Ep 3. Brittany

This episode of No Reservations takes us on a culinary journey through Brittany, a region in the northwest corner of France that's famous for its seafood, butter, and crêpes.

The episode begins with host Anthony Bourdain arriving in Brittany and immediately diving into the local cuisine. He starts by visiting a small café in the town of Brest, where he has a breakfast of coffee and a kouign-amann, a croissant-like pastry that's made with layers of butter and sugar. Bourdain is clearly in heaven as he savors every buttery, flaky bite.

Next, Bourdain heads to the seaside town of Concarneau to meet with a local fisherman. The fisherman takes Bourdain out on his boat and shows him how he catches sardines and other fish using traditional methods. This segment is fascinating for anyone who's interested in seafood and the art of fishing.

After the fishing trip, Bourdain heads inland to visit a dairy farm. Brittany is known for its rich butter, which is made with cream that's been cultured with special bacteria. Bourdain learns about the butter-making process and gets to taste some fresh butter that's been hand-churned.

Next, Bourdain visits a local market where he samples some of the region's famous seafood. He tries everything from oysters to langoustines to razor clams, all of which are incredibly fresh and flavorful. Bourdain chats with some of the vendors at the market and learns about the challenges they face in maintaining a thriving seafood industry.

The final segment of the episode takes us to a small crêperie in the town of Quimper. Crêpes are a staple of Brittany cuisine, and Bourdain samples several different kinds. He tries a savory galette filled with ham and cheese, as well as a sweet crêpe filled with caramel and apples. Bourdain is clearly taken with the simplicity and elegance of the crêpes, and he marvels at the skill of the crêpe maker as she flips the delicate pancakes with ease.

Overall, this episode of No Reservations is a love letter to the cuisine and culture of Brittany. Bourdain's enthusiasm for the food and people of the region is infectious, and viewers will be left with a newfound appreciation for the seafood, butter, and crêpes that make Brittany such a special place.