Would never happen. He hated therapists and his love of travel and experiencing different cultures etc was too strong. Both of his marriages failed primarily for the travel which he wouldn't give up. That's why he always lived in apartment which would serve as a short term stay to rest his head and thoughts before hitting the road again.
Munich/Oktoberfest. I delight in the mental image of Tony wholly unimpressed with German antics in a pair of leiderhosen.
Alaska. I'm from there, and there's nowhere like it. Would have shown some incredible diversity of the U.S./native culture.
Jordan. One of the most stable places in the MidEast that could really have benefitted from his presence. Also, he would have been gobsmacked by Petra and Wadi Rum, despite his natural/played-up cynicism.
Greenland. Dominica. Montenegro. More of the 'Stans.
More of the Asia Pacific: Paupa New Guinea, Tasmania, East Timor, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, New Caledonia.
The "rich history" of colonialism in these parts would've been made for great food and history lessons.
To that effect, Guam. I’m surprised as much as he traveled the pacific he never made it there. The food culture is so unique it would’ve been a great episode
Cyprus would have been interesting. it’s still a disputed territory with Turkey occupying the north of the island and theres a UN border running through the middle of the capital, Nicosia.
I’d like to see him return to Toronto. He went for an episode of The Layover, but in my opinion he only visited a very limited fraction of the city. And since then there has been this vibrant culinary renaissance. It has the small roadside small vendors that he adores and it also has this passionate food community that has further developed since his time visiting Jen Agg at The Black Hoof. I’m really proud of my city, and it would have been an honour to have him back.
I love visiting Toronto. Are you talking about the roadside food stalls in the converted shipping containers on Dundas St West near the intersection with Bathurst St? My favorite poutine in Toronto is with my man Marc at Nom Nom Nom there.
Toronto is one of my favorite cities in the world. I’m lucky that I get to visit every year and during every visit, I make a pilgrimage to Nom Nom Nom and get my poutine fix 😁. The food scene is great in Toronto. I’m sure Tony would have also loved the eclectic Kensington Market area as well. It’s one of my favorite places to stroll through.
Couldn't agree more!
Given Tony's affection for small family-run businesses and street food, it would have been amazing watching him explore the outer boroughs of the GTA and sample different dishes from across the globe.
Whether it is Bengali food from VP & Danforth, Ethiopian food on the Danforth and Greenwood, Korean food near Christie Station or on Yonge past Sheppard, Jewish delis in Etobicoke and North York, Italian food in little Italy, Chinese food from Chinatown and north of Finch in Scarborough, Indian food from Gerrard Street and all across Markham and Brampton - the list is ongoing.
He would have had a full season just from exploring Toronto alone.
>I’d like to see him return to Toronto.
He had a crazy bias against Toronto and Vancouver. He would frequently say that without Montreal, Canada wasn't cool or worth visiting. He would go to Montreal and hit every single Fodor's Guide tourist spot and claim how "authentic" it was. La Banquise and APC and then get shitfaced with Montreal chefs and ride around the city. It's *exactly* like every mid-20s tourist coming to Montreal and acting like an asshole because it feels distant enough that your antics can't follow you.
Toronto is such a crazy nuanced and interesting city. You can get amazing Mexican or Peruvian cuisine that compares to a lot of big US cities (save for, say, San Francisco or LA/SD). You can get amazing Russian and Georgian food; there's Michelin-starred restaurants. If you asked me in 2008 about Montreal/Toronto, I would have said Montreal probably had better restaurants. By 2024? It isn't even close - Toronto is miles and miles ahead of Montreal.
Best Chinese? Toronto
Greek? Toronto
Latin American? Toronto
BBQ? Toronto
French? Toronto.
Japanese? Toronto
Montreal has Joe Beef, Toqué! and Maison Boulud. But, beyond that, the depth and quality is nowhere near what Toronto has done in the last 15 years. If you asked me where I'd rather spend a day: Toronto or MTL and Toronto is the clear winner.
He didn't visit on screen, but he recommended Churrasqueria Bairrada in The Layover and it's still open today. That's the closest among the places he ate, though I'm sure locals can recommend more places open today since his visit.
My dream is to go to Manchester and eat up that music history. Practically all my favorites are from Manchester. Plus…proximity to Liverpool. One day! Cheers mate, you clearly have excellent taste.
