Chef Profile: Anthony Bourdain

—Contest now closed—

Jan202010

I was honored to be invited to cover two food and wine festivals in the Cayman Islands over the weekend of January 15th: The Cayman Cookout, and the Taste of Cayman.

Both are annual events, but this is the first year that the planets aligned and they fell on the same weekend. I attend food and wine festivals on a regular basis, and celebrity chefs always show up, but at the Cookout, it was like the pages of Food and Wine Magazine blew open and out spilled all of them.

Grant Achatz from Alinea, voted Best Chef in the U.S. by the James Beard Foundation in 2008, was there, along with David Chang of Momofuku. In fact, on my way to see Anthony Bourdain’s presentation on Friday afternoon, who did I see kicking around in the sand but celebrated chef Eric Ripert, the official Cookout host, whose restaurant Blue recently opened at the Ritz Carlton, home base for the festival.

That wasn’t all. The next day, perched in a chair under a big white tent, her hair flying in the wind, was none other than Gail Simmons from Top Chef. [Watch our exclusive video interview with Simmons next week.]

Tony’s presentation was akin to a standup routine. It resembled an R-rated version of his TV show while he stood in one place and sipped from a highball glass. Afterwards, he graciously granted an interview to BehindTheKnife about the tools in his life.

Take a look:

Check the video on youtube.

Win one!

Bourdain makes no secret of his disdain for the Food Network shows and their hosts. So what better giveaway than a Paula Deen Pie Board? It’s a $50 value and if you drop it on your toe, you’ll hear the bone crack.

Just leave a comment below by Wednesday, January 27th, 11:59 EDT. This week, comment about this: What’s your all-time favorite episode of No Reservations?

BONUS! Get an extra chance to win by also signing up for our newsletter, The Blowtorch.

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@BehindTheKnife Win a $50 #Paula_Deen pie board #Bourdain #NoReservations #giveaway RT by 1/27 http://tinyurl.com/yjygrn7

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Comments now closed

Dave F Jan 20 2010

My favorite episode has to be the one in Singapore where they boo’ed Anthony for not having Chicken Rice. Why? Because 1) I am from there 2) I was really missing home when I saw that 3) It was just great eats all through out

Kelly Watson Jan 20 2010

Love it! Not sure I’d want to eat food cooked in a tire rim, though … how many miles are on said tire rim?

Michael Roberts Jan 20 2010

SO Hard to pick a favorite episode,of what is my favorite “Food” program, I think for me it’s a 3 way tie….Spain, Australia( Awesome Szechuan food) and Uruguay ( Real cooking with FIRE!!) Go Tony,bring us more in 2010.

Tyson Jan 20 2010

There are two that really stand out for me: Beirut and Laos. But as far as the food goes, Spain is pretty hard to beat.

Keith Kobelt Jan 20 2010

Tough to say my favorite episode, the vietnam episodes were both great as Anthony’s love for that country really shows through. I think the episode I rewatch the most is Chicago though and that would be my favorite. Actually probably going to the Silver Palm next month for the Three little pigs.

++MIRA++ Jan 20 2010

oh i love tony. my fav, jeez this is hard, …umm….beirut, lebanon cuz thats my homeland!:)

Jerald Ovesen Jan 20 2010

That rocks! I love Tony’s show, saw him falk in Louisville, and just love his attitude about food and other cultures..and pork. I’ve never thought about tire tims as a grill, but I have been thinking about making a cold smoker and I think I just got a new idea for something to hold the fire part of it.

mellissa l clark Jan 20 2010

My favorite episode is when he went to Romania. It was super funny!

mindy t Jan 20 2010

Hard to pick just one episode, they are all great!!!

Antonio Ascaso Jan 20 2010

Spain, was my all time favorite. I lived, ate, drank and had the most favorite time of my life there for about 18 months. Tony’s trip brought back all the memories, smells and tastes. I need to go back just one more time.

ursula Jan 20 2010

do not have oppotunity to watch much t.v. love to cook and love cooking shows when opportunity presents itself. need a good cutting board

Aaron Jan 20 2010

Great video. I love TB and it sounds like a great trip. I can’t wait for more.

