT) but frequently visit home.
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    Karen wall - August 01 2008 @ 2:15 am Salaam Alaykum Anthony! I just watched the episode on Saudi Arabia. I am SO happy you chose to go there. I was fortunate to be there in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm in Riyadh, the capital. I went over with the Army. Wartime aside, it was one of the best experiences of my life to see a place that is essentially hidden from the outside world unless you are invited in. I made friends with many of the locals and was treated very well. There are many speculations about how Saudis are, but until one goes there, it is all speculation. I have so many good memories and some cool souvenirs from my time there. I am glad you ended up being happy about your choice of winners from your contest. Thanks for sharing. They have teh best Shai too (tea). Shokran! Karen
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    Jim - August 01 2008 @ 7:03 pm Great show but I can't get the expression "camel toe soup" out of my head.
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    Ed Millman - August 03 2008 @ 10:33 pm I saw the show. I didn't like it.
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    james - August 04 2008 @ 1:57 am YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO
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    sandra - August 05 2008 @ 9:16 pm Tony, interesting show about Saudi, but I think you as well as your producers, got it ALL wrong. What I suspect is that you got a very "scripted", very manufactured and altogether disguised look at what your show was to portray about Saudi. Having studied quite a bit of info. on the "real" situation there, here's one to chew on: women have very little rights, if any; women get stoned (and I don't mean drugs) for offenses they had absolutely no control over..it is the Saudi "men" who have all of the control "issues". I wonder why your staff didn't attempt to interview people, other than the episode roster, folks who may have had actually something to say off-screen. My guess is that your show was very limited in being able to access the real Saudis and its people/women. When the Saudi Kingdom has money to burn, I ask, is there any courage for their government/kingdom/whatever you want to call it, in paying off Western documentaries to keep it clean or come clean? Of course not. You should have seen this thing coming at you like a nuclear war-head. No. They are cowards like many other rulers of the Middle East. Sadly, it is only a handfull of authors/writers that can put the real face on the maniacs who continue to oppress and think nothing of it at the end of the day. The show was a sham. Google all you want about Saudi, and I guarantee that you and your producers will get a totally different take on what's going on there. Better shows ahead, PLEASE????
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    Kimberly Jet Set Life - August 09 2008 @ 10:38 am This was one of my favorite shows. I thought it was funny that she brought you to eat things that she was not really accustomed to eating herself! I had a similar experience in wearing the "outfits" of another country. I ended up in Marrakech and my luggage ended up in Paris so basically my husband and I wore the traditional dress like outfits for a few days. A little breezy but comfortable! You can see our video of it at: www.jetsetlife.tv It's funny:)
  213. 213
    Bobby - August 11 2008 @ 9:31 am I already wrote it twice...both times rejected
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    KaTrina - August 18 2008 @ 9:30 pm do you really read these things? i must say i would love to hang out with you....you would fit in so well with my "food eatin.....beer drinkin.....cigarette smokin" bunch of folks in huntsville alabama! keep up the good work my friend! love and blessings...KaTrina aka...mama T
  215. 215
    Tasty trekker - August 18 2008 @ 11:55 pm Hey Tony! love the show- been in nyc for about 7 years now but grew up in Buffalo. Or as Vincent Gallo called it "Deliverence with smoke stacks". It's a great place though. Bar Bill wings, beef on weck, flying bison beer and poutine/chinese food over the border in fort erie are a must. Let me know if you need some help while you're there. It's a great food destination belive it or not. especially if you like Gray's Papaya here- you gotta try out Ted's Hot dogs, They got one called a &%$#ty Canoe for God's sake! Oh and don't forget to try the Zeet!!!
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    Erich Volkstorf - August 19 2008 @ 4:38 pm My first impression of Saudi Arabia, and the immediate region was much the same. But somehow(long story) I ended up taking a trip to Yemen in my last summer of college in 1976. The people were friendly, generous, much more than a few ex-pats living there. I needed a beer and found one in a Lebanese restaurant. However, there was always quat, a mild narcotic that the locals chewed, along with a disgusting fermented vegetable stuff that went into the water pipes. The food was amazing. Lamb stew still bubbling, served in clay pots with camel cheese on the top. I happened to be there during Ramadan, which contrary to many western images is a big party. While its true that you don't eat during the day, at dusk, everyone wakes up, restaurants and street vendors open and everyone has a great time. During the month or so I spent there, I was given places to stay, fed constantly by people I didn't know, and shown some wondrous places in one of the oldest sites of civilization on the planet. Bourdain really ought to visit more of the region as each part has distinct cultural and culinary traditions.
  217. 217
    michelle - September 04 2008 @ 8:26 pm had I known about the contest i would have sent in an entry.of course you would have either laughed hysterically, thought me a pyscho or a little of both. I would have suggested this place, its a small place filled with a variety of foods, culture and BEER !. yes I speak of Epcot center in orlando florida. you can visit each "country" have some grub, look at the fake buildings and drink beer from lots of countries and all in the same day. you could save some serious coin filming there instead of actaully going to the real countries. A good camera crew would be able to film it in such a way that nobody would even have to know.. But your choice of Saudi Arabia was great. you probably cleared up a lot of misconceptions many people have. but they really need to get some beer.
  218. 218
    Abdullha Salam ibn Dickens - September 13 2008 @ 10:40 am Can someone please settle a huga argument for me.I am muslim and I really loved this episode.I thought for once Muslims were shown in a good light which isn't usually the case.Anyway during this episode the word "Muslim" is never used.My son thinks this was done on purpose.Because he felt that Many of Mr bourdains viewers would not watch if this word was used.I think that you would have to be pretty stupid to not see that these people were muslims.What does everyone here think?
  219. 219
    Joanne - October 13 2008 @ 11:09 pm

