Ep 12. Emilia Romana

In the 12th episode of the eighth season of No Reservations, host Anthony Bourdain travels to Italy's Emilia Romana region to explore the cuisine and culture of the area. Emilia Romana is known for its rich agricultural land, which produces some of the best artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and balsamic vinegar in the world.

Bourdain begins his journey in the city of Bologna, the capital of Emilia Romana, where he tries the classic dish of tortellini in brodo. He also visits a local Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese factory and observes the cheese-making process. Bourdain remarks that unlike many industrial cheese factories, the process here is done by hand, making the end product of the highest quality.

Next, Bourdain heads to the town of Modena, where he experiences a unique culinary tradition: aceto balsamico, or balsamic vinegar. Bourdain observes the aging process of the vinegar, where it is made from grape must and stored in wooden barrels for up to 25 years. He also visits a family-run restaurant that has been producing traditional balsamic vinegar for generations.

Bourdain then travels to the town of Parma, where he indulges in some of the best cured meats in the world. He visits a producer of prosciutto di Parma, where he observes the careful curing process that gives the meat its distinctive flavor. Bourdain also dines at a local restaurant that specializes in culatello, a type of cured ham made from the loin of a pig. He marvels at the flavor of the meat, which has been aged for over two years.

Finally, Bourdain ends his journey in the town of Modena, where he experiences one of the most unique foods of the region: the torta di riso, or rice cake. He visits a local bakery that has been producing the sweet cake for over 200 years, and even gets a chance to try his hand at making it himself.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain is struck by the devotion that the people of Emilia Romana have to their culinary traditions. He notes that the production of cheese, cured meats, and balsamic vinegar in the region is done with the utmost care and precision, resulting in products of unparalleled quality. Bourdain also remarks on the warmth and hospitality of the people he meets, who are eager to share their food and culture with him.

Overall, the Emilia Romana episode of No Reservations offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Italy's most beloved regions, as well as its rich culinary heritage. Bourdain's journey is full of mouth-watering experiences that are sure to inspire any food lover.