KDog650 Jan 20 2010

My favorite is when Tony gets his payback on Zamir. I was crying when Zamir was getting waxed!!!

Brandy Hickman Jan 20 2010

I can’t pick just one. I have to say Spain, Laos, the waxing one made me almost pass out I laughed so hard. I just want to be his assistant so I could travel with him and see the world.

Carol Jan 20 2010

I like when he was in NJ, he was in a bakery in Hoboken, I believe, and was having a good time joking around with the workers. It showed me he knows how to smile. I also like any show that teaches me about the country’s culture.

Carol Jan 20 2010

tweeted http://twitter.com/cdziuba/status/7996051497

Carol Jan 20 2010

signed up for our newsletter, The Blowtorch

Jen Jan 20 2010

Asia Special: China and Japan

Sandra K321 Jan 20 2010

How about the Ireland episode.

Elizabeth Ray Jan 20 2010

Spain

Tiffany Lane Jan 20 2010

Szechuan food one.thanks for the awesome giveaway.

Mikk Jan 20 2010

I would have to say there are three episodes that I’ve enjoyed the most. The Vietnamese episode, just because I’m a fool for that part of the world, the Food Porn episode for, well, obvious reasons and finally New York. Love the streetfood point of view.

Jennifer B. Jan 20 2010

Egypt

Jennifer B. Jan 20 2010

I subscribe to the blowtorch.

Kelly Ann T. Jan 20 2010

The episode featuring Spain and its wonderful food. It made my mouth water.

Kelly Ann T. Jan 20 2010

I tweeted http://twitter.com/cstironkat

Valerie Jan 20 2010

I’ve seen so many episodes and love them all! But, I watched one filmed in Vietnam with my son who wants to be a chef someday. We both remember that one…great!

Bonnie S Jan 20 2010

I think Egypt was awesome. Cooking in the sand has to be an art but preparing the meat was not appetizing. Wonderful scenery even though we didn’t see a pyramid.

Pat B Jan 20 2010

I love all the episodes, but my favorite has to be Iceland!!!

Aisling Jan 20 2010

I haven’t seen many episodes, but really enjoyed watching him in India because my granddaughter spent several months there.

Ellen Ring Jan 20 2010

I really enjoyed when he did one on the Philippines.

Tatum Jan 21 2010

It’s hard to say just one because I watched so many..I guess I will go with Iceland because I was really excited to see that episode..

Tatum Jan 21 2010

Signed up for newsletter..Thanks

Tatum Jan 21 2010

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/tatum810/status/8019090753

Tatum Jan 21 2010

Subscribe via email..

Tatum Jan 21 2010

Follow on twitter (@tatum810)

Tina J Jan 21 2010

I love this contest cause I have seen every episode of no reservations and my favorite is Jamaica!

marge mckoen Jan 21 2010

I love the show would have to say spain was a favorite

Patricia Jan 21 2010

I havent seen the show. No cable or satelite plus I am still on dial up so watching shows by the net is pretty tough.

I would love to win.

Deborah Wellenstein Jan 21 2010

The Spain epidose. Made me want to go there! Thanks!

nicole Jan 21 2010

The Spain episode is my favorite because we have been there and it helped us to remember our trip.

Alisha Jan 21 2010

Believe it or not, I just started watching No Reservations recently…and I LOVE it! I loved the Hong Kong episode…not sure if I’d eat everything that Tony selected…but I would definitely try something unusual. Loved it when the old lady didn’t want him to eat anything from her shop! His show melds my two favorites — travel and cooking. Always interesting, never boring.

Victoria Jan 21 2010

The Spain episode was my favorite! I immediately wanted to start planning a trip there after I watched it.

