Ep 7. Seattle
- TV-14
- November 19, 2017
- 42 min
In episode 7 of season 10 of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, the renowned chef and food writer travels to Seattle to explore the city's cultural diversity, vibrant culinary scene, and stunning natural landscapes.
The episode begins with Bourdain wandering through the bustling Pike Place Market, where he samples local delicacies such as salmon jerky, crab cakes, and artisanal cheese. He also chats with some of the market's vendors, who share stories about their immigrant backgrounds and the evolving food culture in Seattle.
Bourdain then visits the historic Pioneer Square district, where he meets up with local chef Edouardo Jordan, who runs the acclaimed restaurant June Baby. Over a meal of Southern-inspired dishes such as fried chicken and black-eyed peas, Bourdain and Jordan discuss the challenges and rewards of running a restaurant in a rapidly gentrifying city.
Next, Bourdain heads to the nearby Chinatown-International District, where he explores the vibrant Asian-American community through its food and culture. He visits a traditional dim sum restaurant and samples a variety of dumplings and noodles, before joining a lion dance troupe for a festive performance.
Throughout his travels in Seattle, Bourdain also takes in the city's remarkable natural beauty. He hikes to the top of Mount Rainier, a towering volcano that looms over the city, and marvels at the breathtaking vistas of forests, glaciers, and wildflowers. He also goes fishing in the Puget Sound, where he catches and prepares his own fresh salmon.
As always, Bourdain deftly weaves together food, travel, and storytelling to present a nuanced and captivating portrait of Seattle and its people. He celebrates the city's cultural richness and culinary innovation, while acknowledging its complex history and ongoing struggles with inequality and displacement.
Ultimately, Bourdain's visit to Seattle is a poignant reminder of his singular talent as a storyteller and cultural ambassador, and his enduring legacy as a champion of food, travel, and human connection.
