No Reservations Season 1 Episode 7 Las Vegas

In No Reservations season 1 episode 7, Anthony Bourdain takes viewers on a gastronomic adventure through Las Vegas, Nevada. Bourdain's show is known for its untraditional approach to food and travel, and this episode is no exception.

The show starts with Bourdain in a seedy hotel room, bemoaning the city's “gaudy opulence” and “over-the-top spectacle.” But as soon as he steps outside, he is swept up in the city's frenetic energy and flashy vibe.

First stop on the tour is a visit to a local watering hole, the Double Down Saloon. This dive bar is known for its quirky drinks menu, which includes the infamous Ass Juice (a mix of Jack Daniel's, peach schnapps, orange juice, and Red Bull). As he sips his death-dealing cocktail, Bourdain chats with the bar patrons, getting a sense of the city's offbeat vibe.

Next up is a visit to chef José Andrés' restaurant at the Cosmopolitan. Andrés is a pioneer of molecular gastronomy, a technique that involves using science to create new food textures and flavors. Bourdain marvels at his dishes, which include liquid nitrogen cocktails, sous-vide octopus, and spherified olives. He praises Andrés for his experimental approach to cooking and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of food.

But Bourdain isn't just interested in the high-end cuisine of Las Vegas. He also takes a trip to Lotus of Siam, a humble Thai restaurant located in a strip mall. Here, he samples some of the most authentic and delicious Thai food he's ever tasted. Bourdain is struck by the contrast between the glitzy, superficial Vegas experience and the genuine warmth and hospitality of the restaurant's owners.

The show also tackles the darker side of the city, with a trip to a gun range where tourists can shoot automatic weapons. Bourdain speaks with the range's owners, who defend their business as a legitimate entertainment experience. But he also reminds viewers of the city's darker side, noting that gun violence and crime are very real issues in Las Vegas.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain also delves into the city's history, visiting the Neon Museum and the Mob Museum. He observes that Las Vegas was built on a foundation of sin and vice, and that this history continues to shape the city's identity today.

At the end of the episode, Bourdain reflects on his time in Las Vegas. He marvels at the city's ability to reinvent itself time and time again, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. But he also recognizes the dichotomy at the heart of the city: the glitz and glamour, the wealth and opportunity, but also the poverty and desperation that lie just beyond the neon lights.

Overall, No Reservations season 1 episode 7 offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex and contradictory world of Las Vegas. Through Bourdain's unique lens, viewers are able to explore the city's cuisine, culture, and history in a way that is both insightful and entertaining.