Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
11-05-13 | 05:15 PM
#26
Re: Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown -- April 14th on CNN
With the move to CNN and their constant schedule shuffling this show has completely fallen off my radar. I'm keeping my eyes open for the Detroit episode -- unless I already missed it.
09-15-14 | 08:37 PM
#27
Thread Starter
DVD Talk God
Re: Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown -- April 14th on CNN
FYI
Season 4 of Parts Unknown premeires September 28th
Here are the episodes
Following are the locations and episode descriptions for season four of
Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown:
Shanghai(airdate: Sept. 28) In the season premiere of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown, the host explores Shanghai by savoring classic, home-style cuisine at restaurants that include Chun and Fuchun Xiaolong, and converses with locals who give their take on their country’s booming economy and expanding global influence.
The Bronx(airdate: Oct. 5) – Bourdain explores the widely diverse cuisines and cultures found in the NYC borough just north of Manhattan. Bronx mainstays Afrika Bambaataa, Mellle Mel, and Baron Ambrosia help guide the host through the music, food, art, and other offerings of this often misunderstood part of the city.
Vietnam(airdate TBA) Parts Unknown travels to the host’s “first love,” with a look at Hue, a city in central Vietnam, including excursions to the Dong Ba market, Vinh Moc tunnels, the Duyen Anh restaurant, and the Citadel. Sampled dishes include Com Hen, Bun Bo Hue and a special bird’s nest soup.
Massachusetts (airdate TBA) In a departure for the series, Bourdain takes a trip to the Provincetown haunts of his post high school youth (The Atlantic House, The Lobster Pot) that marked the start of his culinary career, and he candidly discusses his descent into heroin addiction (and later recovery). He then heads to the western part of the state to throw light on the unexpected and exploding heroin problem in small town New England – discussing with residents exactly how this happened – and how they are learning to deal with it as a community.
Tanzania(airdate TBA) Parts Unknown travels to Tanzania for an African safari adventure. Bourdain visits Zanzibar, a one-time slave trade hub, and enjoys the island’s famous foods, from mandazi to street food including grilled seafood and the famous Zanzibari pizza. On an excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Bourdain comes face to face with lions, elephants, and the great migration.
Jamaica(airdate TBA) Bourdain heads to Jamaica, a destination well known for delicious Caribbean delicacies and feel-good vibes. The host travels along the Northeast region of the island and explores life in Port Antonio and Winnifred Beach. He also delves into the importance of music legend Bob Marley, with his producer Chris Blackwell, and takes a side trip to the home of author Ian Fleming (the setting of James Bond novels). A main topic in this episode is the ever-burgeoning tourist industry and how it continues to affect the local population.
Paraguay(airdate TBA) An investigation into the puzzling history of the host’s great, great, great, grandfather, Paraguayan émigré Jean Bourdain, is a springboard to his first tour of this South American country, primarily comprised of jungle and desert land, which features a rich culture and savory local dishes that include Bife Koygua, Bori Bori, and Sopa Paraguaya.
Iran(airdate TBA) Bourdain and his crew take their long-awaited inaugural trip to Iran exploring Tehran and Isfahan, and sites that include Imam Square, the Borje Milad, mosques, and ancient caravanserai. The cuisine includes Dizi, Fesenjan, Biryani, and Tahdig. Local guides for this tour include Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian and his wife Yeganeh Salehi, who were subsequently detained by the Iranian government.
Season 4 of Parts Unknown premeires September 28th
Here are the episodes
Following are the locations and episode descriptions for season four of
Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown:
Shanghai(airdate: Sept. 28) In the season premiere of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown, the host explores Shanghai by savoring classic, home-style cuisine at restaurants that include Chun and Fuchun Xiaolong, and converses with locals who give their take on their country’s booming economy and expanding global influence.
The Bronx(airdate: Oct. 5) – Bourdain explores the widely diverse cuisines and cultures found in the NYC borough just north of Manhattan. Bronx mainstays Afrika Bambaataa, Mellle Mel, and Baron Ambrosia help guide the host through the music, food, art, and other offerings of this often misunderstood part of the city.
