No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach

It's an act of tragic irony that I already had this book in-hand from the local library when Anthony Bourdain's life ended earlier this week. I had been reading a few pages of the book at a time, but accelerated this weekend after the heartbreak of his death.

I've always loved Bourdain's candor, and his cultural/culinary Kerouac persona. He was gruff, funny, vulnerable, and very human.

This book captures all of that, as he takes the reader through a photojournalist's journey of the many lands he visited during his tenure on The Travel Channel's "No Reservations". From rice patties across Asia to warthogs and bonfires in Namibia, Irish pubs to Peruvian ayahuasca rituals, it's all here in glorious color with Bourdain's illustrative prose show more to provide context, wit, and wonder.

At over 250 pages, it's still a fast read, as the book is dominated by breathtaking photos, making me wish it was more of a coffee table book for the sake of larger imagery. But it serves well as a cultural atlas, not only offering insights into what is served at meager dinner tables and corner diners around the world, but also a hint at the people and rituals that make each destination unique.

Most powerful was the crew's trip to Beirut, which turned into a nightmarish ten days as Hezbollah and Israeli fighters began a battle of bombs, setting the airport aflame and leaving Bourdain and his team with little to do but hole up in their hotel, drink too much, and navigate a safe way home.

What I most appreciate about Bourdain in this particular book is how he seeks out the normalcy within a culture. He'd rather sit on the floor and eat seal with Icelanders than seek out the finest Parisian haute cuisine. (Not that he liked the seal, mind you.). He has as much or more respect for those that tend rice patties and roll out udon noodles in the crowded corner of their shanty as those who wear refined white chef's attire, it seems.

I'll miss him. He was a journeyman, a modern day Dharma Bum of sorts, and one who believed all cultures contribute to the tapestry of our humanity. In today's America, that's a very refreshing ideology to have served up for wholehearted consumption. show less

I love Anthony Bourdain. If I were more secure and comfortable with myself I'd admit that I probably have some sort of man-crush on him or something. His dry, witty cynicism is delightful and it's a joy to hear him lovingly point out all the flaws of his favorite people and places. Hurray for pessimism.

No Reservations is (mostly) a book of photography based on the food/travel show by the same name. The book is divided by continent, and then by country, each with a quick narration by the man himself describing his experiences in the places in question. In addition, towards the end of the book there are sections on things like best/worst bathrooms he's ever come across, the hazards of traveling, among other things, all written by show more Bourdain and all wonderfully degenerate and brilliant.

If you like the show, you'll probably like it. If you like Anthony Bourdain, then you might like it. It's definitely a for-the-fan book, but there's enough text to make it worth 'reading' even for those who get out too much to watch television. show less

More words!!!! Yes, he's sexy. We know this. Any fool can see this. But for the love of God, the man can write!!! Does anyone realize how rare that is? Let him f'ing write!!!! He can describe this stuff better than the pictures!
That said, it is actually a great companion piece for the show. I just prefer A Cook's Tour. I am female, and therefore prefer literary stimulation to the visual kind. What can I tell you? If I were thirteen I'd hang it on my wall next to Eddie Izzard and Thorstein Veblen. Then again, maybe I'd just paste up a photo of his editor. Whomever. Someone is good with words. So add some to this book.

I will say that I am not a fan, but I have seen his show on Travel Channel a couple of times and liked what I saw. So, when I saw this in my local public library, I decided to take a chance on it. The photos are great, and this is mostly a photo book with some narrative. The book is definitely a pleasure to look through. Though there is little text, what is offered is thoughtful, considerate, and at times moving. Bourdain and his crew truly immerse themselves in the places they visit, and a reader cannot help but feel a wish to get up and travel as well. Indeed, the best places to eat are the little places where the locals eat. Find them and enjoy. Plus, nothing to make a bond better than a good drink or two.

I will definitely consider show more picking up his other books. We'll see. show less

No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach by Anthony Bourdain
288 pages

★★★

I know Anthony Bourdain isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I personally love the guy. His no-BS attitude towards life is pretty refreshing in a world of overly politically correct people. He has respect for those around him and for the cultures he encounters but he also is incredibly honest and I love that about him.

If you enjoyed his show, No Reservations, this is a quick accompaniment to that. It’s 288 pages but it’s mostly behind the scene photos of his locations throughout the first three years of the show. There’s little reading involved except for the small blurbs on Anthony Bourdain’s thoughts on the specific country. This book show more still took me 2 hours to “read” as I read every blurb, every caption, and enjoyed the photos that the crew had taken throughout the years. Nothing jaw dropping here, especially if you are a regular watcher of the show, but interesting nonetheless. show less

I am finding books that I have not read of Mr. Bourdain. This by far was the one of the best books I've read. As a fan of the show No Reservations, this was a wonderful addendum to read which brought back so many memories (both good and bad) which I watched the show. Lots of great pictures and tips at the end for traveling as well as a few of his recommended restaurants (eek pricey!!) RIP Mr. Bourdain, you are well loved and your memories will live on through the written word.

This book was pretty good. I have not seen any episodes of No Reservations on TV and I barely knew who Anthony Bourdain was when I picked up this book. However, taking the journey to other cultures and other foods was fun and a learning experience.