Ep 4. Vienna

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations season 10 episode 4 takes viewers on a culinary journey through the stunning city of Vienna. Bourdain immerses himself in the rich culture of the city, exploring its famous landmarks and delving into its rich history.

The episode begins with Bourdain taking a stroll through the city's bustling streets. He marvels at Vienna's stunning architecture and artistic heritage before heading to a traditional Viennese coffee house. Here, Bourdain discovers the importance of coffee to the city's culture and becomes acquainted with the rituals surrounding coffee consumption in Vienna.

Bourdain then heads to the esteemed Vienna State Opera House, where he's awestruck by the majestic performances. He further explores the city's history by visiting the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty. Here, Bourdain learns about the grandeur of Vienna's former royal court, and the stylistic influences it has had on the city's modern culture.

Of course, no trip to Vienna is complete without trying the city's famous pastries. Bourdain makes several stops at traditional pastry shops and is in awe of the delicate and intricate sweets that are prepared there. He also learns about the history of Viennese cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the city's proximity to Hungary and the Balkans.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain gets to know some of Vienna's locals and learns about the city's contemporary culture. He visits the lively Naschmarkt, which is a market that offers a mix of food from around the world. Bourdain samples some edible offerings a stall that offers unique fare from Thailand.

Bourdain also explores Vienna's thriving music scene, mingling with some of the city's young musicians and witnessing the city's dynamic nightlife. He jumps into the fray and enjoys the music and drinks with the locals. But it isn't all fun and games – Bourdain also delves into Vienna's complicated past and the legacy of fascism in the city. He visits an old concentration camp and learns about the atrocities that took place there, determined to shed light on this dark era in Vienna's history.

The episode comes full circle with Bourdain returning to a traditional Austrian coffee house, where he reflects on the diverse cultural experiences that he's had in Vienna. He chats with a local artist who shares his views on Viennese culture and the city's place in the world.

Overall, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations season 10 episode 4 takes viewers on a sensory journey through the cultural mecca that is Vienna. It is a stunning showcase of Vienna's vibrant arts and culinary scenes and Bourdain's enthusiastic appreciation of the city's rich history and culture.