Ep 18. Where It All Began

In season 6 episode 18 of the popular food and travel show No Reservations, host Anthony Bourdain takes viewers on a journey through the city where he got his start in the culinary world: New York City. Titled "Where It All Began," the episode is a nostalgic exploration of the city's many diverse neighborhoods and their unique food cultures.

The episode begins with Bourdain reflecting on his early days as a line cook in New York City, working long hours in the kitchen and hitting up neighborhood bars and late-night eateries to unwind after his shifts. He then sets off on a walking tour of the city, stopping first in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its large Greek population and delicious Greek food. Bourdain samples some classic dishes like souvlaki and pita bread dipped in taramosalata, and marvels at the longevity and authenticity of the neighborhood's many family-run Greek restaurants.

Next, Bourdain heads down to the East Village, where he reminisces about the gritty, bohemian days of the neighborhood in the 1970s and 80s. He meets up with some old friends for a drink at a dive bar, and then heads to a tiny Venezuelan restaurant called Caracas Arepa Bar. Here, Bourdain samples some of the restaurant's signature arepas, which are like little pockets of corn dough stuffed with various fillings like cheese, meat, and plantains.

From there, Bourdain explores the Lower East Side, which was once a thriving immigrant neighborhood but has now gentrified considerably. He stops at a Polish deli called Veselka, which has been serving up traditional Eastern European food since the 1950s. Bourdain tries their famous pierogis and kielbasa, and chats with the restaurant's owner about how the neighborhood has changed over the years.

In Brooklyn, Bourdain visits a Vietnamese restaurant called Bánh Mì Saigon, where he notes how diverse the borough has become since he first started working in the city. He enjoys a classic banh mi sandwich and chats with the restaurant's owner about the challenges of running a small business in New York.

The episode ends with Bourdain reflecting on how much he loves New York City, and how grateful he is for all the formative culinary experiences he had there. He notes that the city may have changed a lot over the years, but its food culture remains as diverse and vibrant as ever.

Overall, "Where It All Began" is a nostalgic and celebratory look at the city that helped shape Anthony Bourdain into the beloved food personality he would eventually become. Through his travels and tastings, viewers get a glimpse into the many different cultures and cuisines that make New York City such a unique and delicious place.