Ep 12. El Bulli

In season 7's twelfth episode of No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain visits one of the most renowned and highly regarded restaurants in the world, El Bulli. Located in the coastal town of Roses, Spain, El Bulli was opened by Chef Ferran Adrià in 1984 and has since become synonymous with avant-garde cuisine and molecular gastronomy.

Bourdain begins the episode with a scenic drive around the stunning coastline near Roses before arriving at the restaurant. He is greeted by Chef Adrià and given a tour of the extensive and meticulously organized kitchen. Bourdain is impressed by the level of organization and precision required to operate at the level of El Bulli.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain looks on as Adrià and his team prepare and serve dishes from their innovative and ever-changing menu. The dishes are unlike anything Bourdain has ever seen before, some of which include liquid nitrogen-poached oysters, freeze-dried foie gras and a smoked eel mille-feuille.

Bourdain sits down with Adrià to discuss his approach to cooking and to gain some insight into what inspires him. Adrià explains that his aim is to constantly reinvent the dining experience and to push the boundaries of what people expect from food. He believes that food is a medium through which he can express himself and his ideas.

Bourdain then joins Adrià on a trip to the nearby seaside town of Cadaqués where they visit a local bar and indulge in some traditional tapas. Bourdain observes that while El Bulli is at the forefront of modern gastronomy, Adrià has a deep appreciation for the culinary traditions and flavors of his homeland.

The episode comes to a close with Bourdain reflecting on his experience at El Bulli. He remarks on how he felt like he was witnessing the future of cooking during his visit and how impressed he was by the level of creativity and innovation on display. Bourdain concludes that while El Bulli may not be for everyone, it is undoubtedly one of the most important restaurants in the history of modern gastronomy.