Mike and I have been really getting into Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations lately. What I love about him is his ability to capture the essence of the places he visits, not only through food, but through his observations. But mostly through food. I love that he always dines with a local expert who offers both the cultural and culinary background of the places he sees.
Two nights ago we watched his Disappearing New York episode and now I am on a mission to get down there and visit every single place on the episode. Tonight we watched his Ecuador episode and now I am on a mission to get down there and visit every single place on the episode – except I can probably do without the guinea pig.
I also love his show because it reminds me that I want to make it a point to eat local at home and when I travel. That’s why some of my home cooked weekend brunches require a neighborhood stroll. And it’s also why I actively sought out Comida Tipica in Costa Rica no matter what else was on the menu.
While in Mexico, I was by default immersed in the cuisine of the resort, and with the exception of a couple of fancy meals, the majority of the food was a hybrid of faux Mexican and faux American. But, on the day that we took our tour of Chichen Itza, we also stopped at the restaurant of a local hotel somewhere in between the pyramids and the great Cenote called Hacienda Xaybeh de Camara.
To be honest, though the atmosphere was a clear give away that it is a stopping ground for tourists, I think the food was as close to local as we were going to get that week – and it was delicious.
Lisa got the pulled pork. She said it was the best pulled pork she had ever had and I agreed. I had the chicken with rice and beans and that too was great.
We also got to sample some local beer. Apparently, they have a very good and very local dark beer on the menu, which I uncharacteristically avoided. It was just too hot to not get something lighter. So, I chose the Montejo, and it was perfect.
Though it was just a taste, it was nice to break out of the confines of the endless chips and guacamole we wholeheartedly took advantage of on the resort.
Do you try to eat local at home and away?
I have SUCH a crush on AB!!!
I adore Anthony! One of the places I am going to while I am in France in October is 100% because of him and one of his episodes. He is incredible!
I always try to eat local. Chain restaurants make me sad.
I always always try to eat at locally-run/owned restaurants. and I love love love Bourdain. I’m currently reading his book, Medium Raw, and it makes me want to go out for drinks with him.