Part 2: Best of Bourdain in North America: The Rust Belt

So, oddly enough, it wasn't San Francisco or even New Orleans, which grabbed the top spot for best Bourdain show in North America. Instead, Anthony's adventures to Detroit, Baltimore and Buffalo with his buddy Zamir was our favorite No Reservations episode in North America. Why? Three reasons.


1. Snoop from the Wire. Tony and Felicia "Snoop" Pearson from HBO's best show ever, "The Wire", eat at Mo's Seafood in Baltimore. Snoop is just as gritty and compelling as her character on HBO was, but you kind of get the impression she's playing Tony a bit as well. Regardless, this gal has definitely lived a rough life. While Mo's Seafood does not look particularly appetizing, it feels real, and a highlight of the show is when Tony buys the patrons, who look like extras from the Cher classic movie, "Mask", an electric blue cocktail, called the "Obama". Which is actually kind of hysterical.

Port of Baltimore, Setting of HBO's The Wire, Season 2.

2. Detroit. Detroit is a city you want to root for. It's the poster child for an America that is dying, which is both sad and scary. Tony's journey throughout the city reveals great food from around the world (from Polish to Lebanese to Belgian).  More importantly, Tony talks to the common folk and it's one of those very special episodes. But you certainly don't mind as Detroit is a city that deserves to have its story told.

3. Zamir. Tony's friend Zamir is what I would describe as a card. Through Uzbekistan, Romania, and Russia we watched Zamir torture Tony (with counter revenge plots orchestrated by Tony). With the Rust Belt episode, Tony had a chance to show his Russian friend a different side of the U.S. Zamir is charming as always and is much loved in the Rust Belt. His reputation precedes him, particularly following Bourdain superfan Nelson Star's musical performance at a local club in Buffalo. It made for some very entertaining moments in this episode as Zamir coos for his fans. Also, interestingly enough, Zamir has a career outside of Tony. http://www.tridentmediagroup.com/zamir_gotta.html

Beef on Wheck. Buffalo's other famous food.

Overall, a great episode. Will I be traveling to these three towns anytime soon? Probably not, but I know that if I end up there, I will have a tasty and interesting time.

Please note that Mr. Fashionista would like me to make clear that he LOVES Baltimore and would go there anytime for the crabs alone.