Vietnam(airdate TBA) Parts Unknown travels to the host’s “first love,” with a look at Hue, a city in central Vietnam, including excursions to the Dong Ba market, Vinh Moc tunnels, the Duyen Anh restaurant, and the Citadel. Sampled dishes include Com Hen, Bun Bo Hue and a special bird’s nest soup.
Massachusetts (airdate TBA) In a departure for the series, Bourdain takes a trip to the Provincetown haunts of his post high school youth (The Atlantic House, The Lobster Pot) that marked the start of his culinary career, and he candidly discusses his descent into heroin addiction (and later recovery). He then heads to the western part of the state to throw light on the unexpected and exploding heroin problem in small town New England – discussing with residents exactly how this happened – and how they are learning to deal with it as a community.
Tanzania(airdate TBA) Parts Unknown travels to Tanzania for an African safari adventure. Bourdain visits Zanzibar, a one-time slave trade hub, and enjoys the island’s famous foods, from mandazi to street food including grilled seafood and the famous Zanzibari pizza. On an excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Bourdain comes face to face with lions, elephants, and the great migration.
Jamaica(airdate TBA) Bourdain heads to Jamaica, a destination well known for delicious Caribbean delicacies and feel-good vibes. The host travels along the Northeast region of the island and explores life in Port Antonio and Winnifred Beach. He also delves into the importance of music legend Bob Marley, with his producer Chris Blackwell, and takes a side trip to the home of author Ian Fleming (the setting of James Bond novels). A main topic in this episode is the ever-burgeoning tourist industry and how it continues to affect the local population.
Paraguay(airdate TBA) An investigation into the puzzling history of the host’s great, great, great, grandfather, Paraguayan émigré Jean Bourdain, is a springboard to his first tour of this South American country, primarily comprised of jungle and desert land, which features a rich culture and savory local dishes that include Bife Koygua, Bori Bori, and Sopa Paraguaya.
Iran(airdate TBA) Bourdain and his crew take their long-awaited inaugural trip to Iran exploring Tehran and Isfahan, and sites that include Imam Square, the Borje Milad, mosques, and ancient caravanserai. The cuisine includes Dizi, Fesenjan, Biryani, and Tahdig. Local guides for this tour include Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian and his wife Yeganeh Salehi, who were subsequently detained by the Iranian government.
09-16-14 | 06:24 PM
#28
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Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
I read about his Iran visit (what with the shameful detention of the WP reporters). Really want to see that. There's no better food, but then I'm biased. 
03-07-15 | 10:18 AM
#30
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
So I'm catching up on some stuff lingering on the DVR, and I am watching the episode on Russia that aired in May, 2014. Early in the episode Bourdain talks about how "Bad things seem to happen to critics of Vladimir Putin" and he has dinner with Boris Nemtsov - which had to be moved once the first restaurant found out he was going to be there. Bourdain goes over the litany of Putin critics who have been imprisoned and killed. He asks Nemtsov, "Should I be concerned about having dinner with you?"
Boris Nemtsov was the guy murdered near the Kremlin about a week ago.
Boris Nemtsov was the guy murdered near the Kremlin about a week ago.
05-27-16 | 02:34 PM
#31
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
Fantastic show. As far as that L.A. episode where Bourdain was at the Sizzler, with the artist, I thought the guy owned that particular restaurant? I may have glossed over it.
Last edited by Why So Blu?; 05-27-16 at 03:05 PM.
05-27-16 | 02:58 PM
#32
Thread Starter
DVD Talk God
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
I used to love Bourdain when he was on Travel Channel, but I'm finding Parts Unknown very hit and miss. The U.S. shows mostly bore the shit out of me like Montana a few weeks ago.
I did love the Philippines episode from the current season. That had some really compelling stories in it.
Georgia (the former Russian territory) aired this past Sunday and that was just so-so.
05-27-16 | 03:05 PM
#33
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
Are you watching his show on Netflix? I know the previous 6 seasons are there.
I used to love Bourdain when he was on Travel Channel, but I'm finding Parts Unknown very hit and miss. The U.S. shows mostly bore the shit out of me like Montana a few weeks ago.
I did love the Philippines episode from the current season. That had some really compelling stories in it.
Georgia (the former Russian territory) aired this past Sunday and that was just so-so.
