I’ll gladly admit that one of my recent guilty pleasures has been catching up with seasons upon seasons of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations on the travel channel. Thank goodness for a DVR, because these episodes are often during the day (I’ve seen one on the TV while eating lunch at Pappa’s in Vestavia Hills) or late nights (when I’m up working on my ‘day job’ issues that are better handled overnight).
So, I was thinking the other day while watching his recent episode about San Francisco that wouldn’t it be great if he came to Birmingham to shoot an episode? What would make a great sequence of places for him to visit?? Here are my ideas/suggestions (in case he’s listening).
- The Famous Chef
- Anything by Frank Stitt (Bottega, Highlands, etc.) – the only way to start an Anthony Bourdain visit would be to interview our resident famous chef, talking about his signature restaurants, his most recent book, and other endeavors!
- The Past
- Vulcan and a long shot of Sloss Furnaces — sets the stage for our region’s industrial roots
- The Club — those t0-die-for orange rolls, great view of downtown, recently refurbished but retains its old charm (and neon sign), arrogance of “the” with a hard e, and the “dance floor” that inspired the disco floor in Saturday Night Fever… perhaps dinner with members of the Junior Board at The View extolling the virtues of being young and upwardly mobile in this region
- Civil Rights District — feel-good food at Green Acres on 4th Avenue North (no fire hose shots, please), finalist for the best fried chicken restaurant in the country (according to Steve Harvey’s Hoodie Awards 2009… they won the award in 2007). Should also include a tour of the theatre district… I recommend Elias Hendricks to tell the story about his experiences at the Lyric Theatre (I heard his story a few years ago at a Catalyst event/tour and it’s a great one!)
- Hot Dogs — a quick cut to something lighter with George running Gus’, Gus running Pete’s, and the Lyric’s own hot dog joint… these are those wonderful hole-in-the-wall (sometimes literally) hot dog stores in downtown, which rumor says whose profits are all it takes to support the property taxes on the vacant buildings they inhabit. The video could also capture Birmingham’s finest (police and meter maids) on their seemingly endless breaks.
- The Present
- Pepper Place Saturday Market — the most enjoyable melting pot of cultures on a Saturday morning anywhere in Birmingham… interview its founder , of the family Sloss.
- WorkPlay — run by the Hunter brothers, the most famous of which is Alan Hunter of MTV VJ fame… would be great if he did the shoot when some otherwise recognizable performer(s) that the international audience might recognize (e.g. Taylor Hicks performance in September). Alan could also talk about his founding of “Hip to be Civic” Catalyst and its impact on young professionals across the region.
- The J. Clyde — the host loves his beer and there isn’t a better place to get beers on draft in town and the cobble stones outside would add to the shot. I recommend an interview with Danner Kline to discuss the recent success with Free the Hopps and its future plans to address other blue laws still on the books
What did I miss?
I think this would fill up the hour show. I’ve got “no reservations” about encouraging him to come to Birmingham.
Gotta love that Bourdain. Huge fan of his work, right here. Credit to the man for finding those things that make food unique and special — oftentimes, the people and the place. Birmingham, with it’s rich cultural and culinary history would seem to be an IDEAL candidate for a No Reservations visit.
Great list, by the way. As for any additions, I suppose no visit would be complete w/o a stop to some barbecue hut — despite how ubiquitous (or cliche) they may appear. I’d also toss a few more watering holes into that list (Bourdain loves his fermented wonders). Perhaps the Blue Monkey or the Garage would be good additions.
Hmm, this may be the start of a Birmingham for Bourdain campaign.
Curtis – Great launching point for a really cool discussion. And I like commenter Deon’s idea for Birmingham for Bourdain. Anything with Stitt, hot dogs and orange rolls gets my vote.
The Carver Theater venue needs to be in the show, and the recent move by the Aldridge Repertory company to the Carver would make a good story. The Aldridge has been playing for a long time in one place or another around town, and exemplifies the city’s bent for theater. Their current show, “No Child….,” is a knockout. http://www.aldridgerep.org/
The art museum and School of Fine Arts would be good additions. I came to B’ham from Atlanta and am still amazed at the quality of that museum. Tie the museum café into the culinary scene if you want.
I wouldn’t be so concerned with burying the city’s civil rights history. It’s responsible for many of the city’s strengths and its unique character, and should not be treated as just a source of shame. My two cents.
Correction: “No Child…” at the Carver closed on Aug. 30. Next show (“Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill”) opens Oct. 8.
Wow Anthony is my all-time favourite cook.
He is so wild.
You should consider networking with the moms in the bizymoms Birmingham community.