Anthony Bourdain is ruining my new years resolution, watch less TV. This man has been plastered on my TV all year! Admittedly, I could always change the channel or not turn on my TV, but…I’ve become too enamored by Mr. Bourdain to do so. After my return from Thailand (yes, I’m still talking about that) I couldn’t bear to watch anything travel related. After a year, I’ve finally been emotionally stable enough to watch the Travel Channel without tearing up. In doing so, I rekindled a love that had lay dormant, Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the show, let me give you a brief synopsis. Anthony Bourdain travels all over the world, trying out different cuisines, meeting locals at every destination. It’s your typical travel/food show. Yet, it’s not typical at all. Most shows like this one do not require a viewer discretion advisory before it begins. Why does No Reservations needs this advisory? Anthony Bourdain is liable to say anything.

This show could be fantastic because of all the exotic destinations and the glorious food. That would surely keep people coming back. However, what makes the show is Anthony Bourdain himself. I know, you’re probably saying “Duh Jesse, that’s why he has his own show!” I contest that Tony B stands out amongst his peers. He has this charming, candid personality that people can relate to. He’s no angel and doesn’t pretend to be. He’s an unabashed smoker and drinker. He sprinkles in bits about his checkered past with narcotics and promiscuous sex during his commentary. It makes for entertaining television. It spices things up (pun intended) compared to other travel/cooking shows. His ability to relate with the locals (it appears) seems so genuine. His affection for food is also so endearing that you can’t but help but become engrossed in the story behind the food and the cooks. The show has so many interesting aspects that it’s easy to understand how I got caught up in the new years day marathon.

Another reason I might be a real fan of Anthony Bourdain could be his passion and devotion to causes close to him. Most notably, Mexican immigrants in the kitchen’s of America’s restaurants. He knows their importance to our restaurant industry. These immigrants aren’t just bus boys; they’re line cooks, sous chefs, head chefs, you name it. They cook all different genres of cuisine. He pleads that they are under paid and under appreciated. They are the backbone to the industry. I have to admire someone who is so commited to his a cause. Perhaps one day I will be commited to a cause just as he is.

This love/hate relationship I have with Anthony Bourdain will probably never end. I derive too much joy watching his journeys to hate him, but these same shows elicit too much envy from me to love him. I might never possess the culinary expertise Mr. Bourdain has, but I hope one day to travel the world, experience different cultures, eat exotic foods, and be paid to do so. Hmmm, one day…one day.

*I said I was going to post my company’s vlog Thursday. We ran into a copyright infringement obstacle with YouTube. When the problem is resolved, I will post it. Vlog #7 coming soon too!