No Reservations Season 3 Episode 8 New York City
- August 6, 2007
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7.9 (57)
No Reservations is a travel and food show hosted by Anthony Bourdain that explores different cultures and cuisines from around the world. In season 3 episode 8, Bourdain takes on the big apple, New York City.
The episode starts with Bourdain reflecting on his love/hate relationship with New York City. He talks about how it's changed over the years, but it still remains the most exciting city in the world for him.
The first stop on Bourdain's journey is at the "Dead Rabbit" in downtown Manhattan. The bar is famous for its cocktails, and it's where Bourdain meets up with his friend, Sean Muldoon. Muldoon takes Bourdain on a tour of the bar, and the two discuss the history of Irish immigration in the area. They also talk about how the bar's name comes from a notorious Irish street gang from the 19th century.
Next, Bourdain visits "Russ and Daughters," a Jewish deli on the Lower East Side. He talks to Josh Russ Tupper, one of the owners of the deli, about how it's been a staple in the neighborhood for over 100 years. They also discuss the history of the Jewish community in the area and how it's changed over the years.
Moving from the Lower East Side to Brooklyn, Bourdain visits "Di Fara Pizza." Known as one of the best pizzerias in New York City, Bourdain talks to the owner, Domenico DeMarco, about how he's been making pizza for over 50 years. DeMarco shows Bourdain his process for making the pizza and explains how he sources all of his ingredients.
Back in Manhattan, Bourdain visits "Barney Greengrass," another Jewish deli that's been around for over 100 years. Bourdain talks to the owner, Gary Greengrass, about how the deli has maintained its reputation for so long. They also discuss the different types of smoked fish that the deli serves.
Bourdain's next stop is at "Bukharian Broadway," a restaurant in Queens that serves traditional Bukharian Jewish food. Bourdain talks to the owner, Shmil Haddad, about the Bukharian community in Queens and how they've maintained their culture and traditions. They also discuss the different dishes that the restaurant serves.
Moving back to Manhattan, Bourdain visits the "Old Town Bar," a historic bar that's been around since 1892. Bourdain talks to the owner, Gerard Meagher, about the history of the bar and how it's survived over the years. They also discuss the role that the bar played in the neighborhood during the Prohibition era.
Finally, Bourdain heads up to Harlem to visit "Sylvia's," a soul food restaurant that's been around since 1962. Bourdain talks to the owner, Sylvia Woods, about how she started the restaurant and how she's maintained its popularity for over 50 years. They also discuss the role that the restaurant has played in the African American community in Harlem.
Throughout the episode, Bourdain not only explores the city's rich culinary history but also its cultural and social history. From the Irish and Jewish communities on the Lower East Side to the African American community in Harlem, Bourdain shows how food can play a role in bringing different groups of people together. At its heart, the episode is a celebration of the unique character and diversity of New York City.