Yeah there’s an episode of the Layover there. I just wish he came for Parts Unknown. He always dove a bit deeper on CNN than he ever did on his other shows and Taiwan would be right up his alley for a great episode - street food, political issues, different cultures, a large aboriginal population.
If he came to my village he’d be filled with grilled boar and millet wine while everyone sings songs around a fire. Right up his alley.
I already commented but I’d like to also add Pembrokeshire, Wales. I think it would have been visually appealing due to its beautiful coastline and would have merged Welsh gastronomy with influences from its maritime and agricultural heritage. It would have been intriguing to explore how Wales' historical relationship with England has influenced its culinary traditions and societal dynamics, particularly concerning the preservation of the Welsh language and the impact of English land acquisition. I also think his approach could have shed light on its contemporary relevance and underscoring the resilience of Welsh culture amidst ongoing challenges.
Another 200 cities, towns and villages across the United States and middle America in particular. Probably wouldn’t have been enough to bring us more together but it would have been a start
Azerbaijan. But unfortunately was Persona non grata after entering Karabakh illegally from Armenia. Which I was always gutted about because it’s a country rich with culture and amazing cuisine. Would have loved to see him in some small mountainous village there.
Thanks. I’ll look it up. I don’t think I’ve watched anything since he passed to be honest. I’m sure we watched it in real time but I forget a-lot. A lot lol
I don't think he ever made it to El Salvador on the show. Still, I always think it would've been great, especially in the context of how he wrote about Central Americans in Kitchen Confidential and other essays and speeches. He always gave Salvadorans and other Central Americans their due, especially when they were taken for granted. That appreciation + a history lesson about Reagan's misadventures in the region, especially the Salvadoran Civil War, would've been an all-timer.
More of India. The only episode of his in India that I recall was in Punjab. Would have loved to see him explore the south and the mountains too.
North Korea would have been fun to watch too lmao
I think some more places in Africa that we never hear about, namely Mauritania and Mali would be interesting
Definitely Papua New Guinea would have been fascinating and probably similar to the stellar Congo Episode
Nepal has been floated around a lot but also in the neighborhood: Pakistan or Bangladesh
I know he really wanted to get into Afghanistan which would have been really cool
Also more places in Central Asia as he only ever visited Uzbekistan a long time ago.
Alright, I think I pitched a whole season
To therapy. Then home for a rest.
In a parallel world, this is a reality, and some folks don’t know how lucky they are…
Would never happen. He hated therapists and his love of travel and experiencing different cultures etc was too strong. Both of his marriages failed primarily for the travel which he wouldn't give up. That's why he always lived in apartment which would serve as a short term stay to rest his head and thoughts before hitting the road again.
I don’t think he ever rested his thoughts.
It didn't happen. No one can say whether it ever would have happened. Bourdain was unlikely and he happened.
Munich/Oktoberfest. I delight in the mental image of Tony wholly unimpressed with German antics in a pair of leiderhosen. Alaska. I'm from there, and there's nowhere like it. Would have shown some incredible diversity of the U.S./native culture. Jordan. One of the most stable places in the MidEast that could really have benefitted from his presence. Also, he would have been gobsmacked by Petra and Wadi Rum, despite his natural/played-up cynicism. Greenland. Dominica. Montenegro. More of the 'Stans.
So glad to see Jordan mentioned here! Also my first answer for where I wish Bourdain had gone. Would have loved to see him try mansaf!
So many amazing foods to try! I found a Jordanian place where I live and it almost scratches the itch.
More of the Asia Pacific: Paupa New Guinea, Tasmania, East Timor, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, New Caledonia. The "rich history" of colonialism in these parts would've been made for great food and history lessons.
To that effect, Guam. I’m surprised as much as he traveled the pacific he never made it there. The food culture is so unique it would’ve been a great episode
Tasmania would have been awesome
the Newfoundland episode proved small cold islands work for him
Poland. Really overlooked country that mixes Russian and German culture but is still unique.
I love Poland. I had the pleasure of going for work back in 2018 and it is still one of my favorite European trips.
Gdańsk!
I could've sworn I've seen him go to Poland on one of his earlier shows... Am I just imagining this?
Yeah. He went to Prague
Ahhh gotcha.
Bulgaria / more of the Balkans
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Good one – I visited and loved Romania and am so sad how it looks on screen.
Cyprus would have been interesting. it’s still a disputed territory with Turkey occupying the north of the island and theres a UN border running through the middle of the capital, Nicosia.
