Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, his debut book, was followed by a television offer.  Bourdain went on to write two more books and produce the food network series “A Cook’s Tour” before landing his Emmy nominated show No Reservations.  In its fifth season, No Reservations travels the world seeking out the not so popularized eating havens of today.  Like our gonzo journalists here at HotelReservations.com, Tony seeks out the cheapest and best experiences before the rest of the world has caught on.  He secretly works for us…:)

The first episode of this season airs July 13^th in Chile.  But in relevance to our endeavors, check out the 3^rd episode which comes out on July 27^th on Travel Channel.  This episode will check out some great culinary staycations to help you become the ultimate connoisseur of underground U.S. culture.  Tony will be traveling to Baltimore, Detroit and Buffalo.  Although you may be imagining a grey cloud hovering over these cities known for traffic and crime, these blue collar cities of the U.S. invoke a culture and vibe that cannot be re-created by resorts or newly booming cities.

Food, art, architecture and personality are aspects that take years to develop in a dense city.  This is certainly why everyone loves to travel to Europe; there is a vibe and culture of honesty that surrounds you when you walk along cobblestones.  When a new resort is opened up most of the attractions are new, and have been put there just to attract tourism.  When you step into Buffalo or Detroit, the food and places of entertainment have survived years of bad economies and emigration.  This honing of a city is what gives the bricks the same dark hue that you see in the shops of European towns.  So please, go check it out before the episode airs so you are ahead of the curve.  Catch a ballgame, eat some American pastime and catch some local music.  I don’t have to tell you how cheap it is to visit these cities, you already know.  Safe Travels until next time.