Tony Bourdain in Laos

He's one of the few figures to emerge from the celebrity-chef fad with a few shreds of dignity and something interesting to say about food and culture. Sure, I like Tony Bourdain because he's a hard-drinking world-weary pulp-novelist with a seething disdain for mass-produced overly-processed pop-formulaic culture product. But just behind that jaded exterior, he shows more genuine heart and emotion than any of the fake-cheery bobbleheads working their bland hustles on Food Network. Bourdain loves food, not the foodie-industrial complex. And he loves the same kinds of food that I most love and respect: bold unpretentious food, street food, rustic food; spicy noodle soup or beef stew for breakfast; food which nourishes the body and soul not the ego; food rooted in wisdom not flash; food which pulls you closer to this teeming world not further from it.

Here's a stirring and informative segment from a recent episode of "No Reservations" in Laos, in which Tony takes a look at the work of an organization called UXO LAO as they clear unexploded US bombs from the countryside:

Comments

[nezua]

yeah, there it is. this one really affected me. (i've got to upload the design now. :)

[nehanda]

i am so excited to discover your blog. i hope that one of these days, i will seat through and check out the archives. the music that you've shared is awesome. as one who finds music her saving grace, new discovers always lighten my heart. are you familiar with www.emusic.com?
in solidarity,
nehanda

[prof bw]

I like Bourdain as well. It is nice to know I'm not the only one watching for his subtle (Bourdain subtle?!) comments on culture and globalization. However, I was a little concerned by some of the voice over on his recent trip to Afghanistan. Did you see it? Thoughts?

[Kai]

Nez, yeah lemme know about that UXO LAO design, I'll plug it here!

Nehanda, welcome to my humble blog-abode and I'm glad you're enjoying it. Yes: words divide us, music unites us.

Prof BW, I must have missed the Afghanistan episode. Did Tony get all "rah rah USA let's bomb terrorists"? Despite my praise for him, I do see certain limitations; his analysis of certain things probably still needs some work. Hmm, I'll have to check out the episode. Anyway, glad that you generally like him too, he's an interesting guy. Thanks for dropping in!

[prof bw]

it wasn't so much "rah rah" as it was . . . a modified version of the N. American gaze that undercut much of what motivated him to go in the first place. Also, he had a guide this trip who took him to all these things she does not like and does not do, which seemed equally odd. (It just aired last week.)