Travel Channel's "No Reservations": Entertainment for the Eyes as Well as the Ears

Travel Channel has done it again! I never used to watch the Travel Channel as I was under the assumption that it just gave the weather for various ports of call, was an advertising mecca to get you to spend money that you didn't have and a place to sit a see places that really did not interest me or had no plans of visiting. I was either badly mistaken, or the channel has changed by leaps and bounds that it is one of the more interesting, educational and entertaining network out there. Associated with a plethora of new shows that are as diverse as the cultures, people, foods and customs of the various Continents of the world, Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" creatively and eloquently adds to the uniqueness and enjoyment that has become part of the Travel Channel's entourage.

Andrew Zimmern and his "Bizarre Foods", Andrew Richman's "Man VS. Food", Samantha Brown and "Treasure Hunter" hosted by Kirsten Gum are just a few of the sometime exotic, sometimes intense, no nonsense informative and enjoyable shows that can be found on the Travel Channel.

This article will focus on Anthony Bourdain's "no reservations" show. Anthony Bourdain is a renowned author, world traveler, host and expert in the culinary industry with 28 years of experience in the kitchen environment. It is because of his attributes that his show is able to venture into such a diverse atmosphere of gastronomic treats, exotic hideaways, factorial tidbits and the no stone unturned approach to lands far and near with his own flair of distinction.

Anthony's show differs from Andrew's Bizarre Foods in that Anthony doesn't focus as much on the exotic fare, unique to a particular country and culture that goes into his mouth rather alot of his show has to do with what comes out of his mouth instead.

No Reservation is about Anthony's travels to all four corners of the globe in search for fun, excitement, good food, interesting people. From beautiful countrysides and quaint cities by the sea to the hustle and bustle of urban civilizations where man and machinery move in a whirlwind. Where street vender's and marketplaces file suit with their own distinct culinary meal and smells dotting every street corner.

Andrew was born and raised in The City that never sleeps...New York and through the years he has developed a love for meeting interesting, weird and outrageous personalities that help to capture the international cultural landscape. His link to people, whether they be a chef, travel guide, friend through the years, connoisseur, restaurant owner, or a regular that has lived in a particular part of the world to give honest feedback, history and find all the right places of interest both in food/restaurants and ambiance that depicts that specific region.

Some of the words and thoughts that come out of Anthony's mouth may not be suited to children hence the th-pg and warning at the beginning of his shows to let people know so they are for warned, but on the whole it is a tame and educational one hour show.

Whether he Travels to the Azures, Sicily, France, England, New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Guana, Morocco or Mexico, you will be assured of finding out many interesting facts regarding the place he is visiting. Just as interesting as the clothing, foods, religious customs and history are preparation procedures, spices, types of foods, and people who eat them...or not.

Many interesting shops, restaurants, activities endemic to the country and culture, and sightseeing expeditions with the occasional zaniantic situation which is a direct correlation of his personality and sharp-tongue attitude, to spice up the shows entourage of enjoyment.

As Anthony circumnavigates the globe in search of lost civilizations, in hopes of discovering lost cities, village and countries, the ability to experience all aspects of these unique treasures is what it is all about. Anthony's overall goal is to tackle diverse foods such as Seal eyeballs or hunting for lizards in Saudi Arabia or blood sausage in England to a great hamburg and french fries. The to be able to wash it down with an exotic drink, beer, moonshine, palm wine and fire water...priceless!

So pack your bags, bring your appetite for good food and jogging shoes because you will be required to do alot of walking. Most of all have fun and enjoy learning from Anthony and his tricks of the trade while he meets and greets Kings, Leaders, chefs, religious high priests, and regular everyday people that offer their own unique hospitality and fun.