Ep 3. Washington DC
- TVPG
- January 19, 2009
- 43 min
-
7.6 (45)
In season 6 episode 3 of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, entitled "Washington DC," the renowned chef and travel documentarian takes a journey to our nation's capital to explore the diverse and often surprising food and culture of this iconic American city.
Bourdain begins his adventure with a visit to Eastern Market, a historic indoor/outdoor market that has been a DC institution since 1873. Here, he explores the vibrant stalls selling fresh produce, meats, and other food items, and talks to some of the market's vendors about their roles in the DC food scene.
Next, Bourdain heads to Ben's Chili Bowl, a legendary DC eatery that has been serving up its iconic half-smoke hot dogs and bowls of chili since 1958. Bourdain samples some of the beloved fare and discusses the restaurant's history with the current owner, who took over the business from her parents.
Continuing his exploration of DC's food scene, Bourdain visits Little Serow, a Thai restaurant located in the trendy Dupont Circle neighborhood. Here, he enlists the help of some local food bloggers to navigate the restaurant's fiery, multi-course menu, and learns about the challenges and rewards of running a small, specialized eatery in a city known for its political power players.
Bourdain then shifts his focus to some of the city's historical and cultural landmarks, including a tour of the Library of Congress and its stunning Reading Room. He also explores the newly-opened National Museum of African American History and Culture, which showcases the contributions of black Americans to the nation's history and culture. Along the way, he reflects on the role of food in bringing together people from different backgrounds and communities.
The episode concludes with Bourdain visiting the historic Howard Theatre, which has played host to such luminaries as Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Marvin Gaye. Here, he takes in a live set from go-go music legend Big Tony and tries his hand at playing percussion along with the band, emphasizing once again the power of music and food to bring people together.
Throughout "Washington DC," Bourdain showcases the multi-faceted nature of our nation's capital, highlighting both its politics and its unique cultural offerings. Whether exploring the vibrant food scene or delving into DC's rich history and community, Bourdain demonstrates the importance of breaking down barriers and finding common ground with those around us.