Tony's debut episode of this new series has him visiting Paris. He explores the city's famous catacombs, tries out some absinthe, checks out one of the city's major meat markets, and spends the night in the room where Oscar Wilde passed away.
Tony travels to the far away country of Vietnam, where he meets up with an old friend (who also happens to work for the People's Committee) with whom he traverses the ancient culture. He ends up going on a trip that takes him through isolated villages and finishes on an island resort, owned by the mysterious Mr. Sang.
This week Anthony is in Colombia, a country that finds itself the setting of one of South America's most remarkable transformations. In the 25 years since the death of Pablo Escobar, one of the world's most notorious drug lords, this once war-torn country has emerged like a phoenix from the scars of the past. Colombia offers Tony a tantalizing mix of cultures, delicious food and beautiful mountain scenery.
Having worked in kitchens alongside many generations of Azorean Portuguese immigrants, Tony decides it’s time to find out more about their motherland and explore the culture that molded so much of New England’s heritage. He hops from one island to the next while on the archipelago, dining on potatoes, pork, sausage, cabbage, shellfish, Portuguese soup and washing it all down with Gin and Tonics. From the hot springs in Furnas on Sao Miguel to one of the most remote locations in the world on Sao Jorge, and onto the beautiful wine making region of Pico, Tony experiences the best of Azores.
Anthony Bourdain visits Manila, the second-largest and most well-known city in the Philippines. He'll meet up with travel author and foodie Claude Tayag for some traditional Pampangan seafood. Later on, Tony pairs up with Augusto, runner-up for the "No Reservations" FAN-atic Special casting call, in Cebu City.
Tony visits Sardinia, his wife's homeland, and learns what it means to be Sardinian as he gives himself over to the Busia family for a week. From the craggy mountainous landscape to the exotic cuisine and age-old traditions, Tony learns that Sardinia really is it's own country with a strong island mentality and an even stronger personality.
In the bleak, cold winter, Tony meets up with his good friend Zamir and the two travel to the heart of America's Rust Belt with stops in Baltimore, Detroit and Buffalo. After visiting this misunderstood region, Tony realizes that it's not just home to auto factories and cold weather, but it's also full of kind people and delicious food.
This behind-the-scenes look at No Reservations reveals a common thread throughout all No Reservations episodes – street food. Oftentimes, Tony says the most enjoyable and authentic food in a country or village is sold by merchants from carts in outdoor markets or roadside stands. From local variations on the hot dog to unidentifiable fried meats, from sautéed insects to steaming bowls of noodles, these culinary treats are what keep Tony going on the road.
San Francisco is a city of districts, each one with its own quirks and flavors. Chinatown is a bustling neighborhood with delicious restaurants around every turn. The Fisherman’s Wharf area houses a popular farmer’s market filled with fresh produce, beautiful flowers and organic foods. One of Tony’s stops is Red’s Java House, where the cheeseburgers are hot, the chili cheese fries are even hotter and the beer is cold. Tony can’t go wrong in a city so interesting, dynamic and complex.
Blending influences from India, China, Cambodia and the rest of Southeast Asia, Thai cuisine uses 5 fundamental flavors: sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty. In an effort to experience each of these tastes, Tony explores bustling Bangkok and its local street foods. As soon as the crew arrives in Bangkok, they find themselves in the center of a political upheaval. Amid the protests, violence and uncertainty, Tony and the crew make a point of discovering the elements that make Thailand magical.
The Rocky Mountains are an outdoorsman’s paradise, and ranchers are a large part of Montana’s culture. Tony visits the Metcalf family, fourth-generation ranchers, to gain some insight into what it means to call Montana home. Tony goes fly-fishing with local and jack-of-all trades, Dan Lahren. Later in the evening, Tony joins a manly conversation about meats, old-time tough guys like Clint Eastwood and John Wayne, and right vs. wrong. Good all-American food, all-American men and America’s beautiful land.
Tony Bourdain knows the jungles of Malaysia and the streets of London better than he knows what's just outside his hometown of Manhattan, so he enlists the help of some locals to explore New York’s other 4 boroughs. Tony will travel to Queens with chefs Chris Cheung and David Chang; he’ll explore Staten Island with David Johansen, lead singer of the New York Dolls; and check Brooklyn and the Bronx with his friend Famous Fat Dave.
The one-hour “What Were We Thinking?” special offers an after-hours look into the past five years of filming NO RESERVATIONS – a world of comical indecision and dysfunction, mixed with heartwarming stories, breathtaking backdrops…and of course, plenty of local libations. Filmed with Bourdain and executive producers, Chris Collins and Lydia Tenaglia, “What Were We Thinking?” takes a light-hearted look back at 100 memorable adventures. Over the course of the day renowned chefs and celebrity fans of the show including David Chang, Eric Ripert, Ted Nugent, Marky Ramone, and Ty Burell will be providing special messages.