Skift Take
Bourdain appears relaxed, grateful and truly happy to be in the company of Lyon's great chefs showing that his true love remains cooking and food, more so than the media game that's built him into he is today. It's a treat for viewers to see Bourdain enjoy an experience so thoroughly.
This week Anthony Bourdain and crew traveled to Lyon, France, in search of why the city has produced some of the most well-known chefs of all time.
The third episode of the third season of CNN’s Parts Unknown was a special one for Bourdain who met and spent time with men who have been role models and heroes throughout his cooking career.
In true Parts Unknown fashion, the production team at ZPZ created a fantastic “family tree” highlighting which the lineage of chefs and how they influenced one another. The show returned to the graphic several times as it traced the city’s history of chefs.
Famous chef and restaurant owner Daniel Boulud served as Bourdain’s guide throughout the city, its chefs, and its long tradition of turning out world renowned chefs.
Breakfast with @DanielBoulud in #Lyon #PartsUnknown pic.twitter.com/roGAFawjM1
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) April 27, 2014
The duo visit the Institut Paul Bocuse where they see young chefs learn the classic dishes and get their hands dirty prepping a chicken inside a pig bladder.
DPs @diamondmofallon n jeremy leach film @Bourdain + @DanielBoulud w/ master chefs at @InstitutPBocuse #PartsUnknown pic.twitter.com/4vCcCLSWVx
— 𝔥𝔢𝔩𝔢𝔫 𝔠𝔥𝔬 (@HelenCho) April 28, 2014
Behind the scenes of that "dolly shot" at Institut Paul Bocuse with cameraman Jeremy Leach #Lyon @PartsUnknownCNN pic.twitter.com/Xmm8wDrvPN
— Josh Ferrell (@TheMagicalGiant) April 28, 2014
They also go to Boulud’s former elementary school where they see how young French children are fed today. The meals are less expensive to create than those served in American schools, but much more rich in nutrients.
The show then delves into the details of rich French food at the legendary Maison Troisgos. Here, the Troisgos family shows Bourdain how they prepare their most well-known dish: salmon in sorrella sauce.
All 👀 on the legendary @MaisonTroisgros Salmon with Sorrel cream sauce dish @CesarTroisgros #PartsUnknown pic.twitter.com/DxOsf2wCAO
— 𝔥𝔢𝔩𝔢𝔫 𝔠𝔥𝔬 (@HelenCho) April 28, 2014
Then comes the most touching part of the episode, if not this season of Parts Unknown. Bourdain meets one of his heroes, the famous chef Paul Bocuse.
This. Magic. A dream. Hanging with my hero. ##PartsUnknown
Never ever would have dreamed…— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) April 28, 2014
Had to struggle more than once to not cry during that meal . Total
Hero worship. #PartsUnknown— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) April 28, 2014
The three chefs taste one of the most decadent meals to be shown on the series and Bourdain’s delight in spending time with Bocuse is evident throughout the shot. The experience is made that much better when Boulud and Bourdain visit Bocuse’s home where they go duck hunting and enjoy a quiet meal with friends and family.
Bourdain also visits Boulud’s family and home where together they create a meal and talk about the origin’s of these world-famous chefs. A combination of the city’s culture, its respect for a well-prepared meal and an early start in the industry all contribute to the rise of Lyon’s breed of chefs.
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Tags: anthony bourdain, cnn, france, parts unknown
Photo credit: Anthony Bourdain eats lunch with second-graders in Daniel Boulud's former elementary school. CNN