Ep 7. Cleveland

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations season 3 episode 7 takes us to Cleveland, Ohio for a culinary adventure. Cleveland has been in the spotlight for a number of reasons in recent years, but Bourdain is interested in exploring its food scene. The episode focuses heavily on the city's history and culture, weaving together food, music, and art to give viewers a sense of what makes this city uniquely Cleveland.

Bourdain starts off in the iconic West Side Market, a sprawling indoor market filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisan cheeses. He samples some of the market's most famous offerings, including Polish sausage and pierogies, and talks to some of the vendors about their experiences running a business in Cleveland. From there, he heads to Sokolowski's University Inn, a classic Cleveland eatery that serves up hearty, old-school dishes like stuffed cabbage and kielbasa. Bourdain sits down with the family who runs the restaurant, learning about its history and the challenges of running a family-owned business in modern times.

The episode then takes a detour into Cleveland's music scene, with Bourdain visiting the legendary Beachland Ballroom and Tavern. This venue has been a staple of Cleveland's music scene for decades, hosting everything from punk shows to soul revues. Bourdain watches a performance by local band The Hot Rails and chats with the venue's owners about the challenges and rewards of running a live music venue in a city like Cleveland. Along the way, we get a sense of the deep connection between the city's music and food cultures, as Bourdain observes that both scenes are rooted in a deep sense of community and shared identity.

Back on the food trail, Bourdain heads to Lola, the renowned farm-to-table restaurant helmed by chef Michael Symon. Symon is a Cleveland native who has made a name for himself with his inventive takes on classic dishes, and Bourdain sits down with him to talk about his approach to cooking and the challenges of running a high-end restaurant in a city that isn't necessarily known for its fine dining scene. From there, Bourdain heads to Little Italy, a charming neighborhood filled with restaurants and cafes specializing in Italian cuisine. He samples fresh pasta, pizza, and cannoli, and spends time talking to some of the neighborhood's long-time residents about what makes Little Italy such a special place.

The episode wraps up with a visit to a Cleveland Browns tailgate party, where Bourdain dives into the city's sports culture. Despite the Browns' recent struggles on the field, the team has a fiercely loyal fan base, and Bourdain gets a sense of the camaraderie and passion that Clevelanders feel for their beloved football team. Along the way, he samples some classic tailgate fare, from burgers to beer, and takes in the sights and sounds of one of Cleveland's most beloved cultural traditions.

Overall, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations season 3 episode 7 is a love letter to Cleveland and its rich food and cultural scenes. Bourdain's journey through the city is filled with warmth, humor, and a deep appreciation for the people who make Cleveland such a special place. Whether you're a foodie, a music lover, or just curious about one of America's most underrated cities, this episode is well worth a watch.