Ep 2. Las Vegas

In the season 3, episode 2 of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, the renowned chef and food expert takes us deep into the heart of Sin City - Las Vegas. The time-honored and often criticized city of lights has become a symbol of decadence, luxury, and excess in modern times. But Bourdain isn't in Las Vegas to stick to the strip or indulge in the glitz and glamour of the city's famous casinos.

Instead, he sets out to discover the hidden gems that lie in the neighborhoods and corners of Vegas that are not necessarily known to the tourists. Bourdain starts his journey at the famous Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar and Grill, an upscale Japanese restaurant that serves some of the best food in the city.

From there, he ventures into the city's Chinatown, which is known for its vibrant street food scene and is a crucial part of Las Vegas' culinary landscape. Bourdain visits Raku, a beloved Japanese izakaya that offers mouth-watering dishes such as grilled pork belly, fried chicken, and fresh sashimi.

The episode showcases Bourdain's love for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, and none could be more so than a dive bar beneath a trailer park in the outskirts of the city. The entire area reflects the harsh realities of surviving in a desert, and the residents have created a unique, thriving community in the face of it. Bourdain participates in a local cookout in the trailer park, where they whip up some seriously delicious burgers and beer.

Bourdain's exploration of Las Vegas also takes him to a classic Italian deli located in the city's sprawling suburbs. This vast meat shop is a treasure trove of authentic Italian delicacies that are hard to find anywhere else in Las Vegas. Bourdain chows down on some traditional Italian sandwiches while marveling at just how delicious simple ingredients can taste.

The episode culminates with a visit to a downtown gourmet taco truck. The truck is run by a chef who has been serving up classic and innovative takes on Mexican food for years. Bourdain gets to savor some of the city's most incredible tacos, which are gathered around a table by the truck with local chefs and food enthusiasts.

In conclusion, despite being a destination for casinos, nightlife, and entertainment, Las Vegas has an incredible variety of cuisine that is often overlooked. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown season 3, episode 2, pays homage to Las Vegas' diverse cultural landscape, with its rich and vibrant street food heritage. The episode leaves the viewer with a sense of wonder and a desire to explore the nooks and crannies of this city beyond the typical landmarks.