I used to love Bourdain when he was on Travel Channel, but I'm finding Parts Unknown very hit and miss. The U.S. shows mostly bore the shit out of me like Montana a few weeks ago.
I did love the Philippines episode from the current season. That had some really compelling stories in it.
Georgia (the former Russian territory) aired this past Sunday and that was just so-so.
Yeah, I bypass the stateside episode unless it's L.A. I watched a few of the No Reservations episode and did the same, as well.
05-27-16 | 03:50 PM
#34
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
Have to agree. Even though I will still skim through the stateside episodes there is only so many times he can say basically the exact same thing about food/restaurants before it stops being interesting. So unless he is in some particularly interesting setting or part of the world it gets very repetitive. The exception is if he is in a city I travel to and/or know fairly well so I can see if there is anything that looks good enough to check out next time I'm there.
05-27-16 | 04:46 PM
#35
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
Yeah, it's really variety hour. The Chicago episode this season was really off kilter, as everything centered around the seedy bar.
There was a commercial for this and he said something to the effect of, "I want to go interesting places, like the Greek isles where bodies are washing up from the migrant crisis." Well he went to a Greek island a few episodes ago and didn't touch on that issue at all.
There was a commercial for this and he said something to the effect of, "I want to go interesting places, like the Greek isles where bodies are washing up from the migrant crisis." Well he went to a Greek island a few episodes ago and didn't touch on that issue at all.
05-29-16 | 02:15 PM
#36
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
I think the whole show is past its prime. We all know that every culture on earth is proud of its cuisine, and Bourdain is running out of new and interesting places to visit. The Chicago, Greek Islands, Montana and Tiblisi episodes just felt totally phoned in (and what was with Zamir showing up for 3 minutes then leaving??).
I think Bourdain is at an impasse: he's been to most every large cultural center on earth, so it almost feels like he's either checking things off a list, or he's been somewhere very similar before: "We've been to Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Suriname... how about Guyana?" He might be tempted to break away from the food stuff: many of his best episodes - Beirut, Iran - aren't about food at all. But then what? Do I really wanna hear Bourdain's take on the working conditions of ethnic Chinese in Vietnam? Female factory workers in Ukraine? Bourdain doesn't have a degree in political science, so I don't really care what he thinks about politics. I mean, he's free to have an opinion, and I might agree with him on most things... but I don't want to watch a show where he talks about such things.
Sorry for the rambling (I'm on painkillers for an aching back). I hope it made sense!
I think Bourdain is at an impasse: he's been to most every large cultural center on earth, so it almost feels like he's either checking things off a list, or he's been somewhere very similar before: "We've been to Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Suriname... how about Guyana?" He might be tempted to break away from the food stuff: many of his best episodes - Beirut, Iran - aren't about food at all. But then what? Do I really wanna hear Bourdain's take on the working conditions of ethnic Chinese in Vietnam? Female factory workers in Ukraine? Bourdain doesn't have a degree in political science, so I don't really care what he thinks about politics. I mean, he's free to have an opinion, and I might agree with him on most things... but I don't want to watch a show where he talks about such things.
Sorry for the rambling (I'm on painkillers for an aching back). I hope it made sense!
05-29-16 | 02:37 PM
#37
Thread Starter
DVD Talk God
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
I think the whole show is past its prime. We all know that every culture on earth is proud of its cuisine, and Bourdain is running out of new and interesting places to visit. The Chicago, Greek Islands, Montana and Tiblisi episodes just felt totally phoned in (and what was with Zamir showing up for 3 minutes then leaving??).
I think Bourdain is at an impasse: he's been to most every large cultural center on earth, so it almost feels like he's either checking things off a list, or he's been somewhere very similar before: "We've been to Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Suriname... how about Guyana?" He might be tempted to break away from the food stuff: many of his best episodes - Beirut, Iran - aren't about food at all. But then what? Do I really wanna hear Bourdain's take on the working conditions of ethnic Chinese in Vietnam? Female factory workers in Ukraine? Bourdain doesn't have a degree in political science, so I don't really care what he thinks about politics. I mean, he's free to have an opinion, and I might agree with him on most things... but I don't want to watch a show where he talks about such things.
