Ep 2. Kansas City

In season 8 episode 2 of No Reservations, host Anthony Bourdain travels to Kansas City to explore the city's rich food culture and history. Known as a hub for barbecue and jazz music, Kansas City promises to offer Bourdain a unique and delicious experience.

Bourdain starts his journey by visiting a small, family-owned barbecue joint called Arthur Bryant's. Founded in the 1920s, Arthur Bryant's is a Kansas City institution that has been serving up slow-cooked, smoky ribs, pulled pork, and brisket for generations. Bourdain samples all of their specialties and can't help but rave about their homemade sauces.

Next, Bourdain meets up with chef Jonathan Justus at his restaurant, Justus Drugstore. Justus is known in the Kansas City food scene for his innovative yet simple approach to cooking with local ingredients. Bourdain and Justus talk about the importance of supporting local farmers and the challenges of operating a farm-to-table restaurant.

Bourdain then heads to the historic 18th and Vine District, known as the birthplace of jazz music. He meets up with jazz musician Bobby Watson at the American Jazz Museum and learns about the city's history as a hub for African American musicians and nightlife.

For lunch, Bourdain visits Q39, a newer player in the Kansas City barbecue scene. Owner Rob Magee is known for pushing the boundaries with his innovative barbecue sauces, and Bourdain is impressed with the variety of flavors and textures in his sampler platter.

In the afternoon, Bourdain heads to the Folly Theater for a performance by the Kansas City Symphony. He talks to young musicians about their passion for music and their hopes for the future of the symphony.

For dinner, Bourdain visits Grunauer, a family-owned Austrian restaurant that has been operating in Kansas City for over 70 years. He tries traditional Viennese dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and Goulash and talks to the owners about their family's history in the restaurant industry.

Finally, Bourdain ends his night at Manifesto, a speakeasy-style bar hidden behind a coffee shop. He sits down with bartender Ryan Maybee and tries some classic and modern cocktails while learning about the city's cocktail culture.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain is charmed by the friendly, welcoming nature of the people he meets in Kansas City and impressed by the city's vibrant food and music scenes. He leaves with a newfound appreciation for all that the city has to offer.