Don’t Eat Before Reading This: Anthony Bourdain’s Food Tour

Anthony Bourdain, a titan of culinary exploration and storytelling, held a deep affection for New York City. It was the place of his birth, the cradle of his formative years, and the backdrop for many of his most captivating television adventures. Despite his occasional grumblings—a signature Bourdain trait—about the city’s ever-evolving landscape and rising rents pushing out beloved institutions, Anthony Bourdain’s heart remained entwined with the city’s streets and the symphony of flavors they offered.

A City That Doesn’t Sleep (or Stop Eating)

Bourdain’s New York wasn’t a curated experience reserved for the pages of glossy travel magazines or Michelin-starred reservations. It was about the city’s pulse, the relentless thrum of energy that vibrated through its diverse neighborhoods. He reveled in the constant hum of possibility, the sense that anything could happen around the next corner. Beyond the dazzling, high-end culinary experiences, Bourdain found solace in the unassuming, authentic essence of what made New York tick. It was in these no-frills spots, the places that hummed with the energy of everyday New Yorkers, that Bourdain truly felt connected to the city.

A Feast for All Five Boroughs

His journey through New York’s culinary landscape took viewers on a gastronomic tour that transcended the boundaries of Manhattan. From the iconic pastrami on rye at Katz’s Delicatessen on the Lower East Side to the smoky sturgeon platters at Barney Greengrass on the Upper West Side, piled high with glistening jewels of the sea, Bourdain savored the city’s well-worn classics. But his insatiable curiosity and adventurous palate led him further afield. He ventured to Bushwick for the wood-fired, artisanal pizzas at Roberta’s, a testament to the borough’s ever-evolving scene. In the East Village, he delved into Veselka’s hearty comfort food haven, indulging in steaming plates of pierogi and embracing the city’s vibrant Ukrainian heritage. Hell’s Kitchen wasn’t just about gritty streets; for Bourdain, it was the home of Papaya King’s quintessential New York hot dog, a symphony of simplicity in a toasted bun. Each bite was a story waiting to be told, a connection to the city’s rich tapestry of cultures and communities.

Beyond the Plate

For Bourdain, New York was more than just a backdrop for culinary adventures; it was a living, breathing character in its own right. He captured the city’s essence with his signature, no-nonsense narration, the clatter of dishes, and the murmur of conversation, creating an evocative soundtrack. The late-night diner conversations, fueled by steaming coffee and weary souls seeking solace, were as much a part of Bourdain’s New York as the Michelin-starred kitchens of Greenwich Village. He reveled in the city’s unyielding spirit, the way it embraced both the glamorous and the gritty. From the dive bars of Red Hook, where stories unfolded over beers and plates of greasy bar food at Sunny’s Bar, to the white-tablecloth establishments like Minetta Tavern, a classic New York steakhouse, Bourdain celebrated the city’s diversity.

A Legacy That Endures

Anthony Bourdain’s New York wasn’t a static snapshot in time; it was a living, breathing narrative, a testament to the city’s resilience and ever-evolving identity. His exploration of its culinary landscape, from the classic delis like Katz’s Delicatessen to the hidden gems like Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos in Sunset Park serving up authentic Mexican fare, continues to inspire curiosity and a sense of discovery. While restaurants may come and go, with some favorites like Cafe Glechik in Brooklyn succumbing to the city’s changing landscape, Bourdain’s legacy reminds us of the enduring magic of the city that never sleeps. It’s a city that feeds not just our bellies but also our souls with its kaleidoscope of flavors, cultures, and the relentless energy that defines it.

A Bite of Bourdain’s New York: Anthony Bourdain’s Favorite Spots

Here’s a taste of some of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite New York eats and experiences:

Manhattan

• Katz’s Delicatessen (Lower East Side): Pastrami on rye
• Barney Greengrass (Upper West Side): Smoked fish platters
• The Heidelberg (Village): Pork shank and German fare
• Minetta Tavern (Greenwich Village): Classic New York steakhouse
• Papaya King (Upper East Side): Hot dog with papaya drink
• Keens Steakhouse (Midtown): Known for its mutton chops and historic ambiance.
• Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side): Renowned for its smoked fish and bagels.
• Yakitori Totto (Midtown): Specializes in yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and other Japanese dishes.
• Veselka (East Village): Pierogi and Ukrainian fare
• Corner Bistro (West Village): The iconic bar burger
• Shake Shack (Multiple Locations): “He says, “I’ll have two of those, and I’m happy. I’m singing America, f*** yeah!”
• John’s of 12th St (East Village): Old-school Italian fare
• Gray’s Papaya (Multiple locations): Dirty water hot dogs
• Emilio’s Ballato (Lower East Side): Old School Italian
• Sushi Yasuda (Midtown): Known for its fresh and meticulously prepared sushi.
• J.G. Melon (Upper East Side): Famous for its classic American burgers.
• Balthazar (SoHo): French brasserie with a bustling atmosphere.
• Marea (Midtown): High-end seafood and Italian cuisine.
• Joe’s Pizza (Greenwich Village): A classic New York slice joint.
• Momofuku Noodle Bar (East Village): Famous for ramen and pork buns.
• Murray’s Cheese (Greenwich Village): Renowned for its selection of cheeses from around the world and gourmet cheese-related products.

Brooklyn

• Roberta’s (Bushwick): Wood-fired pizza
• Sunny’s Bar (Red Hook): Casual dive bar
• Peter Luger Steak House (Williamsburg): This historic steakhouse is known for its porterhouse steaks.
• Marlow & Sons (Clinton Hill): Butcher shop with an excellent restaurant
• Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos (Sunset Park): Authentic Mexican fare

Queens

• SriPraPhai (Woodside): Celebrated for its authentic Thai cuisine.
• Taverna Kyclades (Astoria): Famous for its Greek seafood dishes.
• Flushing Food Stalls (Flushing): Bourdain often explored the food stalls in Flushing, especially for their variety of Asian street food.

Staten Island

• Denino’s Pizzeria & Tavern: Famous for its thin-crust pizza.
• Joe & Pat’s Pizzeria: Another iconic spot known for its thin-crust pies.

The Bronx

• Sam’s Soul Food (East Tremont): Classic soul food
• 188 Bakery Cuchifrito (Morrisania): Puerto Rican specialty – cuchifrito
• White Castle (Multiple locations): Sliders (Yes, Bourdain even explored this fast-food chain!)

This list offers a starting point for exploring a taste of Bourdain’s New York. Remember, some restaurants may have closed or changed since his visits, but the spirit of his culinary adventures remains timeless.

Restaurants Mentioned in Previous Bourdain Episodes that Closed

• Cafe Glechik (Brooklyn)
• National Nightclub & Restaurant (Brooklyn)
• Pok Pok NY (Brooklyn)
• Primorski Restaurant (Brooklyn)
• Jay & Lloyd’s Kosher Deli & Family Restaurant (Brooklyn)
• The Spotted Pig (West Village)
• Veritas (Flatiron District): Fine dining with an extensive wine collection