Ep 9. Labor Day Special

In Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations season 5 episode 9, titled Labor Day Special, Anthony Bourdain travels through America exploring the cultural significance of Labor Day. He emphasizes how the holiday has become indistinguishable from the end of summer and how the true meaning has been lost over time.

Bourdain begins his journey in New York City where he visits a traditional hot dog stand that has been a fixture in Times Square for over 80 years. He talks with the owner about the holiday’s origin and how it gave working-class people a day off, recognizing the enormous contributions made by American workers.

Next, Bourdain travels to Detroit, Michigan, once a symbol of American industrial might, but now a city in decline. He meets with locals to discuss the impact of labor unions and the tradition of collective bargaining, and even goes behind the scenes with the Detroit’s Fire Department.

Moving on to Chicago, Bourdain explores the city’s infamous stockyards, which have been a part of the American labor movement for well over a century. Here, he meets with some of the workers and talks to them about how the industry has changed over the years.

In Kansas City, Missouri, Bourdain attends a Labor Day parade, which is one of the largest in the country. He observes the parade floats, marching bands, and community organizations and talks to locals about the parade’s significance and how it remains relevant today.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain visits different locales, including Las Vegas and California, where he explores the hospitality and service industries, both of which have played an integral part in American labor history.

From the steel mills of Pennsylvania to the wheat fields of Kansas, Bourdain takes viewers on a journey that showcases the different facets of the American labor movement. Not only does he highlight the struggles and triumphs of the various groups that have worked to claim their rights over the years, but he also examines the influence of labor on our culture and society at large.

Overall, the episode provides a thoughtful celebration of Labor Day that reminds viewers of the holiday’s fundamental importance in recognizing the contributions made by all workers to the nation. Bourdain’s deep appreciation for the American working-class and his infectious curiosity about the world around him are on full display, making this a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of history, culture, and food.