Season 2: Parts Unknown – Bourdain's Chronicles: Jerusalem Spain New Mexico Copenhagen Sicily South Africa Tokyo Detroit
Embark on another unforgettable culinary and cultural expedition with Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown – Season 2, a deep dive into the heart of human experience through the universal language of food. This companion guide to the Emmy Award-winning series peels back the layers of politics, tradition, and soul in nine unforgettable locations, serving up 4000 words of raw insight, behind-the-scenes moments, and rich storytelling straight from the road.
From the sacred streets of Jerusalem to the underground scenes of Tokyo, Bourdain doesn’t just taste the food—he eats with intention, asking the big questions and capturing the heart of every culture he encounters. This book follows Bourdain’s bold Season 2 journey, featuring:
🌍 Jerusalem – Bourdain steps into a land of deep divisions and deeper flavors, navigating Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Amid tense political realities, he breaks bread with locals, uncovering rich traditions and unforgettable dishes that transcend conflict.
🇪🇸 Spain – During Semana Santa in Andalucía, tradition and tapas collide. Alongside cinematographer Zach Zamboni, Bourdain finds beauty off the beaten path in Granada, where smoky jamón and flamenco guitars become his guides.
🌶️ New Mexico – A land of myth and mash-ups, where Pueblo, Spanish, Mexican, and cowboy culture meld into a unique American frontier. Tony delves into the red and green chile debate while pondering aliens, drugs, and the true Wild West spirit.
🇩🇰 Copenhagen – Enter the New Nordic food revolution. In the home of Noma and the iconic chef René Redzepi, Bourdain explores foraged cuisine and the radical reinvention of fine dining in one of the world’s cleanest, most progressive cities.
🍋 Sicily – With sun-drenched views and soul-satisfying meals, Sicily offers a slower pace. But Bourdain’s lively companions keep the tempo high as he dives into cannoli, family feasts, and the gritty reality behind postcard perfection.
🇿🇦 South Africa – From the painful legacy of apartheid to the vibrant rebirth of Johannesburg, this episode reveals a country in flux. Bourdain finds hope in food, music, and the tireless work of those rebuilding community and identity.
🍣 Tokyo – An intoxicating journey into Japan’s strange and seductive capital. Bourdain explores fetish culture, salaryman life, and the revered artistry of sushi master Yasuda. In Tokyo, every bite is wrapped in ritual—and rebellion.
🏙️ Detroit – Once a powerhouse of American industry, now a city reimagining its future. Bourdain finds beauty in decay, from abandoned factories to urban farms, witnessing a revival powered by resilience, creativity, and damn good soul food.
It’s a passport to the world’s hidden corners, a celebration of culinary heritage, and a tribute to the people who define a place through what they cook, and why.
Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time traveler on the Parts Unknown path, this collection of Season 2's finest moments offers a raw, immersive, and unforgettable taste of life through Anthony Bourdain’s eyes.
Food. Travel. Truth. This is Parts Unknown.