Victoria Jan 21 2010

Following on twitter and tweeted: http://twitter.com/cherryontop22/status/8031582025

Katharine Jan 21 2010

OMG I love that show (and have a major crush on him LOL) My favorite was was the “squeezle” porcupine in Vietnam with his Vietnamese pal. ROTFL

Deborah R Jan 21 2010

My favorite was the Istanbul, Turkey episode. My son and daughter in law just recently posted to Turkey so it was nice to see what kinds of foods they’d get to try. Plus, Tony was in a pretty happy mood for that episode and didn’t eat anything I wouldn’t try lol.

andrew b Jan 21 2010

i liked the one when he went to tokyo and drank watching the baseball team, i believe it was the tigers

Dawn Blume Jan 21 2010

My “No Reservations” favorite episode: Beirut, as it, by necessity, had to focus on something other than the food. Whether it was purposeful or not it was interesting to sit in wonderment at the display of Anthony’s more humane side.

EMMA L HORTON Jan 21 2010

THE EPISODE THAT HE WENT TO ROMANIA

Donna B. Jan 21 2010

I signed up for The BlowTouch

phyllis ostrofsky Jan 21 2010

I follow and tweeted:

http://twitter.com/pixframe/status/8038232788

Susan ( @grumpy1970 ) Jan 21 2010

My favorite episode was when he went to Moscow! I’ve been there twice and to see the cuisine again was great…although it would’ve been better had I been eating too! :) Thanks for the opportunity to win this giveaway! ~ Susan @grumpy1970

Donna B. Jan 21 2010

My first post for some reason didn’t post? Anyway I said my favorite eposide was Vietnam because I’m fascinated with the food and the culture, and I love to see Anthony Bourdain in something other judging cooking competitions.

Donna B. Jan 21 2010

I tweeted http://twitter.com/simplydab/status/8037931356

Hannah B. Jan 21 2010

Spain with chocolate!

Twitter follower (hrbeck).

Signed up for The Blowtorch.

Debra P Jan 21 2010

I love this show! So many great episodes.

Some are so funny too like when he was climbing through the cave with the bats.

I love the Tuscany episode, the roadstop with the delicious pasta, the family feast! I want to go!

Signed up for the Blowtorch and tweeted!

Lovely breadboard! Great giveaway. Thank you!

http://twitter.com/MissingLynxx/status/8039808020

Jenn Peters Jan 21 2010

My Favorite was Bizarre Foods New York :)
Tweeting & Get Updates via email with the blowtorch

Samantha Daleo Jan 21 2010

My favorite episode is the one in Ireland. Hilarious! I also joined the newsletter. Thank you for the giveaway! I am also tweeting – http://twitter.com/samdaleo/status/8040913492

Jeremy Jan 21 2010

Favorite episode: Korea.
Twitter @bikeohio

Amanda S. Jan 21 2010

I love the one where he ate an armadillo! I don’t know what the recipe was, but it was so funny to watch because he wasn’t too thrilled with the taste, lol.

Maria Jan 21 2010

I’ve been watching so much Anthony Bourdain these past days! He went to Istanbul, Indonesia, etc. I love his show. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I really enjoyed his Philippines & Hawaii segments. It was nice being able to recognize places that are home to me :)

Susan C Jan 21 2010

Well, I am embarrassed to admit that I haven’t seen No Reservations, but I am going to watch it first chance I get. I love Paul Deen and would love to have her pie board!
smchester at gmail dot com

hj Jan 21 2010

I recall one where you were eating donuts in Portland, Oregon and it was great! You should shoot more episodes in the northwest.

Colleen S. Jan 21 2010

There was one with him in China undergoing an odd procedure in a park.. I think it had something to do with his ears, but The look of abject WTH on his face was priceless.

Jason Jan 21 2010

The episode in Romania.

Ruby P. Jan 21 2010

my favorite episode was the one in spain. the food looked amazing and i just wanted to pack my bags and go to spain after watching that episode!

Joni Jan 22 2010

Would have to be the Hawaii episode. And also when he went to Hong Kong.

