Ep 9. Cuba

In season 7 of No Reservations, episode 9 takes host Anthony Bourdain to Cuba. This episode is an exploration of the multifaceted culture of Cuba, as Bourdain wanders through Havana, making his way through the streets, visiting bars and restaurants, and meeting with locals to discuss the country's history, politics, and food.

Even though the episode is filmed in black and white, it presents a vibrant and colorful look at Cuba, and Bourdain jumps headfirst into the local culture, taking in everything from the classic Cadillacs to a jazz club in Old Havana.

As Bourdain strolls through the town, he stops in on a tiny boxing gym hidden in an alleyway to talk with a trainer about the grit and determination of Cuban boxers, who despite a lack of resources, have managed to become some of the best in the world.

Continuing his journey, Bourdain visits a doctor. Here, he discusses the country's health system and how it is one that cannot be compared to any other country's due to its exceptionalism. Bourdain also gets a chance to talk about the history of Cuba with the doctor. They visit a statue of Fidel Castro with the doctor giving a brief recollection of the nation's past that leads to some interviews with local people, peeking into the lives and values they hold dear.

Bourdain's trip through Cuba couldn't be complete without dancing, as he heads to a dance studio where they are rehearsing salsa performance for an upcoming festival. The host, after revealing that he can't dance, tries his best to keep up with the moves and the energy of the dancers' enthusiastic instructor

The highlight of the episode is the food, and there's plenty of it. From the guava milkshakes and empanadas at the neighborhood cafes to the fresh fish caught off the coast of Havana to the classic and iconic Cuban sandwich (roast pork, ham, swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles), Bourdain indulges in all of the country's culinary delights.

Also, Bourdain visits an organic farm where a dedicated farmer is producing a unique crop of vegetables and fruits without harsh chemicals and fertilizers, and processes with limited carbon footprints. It gives the host an opportunity to talk about the farm-to-table process, providing a closeup of sustainable, local food sourcing.

In typical fashion, Bourdain's journey through Cuba isn't all about the glamour and beauty. It's also about the country's struggles and hardships, as he travels to a rundown neighborhood and meets with a group of young rappers. The artists talk about how hip-hop is a way to communicate their frustration and voice about the need for change in Cuba.

Lastly, Bourdain's journey through Cuba ends with a visit to a cigar factory where he got to see how the iconic Cuban cigars are produced. Here, he talks with the tobacco workers about the country's laws and sales of the product to the US, the biggest importers of cigars.

No Reservations season 7 episode 9 combines history, culture, and food to make an engaging, entertaining, and educational exploration of Cuba. Bourdain's zeal for the people, culture, and food of the country is apparent. His genuine enthusiasm and depth of knowledge about the country and its vibrant culture reflects in the show, making it a must-watch episode.