Sorry for the rambling (I'm on painkillers for an aching back). I hope it made sense!
I think Bourdain is at an impasse: he's been to most every large cultural center on earth, so it almost feels like he's either checking things off a list, or he's been somewhere very similar before: "We've been to Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Suriname... how about Guyana?" He might be tempted to break away from the food stuff: many of his best episodes - Beirut, Iran - aren't about food at all. But then what? Do I really wanna hear Bourdain's take on the working conditions of ethnic Chinese in Vietnam? Female factory workers in Ukraine? Bourdain doesn't have a degree in political science, so I don't really care what he thinks about politics. I mean, he's free to have an opinion, and I might agree with him on most things... but I don't want to watch a show where he talks about such things.
Sorry for the rambling (I'm on painkillers for an aching back). I hope it made sense!
Bourdain just recently shot an episode in Vietnam that's supposed to air in September. He's been to Vietnam multiple times, so what else is he going to talk about or try food-wise that's any different?
Also, Obama was just there and Bourdain taped an interview with him in some little hole in the wall Pho restaurant. I wonder what are they going to talk about that's going to have any relevance 4 months from now? And does anyone who watches his show care about his takes on Obama and politics?
05-29-16 | 03:21 PM
#38
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
I feel like ever since it moved to CNN the cultural commentary and insights have really been ratcheted down. Some of the episodes it's like he doesn't even do much food related activities.
While I do agrees it hasn't been up to par, I think the concept is still relevant and can be interesting. They just need to find a good story/angle for the places they visit.
While I do agrees it hasn't been up to par, I think the concept is still relevant and can be interesting. They just need to find a good story/angle for the places they visit.
05-29-16 | 08:07 PM
#39
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From: City of the lakers.. riots.. and drug dealing cops.. los(t) Angel(e)s. ca.
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
And given that it'll be in September, I mean, it's basically an exit interview with little commentary on the current players in the election. It can be a reflection of such.. I dunno.
The show's last few episodes have been garbage. The Chicago one was especially lazy. As if they just used all the B roll from the last time he did chicago and simply pieced together an episode because he's under contract for said number of episodes. I won't say CNN's run so far has been a waste. There was great episodes like the Massachusetts one that tackled both food and social happenings.
The show's last few episodes have been garbage. The Chicago one was especially lazy. As if they just used all the B roll from the last time he did chicago and simply pieced together an episode because he's under contract for said number of episodes. I won't say CNN's run so far has been a waste. There was great episodes like the Massachusetts one that tackled both food and social happenings.
05-08-17 | 09:49 PM
#40
Thread Starter
DVD Talk God
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
Okay, so season 9 premiered on CNN 2 weeks ago.
The 1st episode was "Los Angeles" and in the past Bourdain has visited LA many times. This is actually the 2nd time he's visited LA on the CNN show. The entire hour was just focused on Mexican street food and how Mexicans feel about the current political climate. He also did an interview with Danny Trejo at his restaurant. That was a missed opportunity to add something fun. The segment was probably about 5 minutes tops. I feel like you could have this episode in any state with a large Hispanic population. He's already done similar episodes in other U.S. cities. It just didn't feel unique to me. It was just a boring hour.
I feel like Bourdain's show is really lazily produced these days. He just goes through the motions and does the same thing every episode. I think he and his production team are really struggling to come up with fresh things to talk about each episode. I hate travel shows where the hosts try to chime in about politics. Show me what's interesting, some good places to eat (that the average person could afford) and maybe try to find some fun locals to talk to. Not fricking senior citizens or retired chefs.
This week's episode was San Sebastian and it was a snoozer. He was just sitting down eating and drinking in high end restaurants that probably the average Joe wouldn't be able to afford.
I'm a travel enthusiast and I used to love his show on Travel channel. I really can't say that I enjoy his CNN show that much. It's so hit or miss. Mostly miss. I hate the U.S. episodes. Those usually bore me to tears.