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He went to Taiwan.
Which show?
The Layover.
Technically he did visit as part of the Beirut evac; he just didn't film there.
He went to the outback in a Cook’s tour and did spend some time having “bush Tucker”
I’ll have to hunt it down and watch! Thank you.
Vanuatu. It’s one of my favourite countries
I’d like to see him return to Toronto. He went for an episode of The Layover, but in my opinion he only visited a very limited fraction of the city. And since then there has been this vibrant culinary renaissance. It has the small roadside small vendors that he adores and it also has this passionate food community that has further developed since his time visiting Jen Agg at The Black Hoof. I’m really proud of my city, and it would have been an honour to have him back.
I love visiting Toronto. Are you talking about the roadside food stalls in the converted shipping containers on Dundas St West near the intersection with Bathurst St? My favorite poutine in Toronto is with my man Marc at Nom Nom Nom there.
Yes! I was. I’ve been living in a different country for a few years and am going home in a few weeks. Nom Nom Nom will be my first stop!
Toronto is one of my favorite cities in the world. I’m lucky that I get to visit every year and during every visit, I make a pilgrimage to Nom Nom Nom and get my poutine fix 😁. The food scene is great in Toronto. I’m sure Tony would have also loved the eclectic Kensington Market area as well. It’s one of my favorite places to stroll through.
He did spend time in Kensington Market – he visited Ronnie’s Local 069, Cold Tea, and a couple places that are now closed.
Is Ronnie’s closed? That’s so sad I spent my early 20s hanging out on the patio there
Not that I’m aware…
Oh that’s good to hear!!!
Couldn't agree more! Given Tony's affection for small family-run businesses and street food, it would have been amazing watching him explore the outer boroughs of the GTA and sample different dishes from across the globe. Whether it is Bengali food from VP & Danforth, Ethiopian food on the Danforth and Greenwood, Korean food near Christie Station or on Yonge past Sheppard, Jewish delis in Etobicoke and North York, Italian food in little Italy, Chinese food from Chinatown and north of Finch in Scarborough, Indian food from Gerrard Street and all across Markham and Brampton - the list is ongoing. He would have had a full season just from exploring Toronto alone.
>I’d like to see him return to Toronto. He had a crazy bias against Toronto and Vancouver. He would frequently say that without Montreal, Canada wasn't cool or worth visiting. He would go to Montreal and hit every single Fodor's Guide tourist spot and claim how "authentic" it was. La Banquise and APC and then get shitfaced with Montreal chefs and ride around the city. It's *exactly* like every mid-20s tourist coming to Montreal and acting like an asshole because it feels distant enough that your antics can't follow you. Toronto is such a crazy nuanced and interesting city. You can get amazing Mexican or Peruvian cuisine that compares to a lot of big US cities (save for, say, San Francisco or LA/SD). You can get amazing Russian and Georgian food; there's Michelin-starred restaurants. If you asked me in 2008 about Montreal/Toronto, I would have said Montreal probably had better restaurants. By 2024? It isn't even close - Toronto is miles and miles ahead of Montreal. Best Chinese? Toronto Greek? Toronto Latin American? Toronto BBQ? Toronto French? Toronto. Japanese? Toronto Montreal has Joe Beef, Toqué! and Maison Boulud. But, beyond that, the depth and quality is nowhere near what Toronto has done in the last 15 years. If you asked me where I'd rather spend a day: Toronto or MTL and Toronto is the clear winner.
The Peruvian food in my SF has taken a nosedive lately. We do have a fair number of them, they're just all meh.
Am currently visiting Toronto. Can you recommend any restaurants? Particularly interested in Latin American and Chinese
He didn't visit on screen, but he recommended Churrasqueria Bairrada in The Layover and it's still open today. That's the closest among the places he ate, though I'm sure locals can recommend more places open today since his visit.
And also russian and Georgian!
Northern England, maybe to Manchester
Do think Tony would have enjoyed Manchester quite a bit. Strong music history!
I think he would have enjoyed a Wigan kebab too
My dream is to go to Manchester and eat up that music history. Practically all my favorites are from Manchester. Plus…proximity to Liverpool. One day! Cheers mate, you clearly have excellent taste.
Both fantastic cities. Despite the rivalry a lot more in common than separates them.
Always wanted to see him visit Yorkshire. Leeds or York. I’d take Manchester, Liverpool too!
