Anthony Bourdain in Saudi Arabia

[Mamacita]

Originally Posted by Dan-0

Amy, I agree that the people seemed to be very normal, but I never thought otherwise. Individually, I'm sure most Saudis are good people. It's the oppressive religion, society, and government that I have a problem with. I would hate to live there. In contrast to more liberal Muslim countries like Turkey or Egypt, Saudi women have basically no rights and can't even drive. I know its their culture, but I still don't like it. Sorry, I don't want to hijack your thread.

Originally Posted by Rissask

I agree Dan-O- and you are a man saying that! I find it hard to believe women would defend it, but I like to see a man admitting it is oppressive.

Oh, I agree completely! It was really interesting to see an American raised Saudi woman, who married a native Saudi man, fit in so well in that society. And pretty much defend their way of life. I mean she literally took 10 steps backward it seems.

Did you see the scenes in the "mall" where there were manaquins dressed in very revealing outfits and all kinds of high heels and such? She said that under their robes, most women were dressed to the nines and mostly dressed that way to impress other women. Anthony commented that the competition to outdress other women (since they're the only ones who see you) must be a b%tch!

[Rissask]

I should say, I didn't mean to imply anyone on this thread was saying anything to defend it, sorry! I was speaking generally.


My GF lived in Dubai for 8 years (her husband was a pilot for Air Emirates), and that is true about the women, in the home, and 'away from prying eyes' of public life, many of the richer wives dress quite stylishly and provocatively for their husbands. Top of the line designer clothing too.

[Mamacita]

Originally Posted by Rissask

I should say, I didn't mean to imply anyone on this thread was saying anything to defend it, sorry! I was speaking generally.


My GF lived in Dubai for 8 years (her husband was a pilot for Air Emirates), and that is true about the women, in the home, and 'away from prying eyes' of public life, many of the richer wives dress quite stylishly and provocatively for their husbands. Top of the line designer clothing too.

I knew whatcha meant, silly!

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by Mamacita

I knew whatcha meant, silly!

oh, good!

[JimmyMN]

Originally Posted by Rissask

In his books he wrote years ago, he was married to a woman named Nancy, but they seemed to lead very separate lives...
This is his second (trophy? ) wife...

So to be a trophy wife.... does she have to be cute with no brains?

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by JimmyMN

So to be a trophy wife.... does she have to be cute with no brains?

Not at all. I am one.


(therefore, she can be not so cute and have no brains! )

[chileheadmike]

I'm a long time fan. His best work seems to come from the contriversial areas
Lebanon, US Mexico Border, Loas etc.
Korea was a fun episode, Nari is the best.
Romania was fun when Zamir hurt his back and ate the pain pills of questionable origin chanced with local white lightning.
My favorite show on right now.

[Rissask]

I was a huge fan of his (check out this thread) from reading his books, before I ever saw any No Reservations episodes.



I like the books way better, just because his caustic, irreverent wit comes through so much clearer! He is obviously 'reigned in' on the shows by the producers a lot.

Try reading Kitchen Confidential and A Cook's Tour. I was laughing out loud throughout both!

[Mr Cancun]

While cruising through Saudi Arabia, did he happen upon a Burqa King?
I watch the show from time to time but missed this one. Have to catch the re-run.

[gottago]

Originally Posted by Rissask

I was a huge fan of his (check out this thread) from reading his books, before I ever saw any No Reservations episodes.



I like the books way better, just because his caustic, irreverent wit comes through so much clearer! He is obviously 'reigned in' on the shows by the producers a lot.

Try reading Kitchen Confidential and A Cook's Tour. I was laughing out loud throughout both!

i remember listening to a radio interview with him when his first series was coming to air. he said that he had to send rushes to the producer back in the states while they were filming over seas. via email, the producer replied, "do you have to smoke in every scene?" and bourdain replied, "yes" and he never heard about it again. i'm not saying smoking is good, just that the producer knows not to reign him in too much or the show would be ruined. i love the guy.

i just picked up his third book the nasty bits... should be good.

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by gottago

i remember listening to a radio interview with him when his first series was coming to air. he said that he had to send rushes to the producer back in the states while they were filming over seas. via email, the producer replied, "do you have to smoke in every scene?" and bourdain replied, "yes" and he never heard about it again. i'm not saying smoking is good, just that the producer knows not to reign him in too much or the show would be ruined. i love the guy.

i just picked up his third book the nasty bits... should be good.

That is the other one I read, I was thinking it was called something with 'dirty' in the title. It's good too, more of the same.



You know, the smoking thing made me wonder.... I could never figure out why someone who relies on being able to taste subtle differences so much for his living as a chef does, would risk hurting/impairing his sense of taste by smoking so heavily.

[gottago]

Originally Posted by Rissask

That is the other one I read, I was thinking it was called something with 'dirty' in the title. It's good too, more of the same.



You know, the smoking thing made me wonder.... I could never figure out why someone who relies on being able to taste subtle differences so much for his living as a chef does, would risk hurting/impairing his sense of taste by smoking so heavily.

yeah... i know what you mean. i think he uses smokes to cleanse his palette between courses rather than a sorbet.

[Mogley]

He is often a guest judge on “Top Chef” and I always feel the same way about his smoking. Just because he is a celebrity does not mean he can still judge the difference in flavor

[Mamacita]

I certainly think the copious amounts of alcohol he consumes everywhere he goes would impair his taste buds too.

[Rissask]

I think he actually quit smoking recently, because they had a baby, at least he said he was quitting.

Not sure about the drinking. He loves to drink!
A favourite story was when he was writing and describing shooting in Russia, he was drunk on vodka the whole time. He said he was amazing by how much the Russians could drink.