Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

It is interesting and very entertaining. You don't expect some things and the insights about foreign culture are original when compared to other shows. Sure some things are said with sarcasm or hyperbole, but that s how he writes his narrative.

Cool show. Cool guy. The production values are good BTW. Remember, in these types of narrated shows most stuff is intentional.

The show is original and every episode is different. See the episode on Russia if you want to see the show at its best.

Final rating: 10 out of 10 and the best show on the travel channel for all the above reasons.

I'll make this short. 'No Reservations' is and was a better show than Bourdain's final show on CNN, before his death called, 'Parts Unknown.' No Reservations doesn't have the same quality in production as 'Parts Unknown,' which was more cinematic and breathtaking, but 'No Reservations' was lighter, more comedic, still informative, but better serving audiences. It was Bourdain at his best. 'Parts Unkown' get's heavy and depressing, 'No Reservations' is the perfect balance of investigative journalism and history lesson with comedy and playfulness.

No reservations is essentially the same as parts unknown, but it feels much more authentic with a lower budget and a smaller camera crew that's much less experienced. If you're looking for Anthony Bourdain genuinely going somewhere and experiencing food and life there, then this is it. It focuses much more on food than parts unknown. However, it's less fun overall than its newer counterpart.

Anthony Bourdain does something no one else does. He shows how the regular people live and gives us a glimpse into the real culture and real thoughts of people in other countries. It is a glimpse that is not filtered through the over-simplified American media machine. It provides context through the brief history segments on each show, then goes on to tell it like it is. This is a form of bravery we don't see on our televisions, news, etc. which is largely controlled by corporate interests. It is a breath of fresh air! Through getting to know the real story, and the real people, he is creating understanding, and conditions for peace in the world. Thank you Anthony Bourdain! We just purchased every show you have ever made.

...is the lead ingredient of this show about people, using the food as a sort of pretext. A charming host, but far to be polite. A trip who do not gives suggestions for travels but essence of places, flavors of lands, right perspectives and honest impressions. A show about profound meanings of the world near, around and not real far by us.