Ep 2. Berlin

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations is a documentary-style television series in which world-renowned chef and author Anthony Bourdain travels the globe to explore local cultures and cuisines. In the show's fourth season, the second episode, titled "Berlin," sees Bourdain journey to the German capital to experience its vibrant nightlife, complex history, and evolving food scene.

The episode begins with Bourdain reflecting on Berlin's turbulent past, from the city's destruction during World War II to the imposition of Soviet rule and the subsequent fall of the Berlin Wall. He visits the remains of the wall, now covered in vibrant street art, and talks to locals about the city's transformation in the decades since reunification.

Bourdain then heads to Markthalle Neun, a historic market hall in the Kreuzberg neighborhood that has become a hub of Berlin's modern food scene. Here, he meets with some of the city's top chefs and culinary innovators, including Fatih Akerdem, owner of the restaurant Kumpel & Keule, which sources meat from local farmers. Bourdain and Akerdem prepare a feast of bratwurst and kielbasa, accompanied by traditional German side dishes like sauerkraut and potato salad.

Next, Bourdain visits a beloved Berlin institution: the currywurst stand. Currywurst, a sliced sausage smothered in a curry-ketchup sauce, is a staple of Berlin street food, and Bourdain samples some of the city's best at Curry 36. The episode also showcases other Berlin specialties, like döner kebab, as well as the city's thriving vegan food scene.

Of course, no trip to Berlin would be complete without exploring the city's famed nightlife. Bourdain heads to the infamous KitKatClub, a hedonistic venue known for its sexually adventurous parties. He also visits Berghain, a legendary techno nightclub housed in a former power plant. Bourdain reflects on Berlin's reputation as a capital of vice and liberation, and talks to locals about their experiences of the city's freewheeling culture.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain also takes time to reflect on Berlin's unique history and the ways in which its past has shaped its present. He visits the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, located just outside the city, where tens of thousands of prisoners were held during the Nazi regime. Bourdain speaks with a survivor of the camp, who recounts his experiences of torture and persecution. Later, Bourdain visits the site of the former Stasi headquarters, where he talks to former dissidents about their experiences of life under surveillance in East Germany.

Finally, Bourdain heads to the Tempelhof airport, a sprawling former airfield that has been repurposed as a public park. Here, he reflects on the ways in which urban spaces can be transformed and revitalized, and talks to locals about the importance of preserving the city's history while also embracing change and innovation.

Overall, the Berlin episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations is a fascinating exploration of one of Europe's most dynamic and complex cities. Bourdain's trademark blend of irreverence, curiosity, and empathy make for a compelling viewing experience, as he delves into Berlin's rich cultural tapestry and leaves viewers with a deeper understanding of this remarkable city.