Where It All Began, or "Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves"

Monday's "new" episode of No Reservations is really a look back to 2000. This episode is a version of Dmitri Kasterine's documentary, "Out of the Pan, Into The Fire," which was shot just before Bourdain’s book and television show. It s a candid look at a younger, skinnier, less traveled...and even more arrogant Anthony Bourdain working in the kitchens in New York City while his first book was just being released.

Bourdain talks about the epiphany that originally made him want to become a chef. One day while working as a dishwasher in Cape Cod, a large wedding party came into his restaurant. The head chef asked him to cover the grilling station, which was remarkable, because the broiling station "was sort of like where God was." As Bourdain took over the grilling duties the head chef disappeared into the garbage stockade, with the bride in her wedding whites, engaging in rather rough sex, and that is when the boss knew he wanted to be a chef.

Bourdain's attitude has not changed much since "Kitchen Confidential" was published. After ten years of writing and filming a television show, Bourdain claims he continues to expect each new venture to fail. As a writer, he says he has learned nothing. "I write how I talk, and I still don't agonize over sentences." I must admit, neither do I. Prepare for an inside look at the restaurant industry - a business that attracts "gypsies, tramps, and thieves" as the boss puts it. Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations airs this Monday at 9pm, Texas time, only on The Travel Channel.

Timothy Braun

Santa Fe, NM

July 30^th, 2010

Five Easy Pieces (a quintet of other matters on my mind).

1.) Packing to go home to Austin (man, it has been a long summer) and just found a piece of my dog's fur in my travel bag. Tomorrow night I'll have Homeslice pizza for dinner, a little HBO, and sleep in my own bed with Dusty protecting the joint from the raccoons in our attic. Chewbacca, Han Solo is coming

2.) And, yes, I've thought Dusty would rescue me from a carbonite prison with a ragtag group of amigos if the occasion arose.

3.) First third of the novel has been sent to the editor. The new full-length play will be sent to my agent and F.O.T.'s by Monday. 46 one-act plays out the 64 project are written. Three essays published, two book reviews, and three interviews as well. I need a time out, but have none to give.

4.) Really enjoy “Burn Notice”. Its James Bond meets Stephanie Plum.

5.) Good-bye, Santa Fe. I don’t know when next we shall meet. As Bourdain does his “Where It All Began” episode, Santa Fe was where it all began for my work 13 years ago.