I feel like it's cliché for someone in my demographic to say two of my favorite things are food and travel, but it's true. This summer, I was able to go to Honduras with Lee, explore Detroit with close friends and romp through my home city of Atlanta with my brother. Everywhere I went, my favorite memories were made finding great food in new places. Because of these adventures, it isn't a surprise that I love travel tv shows.
I've watched everything from "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" to "An Idiot Abroad" and though they are all enjoyable in their own way, nothing has managed to capture my attention quite like "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown." Anthony Bourdain is a renowned chef turned author who has gone on to produce and star in several award winning food and travel programs. In "Parts Unknown" he explores the culture of forgotten and underrepresented places both in the United States and abroad.
My love for his shows stems from the fact he doesn't just check items off an itinerary or create a list of top ten must see destinations. In the first episode Bourdain said, 'This is an essay. I spent a week in Myanmar. We're showing you what we see and what it felt like.'
The show is shot documentary style, following Anthony around the globe as he samples local cuisine and meets the people who make it famous. He doesn't share bits of trivia or give step-by-step instructions on how to prepare recipes, because in the end, it's all about the people and the stories they have to share.
You wouldn't think that watching a man hangout with friends while enjoying a meal would be interesting. However, Bourdain's compelling personality makes it impossible not be captivated. He visits the same off the beaten path restaurants and attractions that locals frequent, which lead to conversations that at times mimic the popular blog Humans of New York, but with food.
Destinations range from Mississippi, Russia, Laos, Congo, South Korea and Iran. In each episode, he immerses himself in cultures in a way that makes you want to drop everything and buy a one-way plane ticket to somewhere new. Every episode has something unique to offer, but some of my favorites include his trips to Spain, Vietnam, Iran and Tokyo.
If you love food, travel and Emmy award winning cinematography then "Parts Unknown" is the perfect show to satisfy your wanderlust for food and adventure.