After the publishing of Kitchen Confidential, but long before No Reservations, The Layover or Parts Unknown, Anthony Michael Bourdain hosted a little watched, not all that highly-rated show called A Cook’s Tour. The Food Network show that was Bourdain’s first foray into food and world-travel television aired for 35 episodes from 2002-2003, and now it’s available on Netflix. A Cook’s Tour is basically a precursor to No Reservations, with Bourdain traveling through exotic countries and cities while experiencing local culture and cuisine. From Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Saint Petersburg in Russia, Bourdain tackles all the same types of situations and experiences you’re familiar with the same aplomb, biting wit and sarcasm that has defined the rest of his career except in A Cook’s Tour everything is decidedly nineties feeling. The production level leaves a little something to be desired compared to all of his other shows, but it’s Bourdain. All thirty-five episodes are worth watching on Netflix.
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Huckberry’s Essential Holiday Gift Guide
Unzip your coat and have some mulled wine on the house—you’ve arrived at your final gifting destination: The Holiday Gift Guide. It’s like your friendly neighborhood one-stop holiday shop, except instead of balsa wood ornaments, ours is packed with thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list. Future heirlooms, small-but-significant stocking stuffers, and gear for getting out there (or staying in)—are all right here. There’s no music playing in the background though, so you’ll just have to hum Bing Crosby while you click around instead.
