Hey all,

I am sorry to be a stranger. We have just been buried for the last couple of months, and I am having trouble finding time to post. But that is good news I guess. We are busy, so folks are traveling again.

My bride surprised me at Christmas with tickets to see Anthony Bourdain during his stop in New Orleans last night. He is doing a speaking tour. What a hoot! If you get a chance to see him near you, it is worth the effort.

Totally unscripted and unedited Tony. And of course, uncensored. The F-bombs were flying. He ripped on his colleagues on the Travel Channel, and especially on the folks on the Food Network. He talked about bad food, and his philosophy about eating in the third world. Very funny, and insightful. Just a great night.

Here is something fun he shared with the audience. Go to YouTube, and search "sandra lee kwanzaa". It is hilarious. I can't believe that she has a national show. Middle school home ec cooking at it's best.

I will try to post more often. I truly hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Here is to a good year for all of us.

Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional

Glad you are busy Pat, it is trying but it is better than the alternative! Would just love to see Anthony on his speaking tour, I bet he is a treat. Looks like the kind of person it'd be great to share a beer or two with.

Just a note to anyone who has never caught his show, the Travel Channel is showing many of his shows all day tomorrow, the 10th.

Hope we all stay plenty busy in the new year yet with plenty of time for travel too of course!

Sounds like a great time Pat. He came to Seattle not too long ago and talked with Mario Batali. The tix weren't cheap and I didn't make it, but a good friend did and said it was highly entertaining!

Anthony Bordain was in Wilmington last week and it was a very enjoyable 2 hours and 20 minutes...the last 20 minutes were questions from the audience.

I'm seeing him Friday, but with Eric Ripert too, some "Good vs. Evil" thing. Was the ones you mention Tony on his own?

Ah, amyb, you're going to "Good vs Evil"! I thought about going; asked DH about it and he said no, so I'm NOT going. Have fun!

I really liked his book; love to hear him speak, hope I get a chance.

I just finished his newest book but found the chapter about vegetarians to be rather harsh. It kinda spoiled the image I had of him being a basically good person.

Will success spoil AB? Or did he come in vain?

Amy, I have plans that night for dinner with friends, so I must rely on you for a review.

http://calendar.boston.com/boston-ma...n-eric-ripert#

Is it wrong to publicly admit I am only going because I find Bourdain (and Ripert, for that matter) hot? I don't care if they tap dance or cook or what...I'm there, 5 rows from the front! )

You're not alone, you have me and St Cirq and...?

Saw him last year in Providence, he was thoroughly engaging. A lot of the dialogue is in his latest book. It is off the cuff, yet scripted at the same time. A fun night.

Quick question...was there an "opener" of any sort or did Bourdain go on right at 8:00?

Bourdain in Haiti
on
now

amyb, here's an interview with Ripert & Bourdain on "Good vs Evil" by Boston Magazine:
http://blogs.bostonmagazine.com/chow...hony-bourdain/

Thank you, yk!

For the ladies, my photos from tonight (do not need to be a FB member to view, public link)
https://www.facebook.com/album.php?a...7&l=24e1ca7f9b

Thanks for sharing, amyb. What's with those granny-style armchairs??? I was thinking more of bar stools and heating lamps. Did you have fun?

What I don't think the pictures capture is the ice bucket full of beer! They had a good time. It was really interesting, I learned a lot about Ripert, especially. He is incredibly modest, at least he acted very embarassed when his many achievements were listed aloud. They play well off each other and it was funny to hear some behind the scenes stories from Top Chef. Anthony is MUCH taller than I expected and almost painfully thin. Ripert is an exceptional dresser, that suit rocked (how's that for female commentary?) TV does neither of them any favors, I thought they were much better looking in person! And this did nothing but fuel the flame I hold for Anthony!