Anthony Bourdain’s guide to eating in New York
Undoubtedly among the most beloved celebrity chefs in popular culture, Anthony Bourdain took a unique approach to food that resonated with audiences all around the world. In addition to his talents in the kitchen, Bourdain won the hearts of fans everywhere with his sociological food documentaries that highlighted the wonderfully diverse culinary cultures of so many different countries.
After he broke through to the mainstream consciousness with his bestselling book Kitchen Confidential, Bourdain continued to work on multiple TV programmes before his tragic suicide at the age of 61. Among them, one of the most popular shows was CNN’s Parts Unknown, which was a multi-Emmy-winning hit that also racked up a Peabody Award.
Ranging from Colombia and Libya to Japan and Peru, Bourdain used food as the foundation of stories that delved deeper into the sociopolitical climates from which the dishes emerged. It was his passion for discovering lesser-known cultures that not only set him apart but also paved the way for countless vloggers who have followed in his footsteps with their own YouTube channels.
Even though Bourdain had a lot of love for international cuisines, he was always a New Yorker at heart. Born in Manhattan, the highly specific cultural frameworks of the great city played a major role in not only shaping his culinary sensibilities but also who he was as a human being. That’s exactly why fans are always looking up Bourdain’s favourite New York spots whenever they start planning their travel itineraries.
During a conversation with Tech Insider, Bourdain once laid out the perfect food destinations in the city and advised people on what to avoid if they are there for a limited period of time. According to him, it was important to try the specialities that New York had to offer instead of going to the critically acclaimed restaurants whose expertise lies in European cuisines.
The late chef said: “We have a lot of really great French restaurants and European-style restaurants here, some of the best in the world. But if you’re only in New York for two or three days, why would you want to do that? What are we the best at? What do we have that you definitely do not have?”
“I’ll tell you,” he continued. “We have good deli. We have better deli than you. So I would go to Russ and Daughters, or Pastrami Queen or Katz’s. I’d get myself a good pastrami sandwich on rye with some sour pickles and a Dr. Brown’s cream soda. I’d get a toasted bialy or a good-quality bagel with some nice smoked salmon on it and some cream cheese. I would eat some utility pizza. Maybe it’s not the best pizza in the world. New York Pizza is a unique, working class, universal experience. I would do that. Dirty water hot dog. That’s what we do.”
Maybe Bourdain’s preferences might not appeal to everyone, but if you’re looking for the quintessential New York experience, there’s no way you can go wrong with his classic selections.