The 1st episode was "Los Angeles" and in the past Bourdain has visited LA many times. This is actually the 2nd time he's visited LA on the CNN show. The entire hour was just focused on Mexican street food and how Mexicans feel about the current political climate. He also did an interview with Danny Trejo at his restaurant. That was a missed opportunity to add something fun. The segment was probably about 5 minutes tops. I feel like you could have this episode in any state with a large Hispanic population. He's already done similar episodes in other U.S. cities. It just didn't feel unique to me. It was just a boring hour.
I feel like Bourdain's show is really lazily produced these days. He just goes through the motions and does the same thing every episode. I think he and his production team are really struggling to come up with fresh things to talk about each episode. I hate travel shows where the hosts try to chime in about politics. Show me what's interesting, some good places to eat (that the average person could afford) and maybe try to find some fun locals to talk to. Not fricking senior citizens or retired chefs.
This week's episode was San Sebastian and it was a snoozer. He was just sitting down eating and drinking in high end restaurants that probably the average Joe wouldn't be able to afford.
I'm a travel enthusiast and I used to love his show on Travel channel. I really can't say that I enjoy his CNN show that much. It's so hit or miss. Mostly miss. I hate the U.S. episodes. Those usually bore me to tears.
Last edited by DJariya; 05-09-17 at 12:23 AM.
05-08-17 | 11:55 PM
#41
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
^Good summary. The LA show was particularly bad. At least the San Sebastian episode showed a part of the world most people won't ever see and touched on the history of the Basque people.
It seems the show has become 80% B roll and 20% Tony sitting in a high end restaurant eating on someone else's nickel.
It seems the show has become 80% B roll and 20% Tony sitting in a high end restaurant eating on someone else's nickel.
05-09-17 | 07:44 AM
#42
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
I gave up on this when the show local to me ended up being about nothing but Heroin abuse.
05-16-17 | 11:52 AM
#43
Thread Starter
DVD Talk God
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
So Anthony Bourdain is apparently dating Italian movie star Asia Argento. I'm sure most of you know who she is. She's the daughter of Dario Argento.
Bourdain interviewed her in the Italy episode last season. I guess they hooked up shortly afterwards.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...a-Argento.html
Bourdain interviewed her in the Italy episode last season. I guess they hooked up shortly afterwards.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...a-Argento.html
05-16-17 | 12:33 PM
#45
DVD Talk Legend
05-16-17 | 04:34 PM
#46
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
Did not know his wife left him. THey just hand kid a year or two ago.
I've only watched the LA episode, but I enjoyed it a lot. If I recall, last time he went to LA he focused on the Asian community.
I was amazed at the stats on undocumented workers and the impact to the CA economy should they be removed.
I've only watched the LA episode, but I enjoyed it a lot. If I recall, last time he went to LA he focused on the Asian community.
I was amazed at the stats on undocumented workers and the impact to the CA economy should they be removed.
05-16-17 | 04:38 PM
#47
Thread Starter
DVD Talk God
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
Did not know his wife left him. THey just hand kid a year or two ago.
I've only watched the LA episode, but I enjoyed it a lot. If I recall, last time he went to LA he focused on the Asian community.
I was amazed at the stats on undocumented workers and the impact to the CA economy should they be removed.
I've only watched the LA episode, but I enjoyed it a lot. If I recall, last time he went to LA he focused on the Asian community.
I was amazed at the stats on undocumented workers and the impact to the CA economy should they be removed.
Funny I recall that Bourdain quit smoking several years ago, but it looks like he's smoking again from those photos with Asia since she's a smoker.
05-16-17 | 05:21 PM
#48
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From: City of the lakers.. riots.. and drug dealing cops.. los(t) Angel(e)s. ca.
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
Nothing new for Bourdain. He and first wife divorced in 2005 because of his traveling schedule. It's also the reason why his marriage to Ottavia. Spending around 250 days on the road will do major damage to a family life, let alone a relationship.
05-22-17 | 09:37 PM
#50
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (CNN) -- Series Thread
So three out of four episodes this season consisted of 1 minute of food followed by two minutes of shitting on America/Americans. I expected little from yet another domestic based episode (Queens? Seriously?), and I get that the show is aired on CNN, but it is pretty clear Bourdain has decided this is his full time message now and I see little value in it. He used to have a light-hearted sense of self-deprecating ugly-Americanism in his shows, but this is completely different. Now he's just a smug asshole.