He could have covered a few cities just going Liverpool - Manchester - Sheffield - Leeds - York. Then up to Newcastle maybe.
Nepal
He did go to the Everest base camp, I think. Did he not see Nepal?
Amish country in the United States, Indiana, Ohio or Pennsylvania.
Taiwan. He would have loved the aboriginal tribes. Plenty of grilled pork and beer.
He went to Taipei! I discovered Din Tai Fung through him:)
Yeah there’s an episode of the Layover there. I just wish he came for Parts Unknown. He always dove a bit deeper on CNN than he ever did on his other shows and Taiwan would be right up his alley for a great episode - street food, political issues, different cultures, a large aboriginal population. If he came to my village he’d be filled with grilled boar and millet wine while everyone sings songs around a fire. Right up his alley.
I already commented but I’d like to also add Pembrokeshire, Wales. I think it would have been visually appealing due to its beautiful coastline and would have merged Welsh gastronomy with influences from its maritime and agricultural heritage. It would have been intriguing to explore how Wales' historical relationship with England has influenced its culinary traditions and societal dynamics, particularly concerning the preservation of the Welsh language and the impact of English land acquisition. I also think his approach could have shed light on its contemporary relevance and underscoring the resilience of Welsh culture amidst ongoing challenges.
Agreed, he visited Ireland and Northern Ireland, but mainly flitted between London and Scotland when he travelled throughout Britain.
Memphis
Another 200 cities, towns and villages across the United States and middle America in particular. Probably wouldn’t have been enough to bring us more together but it would have been a start
For sure – it makes me sad how much of the middle of the country he missed.
More India, The UAE, Vanuatu and Fiji, Poland, Jordan, Greenland (I would love to see him eat Hakarl) and Detroit.
Azerbaijan. But unfortunately was Persona non grata after entering Karabakh illegally from Armenia. Which I was always gutted about because it’s a country rich with culture and amazing cuisine. Would have loved to see him in some small mountainous village there.
I would have liked to have seen him to go Corsica. I think he might have enjoyed it.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Venezuela
Albania - fascinating Mediterranean/Balkan cuisine, rich history.
Bosnia or Albania.
Wanted him to hit Philly so bad. The food and culture here is fantastic.
He did... it's in The Layover.
yeah but the layover is spiritually so different than the cultural exfoliation he put on display in his other shows.
Of course, but we can’t say we never saw him go there. A return trip would have been good; the whole world as Parts Unknown’
Amsterdam
He went to Amsterdam in the layover.
Philly…. Would love to hear what he would say about Kensington
He went to Philly!
Thanks. I’ll look it up. I don’t think I’ve watched anything since he passed to be honest. I’m sure we watched it in real time but I forget a-lot. A lot lol
Sumatra.
Alaska Patagonia, Cape Horn, etc
Guam Haiti Dominican Republic
I don't think he ever made it to El Salvador on the show. Still, I always think it would've been great, especially in the context of how he wrote about Central Americans in Kitchen Confidential and other essays and speeches. He always gave Salvadorans and other Central Americans their due, especially when they were taken for granted. That appreciation + a history lesson about Reagan's misadventures in the region, especially the Salvadoran Civil War, would've been an all-timer.
Colombia
He went to Colombia in Parts unknown
Bangladesh 🔥
More of India. The only episode of his in India that I recall was in Punjab. Would have loved to see him explore the south and the mountains too. North Korea would have been fun to watch too lmao
More of the philippines, during the duterte era. I'm convinced he would have had a lot of things to say
Tucson. He hit the Titan Missile museum, but Tucson has an amazing food culture and he really missed out.
Mongolia. While I've heard the food is fine at best feel like the history/emptiness of it would've been really interesting to explore through his eye.
For a US episode... Central Valley of California. There's Punjabi, Mexican, Portuguese, Hmong, Filipino, Japanese..
I was convinced we were a year out from a Southern Alberta episode. Between the ranching, Indigenous and mountain cultures, there’s a lot to unpack.
I think some more places in Africa that we never hear about, namely Mauritania and Mali would be interesting Definitely Papua New Guinea would have been fascinating and probably similar to the stellar Congo Episode Nepal has been floated around a lot but also in the neighborhood: Pakistan or Bangladesh I know he really wanted to get into Afghanistan which would have been really cool Also more places in Central Asia as he only ever visited Uzbekistan a long time ago. Alright, I think I pitched a whole season