Anthony Bourdain was the rock ‘n’ roll star of the culinary world. He made his name in the white-hot hell of New York kitchens, known for his cavalier style and love of French cuisine. In late 2000, he set out on a helter-skelter trip around the world. His mission? To find the perfect meal. But maybe his idea of perfection wasn’t the same as most people’s. He wasn’t interested in eating at fancy restaurants surrounded by fat rich people stuffing their faces with caviar. He believed that the best food had soul and character; and that this came from ordinary people. His travels inspired several books in his superb collection of titles, starting with A Cook's Tour: Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisines in 2001, which went to form the basis of a successful TV travel series: Parts Unknown. But did he find that perfect meal on his travels? Which places did he explore? Here’s a look at some of the most interesting.
Cuba
The theme of this episode is change. Bourdain visits Cuba right on the precipice of it: just as the island is about to undergo a major transition after restrictions on US tourists were eased for the first time in over half a century. The show captures Cuba through the eyes of the chef, who sees it as a place frozen-in-time, a place of mambo performers and vibrant colours, but one that is going to look very different in a few years’ time. Change is even reflected in the food. Alongside the traditional comida criolla that the island is famous for, there are new places popping up - not least a sushi restaurant, much to Bourdain’s amazement. Will this help to destroy a part of Cuba’s heritage, or signal an era of diverse foods to go along with the nation’s new outlook? Time will tell.
Hanoi
Immerse yourself in this episode of humming scooters, barking dogs and flashing city lights, because this is the closest you’ll get to Vietnam without visiting there. Two of the things that Bourdain loved about the city of Hanoi are shown throughout this glorious hour. The first is sailing through the city streets on a scooter - joining the ‘river of people’ as he calls it - and the second: why, the food of course. Delicious noodles, mainly, with a bottle of cool beer. We see him sitting down, chowing down on the national dish, with none other than the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. Two giants of the political and culinary worlds sat together in a cheap Vietnamese diner makes compelling viewing - and the conversation is suitably fascinating. The two talk about beer, music and, of course, food. Was it the perfect dish? Maybe not. But it could be close to the perfect dinner conversation. And that might just capture the essence of Parts Unknown.
Las Vegas
Not many people would think of Sin City as a place for food lovers, but Bourdain stumbles upon some interesting local delicacies on his nightly travels along the neon-lit streets. Away from the flashing casino lights and groups of tourists trying to beat the slots, he finds himself in Restaurant É with a friend. There, they chat about the temptations of Vegas, the days of the Rat Pack, and work their way through a strange menu. Among the highlights is a truffle egg, one of chef José Andrés’ many truffle-based dishes. While it may not have been the best meal Bourdain enjoyed on his travels, he’s visibly impressed by the thought that is involved in its creation. First- time visitors to the gambling capital might be in for a pleasant culinary surprise.
Iran
It’s fair to say that not much is known about Iran in the western world; what living there is like and how it differs from western culture. Bourdain attempts to educate his audience about the country through the lenses of social politics and food, and he succeeds. The episode deals with some complicated issues, not least a conversation with two journalists about freedom of speech - which saw them both get arrested as soon as the show is filmed. Thankfully, the pair have since been released, but the situation gives us a glimpse of just how fragile this freedom is in the Middle Eastern country. On a more positive note, Bourdain reflects on the wonderful hospitality he receives as a visitor: ordinary people making him feel welcome with friendly greetings and, of course, delicious Persian food. ‘’Not Western, not Eastern, but somewhere in between’’ is how he describes this secretive country and its unique food. The perfect meal? Not quite, but maybe the most unique.
Lyon
Now, Anthony Bourdain was a cool customer, famous for wearing sunglasses and leather jackets. But even he got excited at pioneering restaurant Maison Troisgros. The meal was almost a mini tour of Gallic cuisine history, which is Bourdain’s speciality as a chef, owing to his French heritage. Dish after dish is served up as haute cuisine is displayed at its finest. The challenge is to watch it without your stomach rumbling, and without laughing at how the show’s host is reduced to a nervous wreck at the spectacle of all this incredible food.
The height of French cooking? Yes. A beautiful setting? Yes. The best meal ever? Quite possibly. But Bourdain never does confirm if he found the perfect dish or not, just that he had a great time looking for it.
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