Ep 6. Berlin

In season 11 episode 6 of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, Bourdain explores the vibrant, complex city of Berlin. The episode takes viewers on a journey through the city's rich history, from the scars left by World War II to the division between East and West during the Cold War.

Bourdain wastes no time diving into the city's dynamic culinary scene, sampling traditional German dishes like currywurst and schnitzel at street markets and local restaurants. He also explores the city's more cutting-edge dining options, eating at restaurants that push the boundaries of traditional cuisine.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain interviews locals and expats who call Berlin home, gaining insight into the city's art, music, and nightlife scenes. He talks with graffiti artists and street performers, visits a Jewish synagogue, and observes a group of friends enjoying a night out clubbing in the city's famous techno scene.

The episode also touches on the city's uneasy relationship with its past. Bourdain visits sites like the Berlin Wall and the Holocaust Memorial, paying tribute to the victims of Nazi Germany and the many who were forced to flee or died trying to cross the wall during the Cold War.

At the heart of the episode is Bourdain's appreciation for the city's ability to embrace its complicated history while pushing forward into the future. He acknowledges the city's many contradictions, from its labyrinthine bureaucracy to its tolerance for alternative lifestyles and counterculture.

Overall, the Berlin episode of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown offers a nuanced and engaging glimpse into one of the world's most fascinating cities. From its food to its music to its rich history, Berlin comes alive in this episode as Bourdain takes viewers on a journey that is equal parts fun, informative, and thought-provoking.