Ep 6. Brazil

In episode 6 of the seventh season of No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain travels to Brazil to explore its rich cuisine and culture. Bourdain begins his journey in São Paulo, where he meets up with a local friend and chef, Alex Atala. Atala takes Bourdain to his restaurant, D.O.M., where they discuss the philosophy behind his approach to cooking and the unique ingredients he uses, such as the Amazonian fruit cupuaçu and the Amazonian fish tambaqui.

Bourdain also visits the Mercado Municipal, a bustling market known for its fresh produce and meat. He samples the famous mortadella sandwich and tries various exotic fruits, including the jackfruit and the açai berry, which he tries in the form of a sorbet.

Next, Bourdain heads to Paraty, a colonial town with cobblestone streets and brightly colored houses. Here, he meets with a local family who cook traditional Brazilian dishes, such as feijoada, a black bean stew with various cuts of pork, and moqueca, a seafood stew made with coconut milk and dendê oil. Bourdain also attends a cachaça tasting, a spirit made from sugarcane that is a popular drink in Brazil.

Bourdain then travels to the state of Minas Gerais, known for its hearty, rustic cuisine. Here, he meets with chef Rodrigo Oliveira, who owns the popular restaurant Mocotó. Oliveira takes Bourdain to visit a local farmer who raises and butchers goats, and they sample various cuts of meat, including tongue, liver, and ribs. Bourdain also tries pão de queijo, a cheese bread that is a specialty of the region.

Finally, Bourdain heads to Salvador, the capital of Bahia, known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and cuisine. He meets up with chef Tereza Paim, who takes him to the Mercado Modelo, a bustling market with vendors selling everything from spices to souvenirs. They try various street foods, including acarajé, a deep-fried bean and shrimp fritter, and cocada, a sweet coconut candy.

Bourdain also attends a traditional candomblé ceremony, a syncretic religion that blends African, Indigenous, and Catholic beliefs. He learns about the history and significance of the religion and its impact on Bahian culture.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain discusses the complex history of Brazil, including its colonial past and its current struggles with poverty and inequality. He also showcases the diversity of Brazilian cuisine, which is influenced by indigenous, African, European, and Asian cultures.

Overall, No Reservations season 7 episode 6 is a captivating exploration of Brazil's food and culture, featuring stunning visuals and insightful commentary from Bourdain.