    When you go to buffalo there is an amazing wine bar called the cabernet cafe and right across the street a local restaurant called the Creek View...located right on the creek its a really neat place and the food is great. Duffs is also a really cool place you cant go to Buffalo with out going there for some wings...and the pearl st. cafe!

  220. 220
    chat - November 18 2008 @ 8:30 pm

    Thanks

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    Kanasian - November 29 2008 @ 10:45 am

    I watched the show today and ive learned that we cannot see the full picture of a country without a good guide like Danya who showed Anthony every corner and the hidden parts of the city, and was being so frank and open to share the Muslim cultures with him.
    Are you accepting any more tapes? I wanna give it a shot.

  222. 222
    tala karınca yumurtası yağı - January 02 2009 @ 8:22 pm

    good
    karınca yumurtası, tala, tala yağı, karınca yumurtası satış

  223. 223
    caligal - January 05 2009 @ 1:57 am

    I was not a fan of this episode when it first aired but watched a rerun the other night. On second viewing it was very good.

    It was my own fault that I couldn't look at Danya's life the way she lived it and accept it for what it is. My feelings of Western "superiority" clouded my ability to see a real, warm, engaging person named Danya showing her country to the world with fierce pride. Yes, despite her affability and laughter, Danya is fierce. And she has a lovely family and a good job. No matter what I think of the Saudi culture or its treatment of women, it's Danya's life and her choice to live there. I have a feeling if Danya wanted to she could pick up and move....and would.

    This is why Tony has a show and I don't. He has the ability to see beyond borders (geographic and prejudicial).

    So my apologies. Tony, you did a good job on this episode. I'm the one who fell sadly short.

  224. 224
    Christopher Carlsson - January 12 2009 @ 12:54 pm

    If you ever get up to Buffalo think about stopping by Rochester or the Finger Lakes.We have a lot of interesting places through here,Restaurants,breweries,distilleries, and over 100 wineries.We also have a thriving gourmet culture and locally produced delicacies (outside of Anchor Bars Buffalo Wings).

