Ep 7. Obsessed

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations is a travel and food show that takes viewers on a journey to various destinations around the world. In season 8 episode 7 titled "Obsessed", Anthony Bourdain explores the world of obsession through food.

Bourdain starts his journey in Seattle, where he meets a group of coffee enthusiasts who are obsessed with finding the perfect cup of coffee. He visits the Cafe Vita, a small coffee shop that roasts its own beans and prepares coffee in the traditional Italian way. Bourdain learns about the intricacies of coffee roasting and brewing and how these factors impact the taste of the coffee.

From Seattle, Bourdain travels to the Basque Country in Spain to explore the obsession with tapas. He visits the town of San Sebastian, which is known for having the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world. Bourdain discovers the culture of pintxos, the Basque equivalent of tapas, and how locals hop from bar to bar to try different types of pintxos and drinks.

Next, Bourdain travels to Japan to explore the country's obsession with sushi. He visits Jiro Ono, a sushi chef who has been perfecting his craft for over 75 years and runs a Michelin-starred restaurant that has a waiting list of several months. Bourdain learns about the intricacies of preparing and serving sushi, as well as the history and culture behind it.

Bourdain then travels to Italy to explore the country's obsession with pasta. He meets with a group of women who make pasta by hand using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. Bourdain learns about the different types of flour and how they impact the texture and flavor of the pasta.

Finally, Bourdain visits Thailand to explore the obsession with street food. He visits the country's night markets, where he tries a variety of street food dishes, including pad thai, grilled meat skewers, and mango sticky rice. Bourdain learns about the importance of spices and herbs in Thai cuisine and how they contribute to the unique flavors of Thai food.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain meets with passionate individuals who have dedicated their lives to mastering their craft. He learns about the history and culture behind each obsession and the techniques and ingredients that contribute to the perfect dish. Bourdain showcases how food can bring people together and how a passion for food can lead to an obsession that drives individuals to greatness.

Overall, "Obsessed" is a fascinating episode that explores the world of obsession through food, showcasing the nuances and intricacies of each cuisine. The episode highlights the individuals who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft and the cultures that have formed around these passions, making it a must-see for food and travel enthusiasts.