Ep 9. New Orleans

The Layover season 2 episode 9 takes the audience on a journey to the charming city of New Orleans. Host Anthony Bourdain, a well-traveled chef and author, shows off his favorite spots for food, music, and culture in this vibrant city.

The episode starts with Bourdain wandering through the streets of the French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. He visits a famous po'boy sandwich shop, where he samples a shrimp and oyster po'boy, an iconic New Orleans dish. He also stops by a café for a cup of chicory coffee and a beignet, a delicious fried dough pastry that has become a staple of New Orleans cuisine.

Next, Bourdain heads to the famous music club, Tipitina's, to catch a show by the Rebirth Brass Band. The crowd is energetic and lively, and the music is infectiously upbeat. Bourdain chats with the band members and learns more about the history of brass music in New Orleans.

The episode then takes a darker turn when Bourdain visits the Lower Ninth Ward, an area that was heavily impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Bourdain speaks to a resident who lost everything in the storm and is still struggling to rebuild her life. He also visits a memorial to the victims of Katrina and reflects on the devastation that the storm caused.

In a lighter moment, Bourdain visits a crawfish boil, a traditional Louisiana event where friends and family gather to feast on crawfish and other seafood. Bourdain joins in the fun and learns how to properly eat a crawfish, which involves twisting off the tail and sucking out the meat.

Bourdain also takes a trip to the famous Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, where he learns about the unique above-ground burial practices that are common in New Orleans. He also visits the grave of the legendary voodoo queen, Marie Laveau, and speaks to a local historian about the history of voodoo in Louisiana.

The episode ends with Bourdain spending time with his friend, Chef Donald Link, who takes him on a tour of some of his favorite spots in the city. They visit a butcher shop, a jazz club, and a rooftop bar, all while sampling some of the most delicious food and drinks that New Orleans has to offer.

Overall, The Layover season 2 episode 9 is a fascinating and entertaining look at one of America's most unique and vibrant cities. Bourdain's love for New Orleans is infectious, and his passion for exploring all that the city has to offer is sure to inspire viewers to plan a trip of their own.