  225. 225
    Fuzz - January 15 2009 @ 10:22 am

    (^_^)

    YOU AND DANIA IN JEDDAH IS MY FAVOURITE!!!
    i just saw it this afternoon on Singapore channel 16!

    (^_^)

  226. 226
    David - January 28 2009 @ 5:02 pm

    saw the show, saw the host, i know u tolerated, a desert I know. All the meat, don't mean a thing, without a bit of the alcohol thing.

  227. 227
    jeff(travellingbee.com) - January 29 2009 @ 1:51 am

    I truly enjoy the show.

  228. 228
    Jobs in Pakistan - February 20 2009 @ 2:46 am

    T think the Saudi Arabia is one of the country whose very suitable for business and more commercial aera.

  229. 229
    Joujou - May 08 2009 @ 9:57 am

    Anthony! Firstly, I absolutely adore your sense of humor, your writing and of course the show. To date the selection of locations has been wonderful but a recent show about the Philipines made me wonder... hmmmm fans can make suggestions about locations? What must I do to get you to visit IRAN? ok ok...put aside the horrible visions that might race thru your mind of you, the boozing, partying, American sinner haha being chased down the street by an angry mob of Iranians... looking to make you their next hostage...This is not the case!
    Persians are a kind, giving and compassionate people and we are known for our cuisine and hospitality... not to mention our beautiful women (but alas you are a married man haha)
    Seriously though, you appear to be a well read and intelligent individual who is capable of maintaining a distinction between the idiocies of a political establishment and its people.
    There are two faces to the present day Iran: what you see in the outside world which although conservative, is filled with history, beauty and a rich culture... and then there are things that go on behind closed doors, where the veils are removed, music is played, drinks are drunk, and life is celebrated in the most lavish sense. Hit Iran and taste the food. Travel the cities and villages. Please share the reality of my culture with the American people. We are so much more than a veil, goats and camels, and conservatism.
    Best to you and thank you again for your consideration.

    ~Joujou

  230. 230
    Maura - June 26 2009 @ 7:48 pm

    Anthony! Congrats on your wonderful show! I just really hope you have a chance to come up to Buffalo. It is a great city with a big heart and has amazing food! Buffalo would not have been the hardest choice, but to say it was an easy way out is a little exaggerated. Buffalo may not have weird food (as in camel) but Buffalo has tasty creations that is better in Buffalo then anywhere else. You don't have to come on a freezing day either, if you do decide to come up. During the summer Buffalo has 80-95 degree weather, which isn't as bad as 100 degree weather. All in all, try and make it to Buffalo sometime. It is really a great place to visit and have fun. P.S. Great job Nelson! Your videos where amazing and I hope they get around!

  231. 231
    Mika - July 07 2009 @ 12:59 am

    This was, without doubt, my favorite show. Your hostess was so charming and light of heart. I loved her and her way of being. It REALLY opened my eyes to her culture and her views of a "family oriented" culture. I am a very independent California girl and I was so happy to hear that she loves her culture and all that it has to offer. Please consider having her on MORE SHOWS. If not on "no reservations" then PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE give her her own show! I love her family and friends too.

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    online marketing orlando - August 17 2009 @ 3:22 pm

    this is the best show on the travel network. He does such an awesome job. He definitely goes to alot of interesting places that i love to see.

  233. 233
    deep well pump - October 21 2009 @ 11:08 pm

    It is a great city with a big heart and has amazing food! Buffalo would not have been the hardest choice, but to say it was an easy way out is a little exaggerated.

  234. 234
    Cable cutter - October 27 2009 @ 4:30 am

    ur show is great


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Anthony Bourdain

Meet Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain is a 28-year veteran of professional kitchens, having worked as a dishwasher, line cook and chef in places good, bad and horrible -- most of them in New York City. Read Anthony Bourdain's full biography.


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"No Reservations" dives headfirst into life's colorful and rich pageant. Join Anthony Bourdain as he circumnavigates the globe on his conquest to discover the cities, villages and countries that provide life's truest surprises. Learn more about the show.


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