Grant Jan 22 2010

I’ll have to go the homer route and say San Francisco but mostly because I can’t choose between the more exotic locales.

Edmund Davis-Quinn Jan 22 2010

Anthony Bourdain very cool to chat with you —- would have loved it to be longer — favorite last season was “The Rust Belt”

Cynthya P Jan 22 2010

He seems to have a real love of Asian food and culture, so whenever he goes anywhere in Asia those episodes shine. But my very favorites tend to be the ones where he is showcasing food I’d most love to eat, like when he went to New Orleans and when he went to Istanbul.

Carol G Jan 22 2010

Not certain, since I don’t watch it all that often. But I did see the one from Iceland, which was interesting, since I don’t know too much about that country.

Bob Jan 22 2010

Iceland, ‘cause I experienced some of the goodies there in the early 60’s. Always wanted to go back so Tony did it for me.

Suzanne Timmsen Jan 22 2010

I would have to say Spain as a favorite.

angie Jan 22 2010

we watch these great shows all the time we love them all to see what will happen next

shopannies@yahoo.com

Timothy Pedersen Jan 22 2010

My favorite was, I think in Jamaica. The guy at the small cafe lit up a blunt and I thought Tony was going to die

Cassie G Jan 22 2010

I subscribe to the Blowtorch

My favorite has to be Romania.

Donna Jan 22 2010

sign me up

Denise B. Jan 22 2010

I haven’t watched this show in quite some time and can’t really remember the episodes. More times than not though, I found the foods he ate not to be my taste and some things down right gross.

Ashley Jan 22 2010

i like the spain episode

Jennifer Short Jan 22 2010

Definately food porn.

janice Golden Jan 22 2010

Moscow great show

mickeyfan Jan 22 2010

New Zealand.

Dina Jan 23 2010

I loved the Spain episode. I’ve wanted to visit Spain for a long time and now I want to go there even more! :-)

Debra F Jan 23 2010

I liked the Spain, Laos episode a lot

Andi Jan 23 2010

How can I pick just one? Hmmmm…Spain!

Mollie Jan 23 2010

Definitely Egypt. I remember him waxing poetic on the sand.

Holly Jan 23 2010

I like the Cleveland episode, i’m from Ohio and it was great to see another side of cleveland!

Jennifer I. Jan 23 2010

The Spain episode

Leona P Jan 23 2010

Ive never seen it

Jen Jan 23 2010

I loved the one where he wiped riding a quad on sand dunes but my favorite was NYC!

Karen Pochodowicz Jan 23 2010

The one that will always stick in my mind is the one with the inventor of the nacho.

Cristine Jan 23 2010

I like the Chicago episode. I live here and there were places that I didn’t know about.

Sarra Wheeler Jan 23 2010

australia was my favourure episode!

square_sessil@yahoo.com

Sidney C Jan 24 2010

Lebanon b/c it is one of the worlds great cuisines and never gets the credit

Kristy C Jan 24 2010

Probably Chicago, because it’s so close to me!

Great contest – thanks for hosting!!

REBECCA TOWNER Jan 24 2010

I don’t get this program

kim eddings Jan 24 2010

I can’t recall episodes, but I think any show that he had to eat something authentic would be good.

Shilo Beedy Jan 24 2010

My favorite episode was the Spain one

Dana L. Jan 24 2010

Too many great episodes, but I especially like the one where he visits his birthplace of New Jersey. I live in the Garden State and it’s great to see local eateries through Bourdain’s unique perspective. I’m also a fan of the old New York episode. It provides an interesting glimpse into the city’s culinary history.

Monique Rizzo Jan 25 2010

I have only seen it once or twice. I love this show . Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net

Carl Hartup Jan 25 2010

My Favorite was Panama.
I watch Tony every week

chris swan Jan 25 2010

I’d have to say Spain too. I just loved it there and it reminded me so much of the fun I had there.

breanna Jan 26 2010

the thailand episode was incredible…full of the mysteries of thailand, lots of info about food. it was really compelling.

