Ep 3. Quebec

In the second season of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, the episode titled Quebec takes viewers on a culinary journey through the French-speaking Canadian province. Bourdain ditches his English-speaking comfort zone and dives into Quebec's unique culture, language and of course, food.

Bourdain explores Quebec City, which feels like a trip to Europe without the long flight. He takes viewers to landmarks like the Chateau Frontenac, which dominates the Quebec City skyline and is a “must-see” for visitors. Bourdain also meets with local chefs, like Martin Picard from the famous restaurant Au Pied de Cochon, who fiercely defends Quebec cuisine. The episode showcases the variety of Québécois food, influenced by both French and North American cuisine.

Beyond the food, Bourdain delves into the French and English rivalry that has been brewing in Quebec for centuries. He meets with Serge Bouchard - a well-known anthropologist in Quebec - who shares how this struggle has shaped the province, and ultimately, its cuisine.

One of the most unique aspects of the episode is when Bourdain visits a traditional sugar shack (cabane à sucre) and poses a question about maple syrup to the staff. But instead of answering, they sing in French about how to make maple syrup. This is just one example of how the Quebec culture is steeped in tradition, and how proud the locals are of their heritage.

The episode also highlights how Quebec's history has been shaped by its geography. With a vast wilderness of forests and mountains, people in Quebec have always been used to living off the land. Bourdain takes viewers to see the dramatic natural beauty at the Montmorency Falls - and even ziplines across them!

Bourdain is known for his irreverent sense of humour, and he doesn’t shy away from poking fun at himself in this episode. He practises his French, which he admits is "terrible", and jokes about how easy it is to offend French-Canadians by accidentally using an English word. Despite this, the episode is a love letter to Quebec and all that it offers.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain comes to understand and appreciate Quebec’s differences from the rest of Canada and the United States. The province has its own values, traditions, and language - and it’s proud of that. The episode is a testament to the Québécois' struggle to uphold and maintain their identity, fighting to preserve their culture for generations to come.

In Quebec, Bourdain takes viewers on a journey through one of Canada's most fascinating regions, exploring the unique blend of cultures and traditions that make it stand out from the rest of the country. It's a celebration of food, culture, and heritage - and a reminder that there are always new adventures to embark on, both close to home and far away.