Ep 14. Seven Deadly Sins

In this episode of No Reservations, host Anthony Bourdain delves into the seven deadly sins as they relate to food culture around the world.

The episode starts with a focus on gluttony, highlighting the over-the-top cuisine found in Las Vegas. Bourdain visits several of the city's famous buffets and indulges in excessive amounts of gourmet food. He also meets with renowned chef José Andrés to discuss the prevalence of excess in American dining culture.

Next, Bourdain heads to New York City to explore the sin of greed. He visits some of the city's most expensive restaurants, where he experiences rare and luxurious ingredients and dishes. Bourdain also speaks with food industry experts to discuss the high cost of fine dining and the impact it has on society.

Moving onto lust, Bourdain travels to Tokyo, Japan, where he samples some of the country's infamous adult-themed restaurants and explores the city's nightlife. He also learns about the cultural reverence for food in Japan and how it contributes to the country's obsession with culinary pleasure.

Bourdain then heads to New Orleans to explore the deadly sin of envy. He visits local chefs who are making waves in the culinary scene and learns about the competitive nature of the food industry in the city. Bourdain also indulges in the city's famous Creole cuisine and reflects on the envy he feels towards those who have had the opportunity to experience it before him.

Wrath is the next deadly sin on the list, and Bourdain travels to Beirut, Lebanon, to explore the history and complexity of the country's political conflicts. He speaks with locals about how food plays a role in expressing their anger and frustration with the ongoing turmoil in the region.

The episode then takes a turn towards the sin of sloth as Bourdain heads to Copenhagen, Denmark. He spends time with chef René Redzepi of Noma, one of the world's top-rated restaurants, and explores the approach to Nordic cuisine, which emphasizes simplicity and minimalism. Bourdain also reflects on his own tendency towards laziness and his admiration for those who push themselves to achieve greatness.

Finally, Bourdain arrives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to explore the sin of pride. He meets with chefs who are proud of their country's diverse culinary traditions, from traditional Brazilian street food to high-end fusion cuisine. Bourdain also takes part in the city's legendary Carnival celebrations, where he witnesses the pride and joy of the Brazilian people.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain reflects on his own relationship with food and the seven deadly sins. He acknowledges that while these sins can sometimes lead to indulgence and excess, they are also a natural part of human nature and can bring passion, creativity, and joy to the world of food.