Interestingly, Tony visits the Philipines this coming week. Why do I say interesting? Well, it just so happens that I had spent this morning searching a number of blogs from the Philipines and I was thinking how much I’d really like to visit. I guess that my wish will come true on Tuesday, from the comfort of my armchair.
From what I’ve seen of this episode, we’re going to get the opportunity to see the softer side of Tony (um, there’s a SOFT side???????). He recognizes his large Filipino audience and that the Philippines is a country and food culture that he really wants ‘to do right by.’
You may recognize one of his hosts while there, Augusto, a runner up from the Fan-atic special, which aired last season. Although Augusto wasn’t picked, he made an impression on Tony, and in turn, he is treated to a reunion with his family and ‘the best pig…ever’ at a spectacularly large cookout.
He also delves deep into what exactly it means to be Filipino by exploring their history and the many prominent cultures of the islands. He travels to Manila, Pampanga, and Cebu, visiting a dampa and dining on adobo shrimp, sisig, crab (keep a look out for the stuffed crab – I almost booked a ticket immediately!), goat heads soup, ox tail and of course, lechon.
By the way, make sure you have dinner BEFORE watching, because as usual with No Reservations, you don’t want to be HUNGRY when you watch!
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations Philippines airs on Monday, February 16 at 10pm EST on the Travel Channel.
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