Erma Jan 26 2010

My favorite episode is the one in Singapore where they booed Anthony for not having Chicken Rice.

Erica C. Jan 26 2010

I remember Iceland being the most interesting to me. So different!

Nanette Olson Jan 26 2010

I think my favorite is the episode in Spain.

sarah Jan 26 2010

i loved the hong kong episode!

Lori Walker Jan 26 2010

The one on Moscow, Russia.

paul Jan 26 2010

Favorite HAS to be Australia…just another reason to want to go there!

karen Jan 26 2010

I am a fan of both Anthont Bourdain and Paula Deen. Thanks.

Happi Shopr Jan 26 2010

Australia is my fave because I love all things Australia and hope to go there one day.

dddiva Jan 26 2010

Hmm- Anywhere in Europe cuz I am dying to go there and so it all fascinates me- I guess Spain.

dddiva Jan 26 2010

I am a subscriber.

Robin Jan 26 2010

spain’s my favorite

Jennifer M Jan 26 2010

My favorite episode has to be Spain.

djgroz Jan 26 2010

The one on Moscow, Russia

shawna Jan 26 2010

My fav was when he went to Spain.

christopher h Jan 26 2010

south korea (co-starring one of his producers)

Heather Goldsmith Jan 26 2010

Egypt. But it really is difficult to choose.

Heather Goldsmith Jan 26 2010

tweet: http://twitter.com/momunion/status/8256332209

Erin Jan 26 2010

I think that my favorite is when he went to Venice. I would so love to go to Venice!

Erin Jan 26 2010

I signed up for the Blowtorch.

Sheila Hickmon Jan 26 2010

I liked the show from Romania, was super funny!
Thanks!

Rosie Jan 26 2010

I love it whenever Bourdain goes back to France because that’s where his love for food and cooking began. I watched Kitchen Confidential often. I liked his No Reservations show in Brittany, France.

michelle Jan 26 2010

Gosh it’s hard to pick just one. Vietnam was a good one, as was Chicago. And of course Paris and the absinthe :)

tweeting:
http://twitter.com/pinkblush99/statuses/8260557253
Thanks!

sheri Jan 26 2010

I guess I would have to say Iceland would be my favorite.

theodore esteghamat Jan 27 2010

I liked the spain episode.

Vicki Andrew Jan 27 2010

I have not seen that many eposides but I did like when he went to iceland, I learded a lot about the country and the people

Ashley Nicole Whitlow Jan 27 2010

Spain

susitravl Jan 27 2010

Liked the episode when he was in Beirut – learned a lot about their culture as well as their food.

whitechocolatecherries Jan 27 2010

My favorite was the Egypt episode. Thanks for the chance!

oneangel Jan 27 2010

Laos is my fav!

george ferris Jan 27 2010

My favorite was when he went to Spain.

susan smoaks Jan 27 2010

i’ve never watched it but i’m sure i’ll love it!

dorothy l Jan 27 2010

the Laos one

Dottie L Jan 27 2010

I love his attitude. One of my favorites would be Russia.

Joanne Schultz Jan 27 2010

My favorite would be Spain.

Thanks for the giveaway!

Becky Jan 27 2010

err ummmmm…not sure to be honest I don’t see No Reservations too often ..I usually watch the Food Network gasp

pat jasmin Jan 27 2010

THANKYOU FOR THE GIVEAWAY

Geoff K Jan 27 2010

I think my favorite episode of “No Reservations” would have to be the Sardinia episode, in which Anthony met his in-laws. Thanks a lot!

Alyce Dupont Jan 27 2010

I love the holiday ones!!! Her son makes me laugh!!

Geoff K Jan 27 2010

I subscribed to The Blowtorch – thanks!

