Anthony Bourdain Explores the Hudson Valley
The episode begins with Tony sailing (“Probably not the wisest decision in maritime history”), and a floating hot dog stand. How convenient!
Upriver he finds a small town with a nuclear plant, where the locals brag about the blue crabs found in their river banks. “Hey! This one has an extra claw. A delicious claw.” Nuclear jokes aside, a couple of locals chat about a mishap with a nuclear reactor while the plant was being built. Hilarious or scary? You be the judge.
Be sure to tune-in Monday, at 10 E/P for this all-new episode!
Next, Tony heads to Pine Island in the black dirt region of the Hudson Valley. This area was once thought to be untouchable by farmers because of the swampy lands. Tony joins the Matuszewski family in their sausage shop, which has been family-owned since it was started in 1947. The chef is a little kooky, and the parking lot has some interesting characters, but the food looks delicious.
Hide Park is the crew’s next stop. Tony hits the road with Michael Ruhlman for a visit to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA); Tony’s Alma mater. Equipped with a chef’s coat and hat, Tony and Michael are assigned a stir-fried squid with basil dish, to be made for loads of hungry students. “Not to brag, but I could handle this assignment while getting a colonoscopy and still make it in time”. Hmm…not a pretty picture Tony, but I get your point.
My favorite part of this episode is Tony’s visit to the Mohonk Mountain House. It’s a 265-room Victorian castle built in 1869; also one of America’s oldest family-owned resorts. Stephen King has been a guest in this place, which totally makes sense given its creepy nature. “All work and no play makes Tony a dull boy”.
Next on the list is a visit to the home of chef Michael Pardus for some Asian food. Sierra Pardus (Michael’s 10-year old daughter) gives Tony a run for his money when it comes to criticism. Tony says, “I’ve never encountered such an incise critic of my life’s work!”. Check out this sneak peek of Sierra and Tony’s conversation. That girl has some guts!
Since this last week was Groundhog’s Day, what could be more appropriate than a meal with the one and only Bill Murray? At the end of this episode, Tony and Bill break bread at X20; Peter Kelly’s restaurant built on a pier on The Hudson River.
