I’ve always wanted to be a chef. Not seriously, of course; I have nowhere near the culinary talent required to cook professionally. But I can still live out my little fantasy thanks to the diversions that are cooking shows. Sometimes it’s Top Chef, sometimes it’s Cake Boss. It’s never Rachael Ray. But the cooking show I get the most enjoyment out of is one of the most exotic: Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.
Of course, Bourdain doesn’t do a whole lot of cooking in the series. Most of his time is spent sampling the cuisines of eateries both foreign and domestic, or just exploring the food culture there. Knowing Bourdain is himself a brilliant chef certainly helps, but simply enjoying the experiences of such foods with him (or at least watching him enjoy the experiences) is enough to really draw me in. And, sometimes, makes me really hungry.
But interestingly enough, a lot of No Reservations‘ appeal comes from just the sights that the camera seems to absorb wherever Bourdain goes. His trip to Brittany, for example, showcases some absolutely marvelous shots of the brilliant blue ocean that looks absolutely marvelous on screen. Between these landscapes and the food, it’s no wonder that the show is already on its sixth DVD set.
On January 18, Gaiam will be releasing the “Collection 5, Part 2” DVD set of No Reservations. The set itself is pretty slick. The three discs come packaged together in one case, which also includes a mail-in for a voucher of $250 off any trip provided by the company Natural Habitat Adventures.
If you’re wondering about special features, this set’s got ’em. But they’re not what you’re expecting; they took me quite by surprise. It’s not deleted scenes or extra footage, it’s… Well, I don’t want to spoil the surprise. Let’s just say the three scenes are collectively titled Anthony Bourdain’s Alternate Universe, they contain Bourdain’s typical humor (and then some), and they’re more violent than most network television.
Collection 5, Set 2 is available for order on Amazon, and should hit stores on January 18. You can order the set on Amazon for just $23.49.
Follow Us
