Anthony Bourdain, No Reservations

 With a new season of No Reservations, a guest appearance and blog for Bravo’s Top Chef and an Emmy Nomination it seems that we have seen more than usual of Mr. Bourdain.  This, in my book, is not a bad thing.  Yes, he is cynical, smokes so much I am shocked that he still has taste buds to taste all the food he eats and picks on “poor, innocent” chefs like Rocco DiSpirito, but he is a great writer, honest to who he is and beyond the cyniscism admits his changing attitudes.  When the moment comes that the cynic must be tossed aside and an honest, insightful writer must emerge, he is truthful to the story.

I finally had the opportunity to watch Anthony Bourdain’s Emmy Nominated show.  The episode occurred in Beirut during the war which began after 6 Israeli Soldiers were captured.  As sad as the situation was it was intriguing to see the crews perspective and the impact it had on those around them.  I remember when the war broke out I felt sorrow for the Lebanese who had worked so hard to rebuild a country after such a long and horrible civil war.  You have this group of people who truly love their homeland and what it has the potential to represent amidst a loud, threatening and violent minority who through their actions could possibly bring down what so many have been trying to build.

I fell upon this episode quite by accident and searched the Travel Channel site to see if it would be coming on again.  I have been unable to find that it will, but I would be surprised if it did not.  My suggestion is that if you have not seen this episode keep an eye out for the re-broadcast or set your DVR.  It is a worthwhile episode and I understand why it has been nominated for an Emmy.