Rosey Jan 27 2010

The one with Mario Battali as a guest was funny, but my favorite was when he went to the Middle East.

julie Jan 27 2010

I like the episode where Anthony goes to Detroit, Buffalo and Baltimore. I cant remember the name of it, but I go to these cities often, and it was interesting to see new things.

carol lewis Jan 27 2010

Spain is my favorite. The food looks awesome!

cassandra Jan 27 2010

I like the episodes in Spain the best because the food looks absoolutely deliciosu!!

Jennifer Jozwiak Jan 27 2010

i liked the vietnam episode!

Pamela S Jan 27 2010

My favorite is the Jamaica episode!! thanks.

Lance Pearson Jan 27 2010

dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
i really like the vietnam episodes best

Lance Pearson Jan 27 2010

dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
signed up for the blotorch

Jennifer M Jan 27 2010

The focus on the lesser-known Jamaica. Also the NYC episode.

Elle Thomas Jan 27 2010

I love the Greek Island episode! I’m dying to go there myself, have been since I was 8! I love good food!

Elle T.

Brandi Jan 27 2010

I liked the episode on Spain—it made me want to go there!

Susan Ledet Jan 27 2010

I enjoy watching his shows and feel like I get to travel a bit with him. I really enjoyed the show that was done in Spain.

Joe Jan 27 2010

Definitely Romania

Sarah C Jan 27 2010

Definitely the episode in Sardinia where he meets his in-laws.

Sarah C Jan 27 2010

http://twitter.com/soluckyducky/status/8296670843

Sarah C Jan 27 2010

Newsletter subscriber

R Hicks Jan 27 2010

I liked the latest episode about the great food culture of Brittany France

Melanie Jan 27 2010

I just got into this show in the last few months..My favorite was when I think they were in Chile.

skyxsky Jan 27 2010

The one in Egypt!
skyxsky27[at]gmail.com

DEBIJOT Jan 27 2010

Spain would have to be my favorite.

Becky Grady Jan 27 2010

I would have to pick Chicago. Thanks!

rlgrady[at]yahoo[dot]com

Muncleman Jan 27 2010

No question, Spain!

Angela Winesburg Jan 27 2010

I enjoyed the Spain episode, thanks!

Gianna Jan 27 2010

The Australia ep :)

Randy Bailey Jan 27 2010

I liked the Spain episode

Chrysa Jan 27 2010

I enjoyed Spain since I have traveled there myself and love it!

Randy Bailey Jan 27 2010

I signed up for the Blow Torch Newsletter

Randy Bailey Jan 27 2010

Tweeted:

http://twitter.com/pkbailey01/status/8305668941

Sand Jan 27 2010

My favorite episode was when he went through the southwest.

Veronica Garrett Jan 27 2010

The Egypt episode was my favorite.

Charlene Kuser Jan 27 2010

My favorite is the No Reservations – Sardinia episode,The food looked really amazing and I loved the touch with his
family

Charlene Kuser Jan 27 2010

I signed up for the Blowtorch

Marcy Strahan Jan 27 2010

Anthony Bourdain’s Guide to Mexico Was my favorite because I would love to go to mexico & love their food! Plus, he was in Texas too & I am a Texas Gal myself!

Marcy Strahan Jan 27 2010

I sugned up for the Blowtorch newsletter!

Marcy Strahan Jan 27 2010

Follow on Twitter & Tweeted!
Username: ZESTYWONDERLAND

ZESTYWONDERLAND@GMAIL.COM
http://twitter.com/ZESTYWONDERLAND/status/8309714445

Lily Kwan Jan 27 2010

My all-time favorite episode of No Reservations was the Chicago one.

Kathy S Jan 27 2010

My favorite episode was when Anthony revisited the Culinary Institute of America (which he had attended,) and reminisced about his time there. It is located near me, so was of great interest to me, (and it was nice to see him mellow a bit as he walked down memory lane!)

Lily Kwan Jan 27 2010

I signed up for your newsletter.

Joyce Resch Jan 27 2010

I hope I win

This giveaway is over, and comments are now closed.

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