Ep 5. Childhood Flavors

In A Cook's Tour season 1 episode 5, titled "Childhood Flavors," we follow host Anthony Bourdain as he travels to Mexico City to explore the taste of childhood. Bourdain starts his journey at a local market where he's struck by the "rawness and intensity" of the scene. He is fascinated by the variety of ingredients available, including an array of exotic fruits and vegetables, as well as meats and seafood that vary in size and aroma. Bourdain tries Mexican hot dogs and snacks that he fondly remembers from his childhood and remembers being elated by them.

Bourdain then meets renowned Mexican chef Enrique Olvera, who takes him on a tour of various markets and mini-diners to search for childhood flavors. The chef offers Bourdain a traditional Mexican breakfast of tamales and atole, a sweet, warm drink that is typically consumed during the winter months. The pair then proceed towards a grilling and cooking section where they cook seafood dishes.

Later, Bourdain visits a taco stand and enjoys the language difference between him and the cook. He is thrilled by the cook's method of preparation, including toasting the tortilla before adding filling which is a traditional method reflective of the region's culture.

Bourdain also visits Fonda Margarita, where he samples an array of Mexican dishes as well as desserts. He is particularly fond of a dish named Queso De Bola, which is a ball-shaped cheese, and an ice cream dish made with avocado and Filipino coconut.

In the next segment, Bourdain is seen talking to a friend about the prevalent drug problem in Mexico. He believes that food has the power to unite people, and by consuming local cuisine we are indirectly supporting the local culture.

Later, Bourdain and Chef Olvera go on a food excursion to the outskirts of Mexico City, where they visit a farmer's market known as Mercado De San Juan. There, they sample several meats, including grasshoppers, cow's brain, ant eggs, and worms.

Bourdain then visits a local fondita, where he's excited to learn about the technique used to cook the traditional dish, mole, which includes about twenty-seven ingredients. He also gets to try the dish, and it reminds him of home-cooked Mexican meals his mother prepared for him in his childhood.

Towards the end of the episode, Bourdain visits his school in Leon, Mexico, where he lived with his family as a child. He talks about the recurring theme of flavor, and how it plays a crucial role in our memories from childhood. He also reiterates the importance of food in bringing people together, and in this particular episode, he successfully explored the various flavors of Mexico City that reminded him of his own childhood.

Overall, A Cook's Tour season 1 episode 5 is an enchanting journey through Mexico City's flavors and cuisine. Bourdain's love for the local cuisine and storytelling ability is evident throughout the episode, making the audience feel truly immersed in this vibrant culture.