Ep 5. Hudson Valley, NY

In the sixth season of the popular travel and food show, No Reservations, host Anthony Bourdain takes us on a culinary journey through the Hudson Valley region of New York. In the fifth episode of the season, aptly titled "Hudson Valley, NY," Bourdain explores the picturesque landscape of this pastoral region, while indulging in the local cuisine.

The episode starts with an aerial view of the beautiful Hudson River, which bisects the valley, and Bourdain's narration sets the tone for the rest of the show. He talks about how the region has become a hub for organic farming and artisanal food producers, and how all of that will be showcased in his exploration of the valley.

Bourdain's first stop is Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, where he meets chef Dan Barber. Barber's restaurant, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, is a farm-to-table restaurant situated on the very same farm where the produce is grown and the livestock is raised. Bourdain is fascinated by Barber's innovative farming techniques, and the way he has managed to create a menu that showcases the best of what the land has to offer.

From Stone Barns, Bourdain heads to the Culinary Institute of America, a world-renowned culinary school located in Hyde Park, NY. Here, he meets some of the top chefs in the country and samples some of the cuisine that the school's students are famous for. Bourdain also explores the institute's impressive campus and its history, which dates back to the late 1940s.

Next, Bourdain visits Hudson, NY, a hip and vibrant town that has become a sanctuary for artists, foodies, and the LGBT community. He meets with some of the locals and checks out the town's trendy restaurants, breweries, and artisanal food shops.

Later in the episode, Bourdain learns about the history of apple cider production in the region, and visits an orchard to see how it's made. He also explores the more rugged and wild side of the valley, canoeing along the Hudson River and hiking through the mountains.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain's narration is as witty and insightful as ever. He reflects on the region's beauty, its food culture, and its history, while taking us on a journey through some of the most delicious and visually stunning locations in the valley.

Overall, No Reservations season 6 episode 5 is a fascinating exploration of one of the most beautiful and food-rich regions in the country. Bourdain's love for the area shines through in every scene, and his reverence for the local cuisine and the people who make it is obvious. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in travel, food, and the intersection of the two.