No Reservations Season 1 Episode 3 New Jersey

In season 1 episode 3 of No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain explores the state of New Jersey. Despite its reputation for industrial sprawl, Bourdain discovers that New Jersey has a rich history and culture worth exploring. In typical Bourdain fashion, he dives headfirst into the state's cuisine, music, and people, unafraid to get his hands dirty in pursuit of the authentic experience.

The episode starts with Bourdain cruising down the Turnpike, famously known for its traffic and billboards. Despite the initial bleakness of the highway, he finds beauty in the skyline of New York City looming in the distance, as well as the numerous diners and roadside attractions that populate the landscape. Bourdain then visits a classic New Jersey diner, where he indulges in a breakfast of Taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwich, a staple of the state's cuisine.

Next, Bourdain heads to Asbury Park, a once-thriving seaside town now in decline. He explores the famous Stone Pony music venue, where Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi both got their start, and speaks to the locals about the town's past and present. Bourdain then meets up with television personality and New Jersey native Rosie O'Donnell for a ride on the famous boardwalk. They discuss their shared love of New Jersey and commend its underrated charm.

Moving on, Bourdain visits Trenton, the state capital, to try some of the diverse ethnic cuisine that can be found there. He tries Jamaican jerk chicken and curried goat at Caribbean Delight, Vietnamese pho at Pho-nomenon, and Mexican tacos at Taqueria El Mariachi. Bourdain notes that while New Jersey may not have the high-end dining scene of New York City, it makes up for it with its hidden culinary gems and diverse offerings.

Bourdain then heads to Newark, a city that has been plagued by poverty and high crime rates. However, he discovers that there is a thriving Portuguese community in the Ironbound district, which boasts some of the state's best authentic Portuguese restaurants. Bourdain tries salt cod fritters and grilled octopus at Seabra's Marisqueira, a family-owned restaurant that has been in business for over 30 years. Bourdain speaks with the owner, Manny, about his immigrant story and the challenges of running a business in Newark.

Finally, Bourdain visits the Jersey Shore town of Cape May, known for its historic Victorian architecture and quaint charm. He indulges in some classic boardwalk fare, like caramel corn and saltwater taffy, and visits a local farm to table restaurant, where he enjoys a meal featuring locally sourced ingredients. Bourdain reflects on the diversity and beauty of New Jersey, a state that often gets overlooked or dismissed.

Overall, season 1 episode 3 of No Reservations provides a glimpse into the often-misunderstood state of New Jersey. Bourdain's exploration of the state's diverse cuisine, music, and people showcases its unique character and challenges preconceived notions about what one might expect from the Garden State. The episode is a testament to Bourdain's ability to find hidden gems in unexpected places and his dedication to immersing himself fully in the culture of the places he visits.