Ep 13. Food Porn (2)

In No Reservations season 6 episode 13, titled "Food Porn (2)," the show's host, Anthony Bourdain, continues to explore the world of food pornography – image and video content that is meant to be visually stimulating and provocative. Bourdain delves into the topic by examining the use of food in advertising, as well as traveling to areas where food is a crucial part of the culture.

The episode begins in New York City, where Bourdain visits the headquarters of the advertising agency BBH. There, he speaks with creative director Kevin Roddy about the agency's work creating food ads that are meant to be sexually suggestive. Roddy shows Bourdain a few examples of BBH's work, including a commercial for Haagen-Dazs ice cream that features a woman sensually eating a spoonful of ice cream.

Bourdain also visits photographer Tamara Reynolds, who uses food in her work to explore themes such as gender and sexuality. Reynolds shows Bourdain some of her photographs, which include images of women covered in raw meat and a man diving into a pool filled with milk.

The episode then takes viewers to Tokyo, Japan, known for its culinary creations that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Bourdain visits a sushi restaurant where the chef uses edible flowers and other embellishments to create sushi that looks like art. At a different restaurant, he tries a dish made with eel that is cooked and served within its still-moving body.

Moving on to Bangkok, Thailand, Bourdain samples street food that is not only delicious, but also beautiful. He tries a dish of fried noodles with crab that is topped with a colorful array of vegetables. He also checks out a market where vendors are selling everything from freshly made coconut cream to live frogs, which are used in a traditional dish.

The episode concludes in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Bourdain surveys the over-the-top food offerings that are a hallmark of the city. He visits a restaurant that offers a seven-course tasting menu, which includes dishes such as foie gras with maple syrup, and lobster with vanilla butter. He also tries a burger that costs $5,000, which is made with Kobe beef, foie gras, and truffles.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain reflects on the rise of food pornography and its impact on how we think about and consume food. He grapples with the idea that, while food is meant to nourish us and bring us pleasure, it is increasingly being used as a stand-in for sex. He concludes that, while there is nothing inherently wrong with enjoying food in a sensual way, there is a danger in reducing it to mere eye candy. As always, Bourdain approaches the topic with humor, wit, and a deep appreciation for the power of good food.