Bourdain Cooks Up Life's Lessons
"What right minded person would NOT travel the world if and when given the chance?"
Those are the first words on the page that jump out at me as I read an interview named Talking Travel with Anthony Bourdain on Gadling.com. Amen. As some of you know, Anthony is a world-renowned French chef who hails from New York City, a best-selling author, a television show host and all all around interesting human being. But what really interests me about him is his shared love of travel and food. The two are so intertwined it is often difficult to separate the cuisine from a location.
The biggest question is, why would one try to? Often one of the most exciting aspects of travel is the introduction to exotic cuisine and new flavours. As a chef, he has somehow married his two great loves into a seamlessly blended career.
Here's another response to his interview that stood out to me:
Sometimes it's tough to tell which you are most: an eater or a traveler. You seem to really get to the heart of a culture through its food, so much that the viewer forgets they're watching a culinary-focused show. Which comes first? Do you travel to eat, or eat to travel?
"Eat first. It seems to open doors if you show people that you're willing, eager and appreciative of their food. Food, of course, is the purest expression of a culture and a region and a history--and people tend to be proud of their food. Eating and drinking--breaking bread with our subjects (my crew as well) is what makes so much of what we get to see and do--and the unique way we see it--possible."
I love this advice. Coming on the heels of Lara's interview I am anxious for my next out of country (and out of my comfort zone) adventure. For more of this adventurous soul, watch Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, on the Travel Channel.
I LOVE Anthony Bourdain! I actually spent way too much time inside last Sunday because I couldn't stop watching his show on the travel channel. He makes me laugh out loud!
I also had someone recently scoff at my traveling all the way to Prague last Thanksgiving for only 4 days. And I said why not? I'd rather go somewhere new for one day then no where at all. Of course, I'd have to get off the couch and stop watching Anthony's show first ;-)
Posted by: Habitually Chic | August 27, 2007 at 10:14 AM
He's just got such a great outlook on life. He enjoys culture, wit, people, great food and new locations. What's not to love about Bourdain?
I can't blame you for staying in to watch. And no one in their right mind would chastise you for enjoying four days in Prague. Life is too short to think small. Remember that!
Posted by: franki durbin | August 27, 2007 at 10:58 AM
Bourdain rocks. I read Kitchen Confidential TWICE because it was so funny. He is a brilliant writer and a clever, adventurous human being. Thanks for posting the interview.
Posted by: Brilliant Asylum | August 27, 2007 at 02:22 PM
I recently read Kitchen Confidential and reviewed it on my Web site. I'll never look at eateries the same.
Posted by: Kelly Mahoney | August 27, 2007 at 04:58 PM
I had been familiar with Anthony, and I was never too sure whether I liked him before. However I have come to realize what I like about him is that he is real, and gets into the culture behind the food and the travel. Great show and plus that he´s not afraid to drink all night.
Posted by: Events | August 28, 2007 at 12:42 AM
It's funny how you either love him or hate him. I think his big persona is too much for some people. But I tend to gravitate toward people like that. Sharp, quick witted and possessing a genuine zest for life. What's not to love!
Posted by: franki durbin | August 28, 2007 at 07:40 AM