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No Reservations: Obsessions

I didn't think this was one of the better episodes. Seemed like another obligatory NYC-centric-going through the motions-episode.
I did like the feature of the pizza maker though.

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  1. The piece on bloggers was depressing. Perlow and the eGullet crew get a lot of attention for essentially confiming the worst stereotypes of food bloggers, that we are all obese obsessives who spend our lives taking pictures of hamburgers and flaming people we disagree with about the best hot dog in town until we keel over at age 42 from fatty liver disease. I understand that the episode was about obssessives and those guys certainly are that, but I know lots of well-rounded, easy going food bloggers who are passionate and even obsessive about food but manage to lead normal, balanced lives.

    2 Replies
    1. re: sku

      I happened to stumble on to the second half of the show and yeah...depressing as all hell. Reminded me of the stereotypes of comic book aficionados. In fact, I think you can swap "food bloggers" with "comic book fans" and come out with the same impression.

      The two bloggers I saw seemed v. angry. And it was interesting how one of them talked about being sexually frustrated and basically taking out the frustration on food. Oy, I felt like I was a fly on the wall in someone's therapy session. Not fun, and I quickly switched after that (the food looked really good though).

      1. re: gloriousfood

        As a food writer, the "food is our sex" segment was horrifying. I almost emailed everyone I know to assure them that's not a universal issue.

    2. I really enjoyed it and thought it was interesting that some of the clips did not include AB that were obviously shot without him present. I could totally relate to having the high cholesterol at 53.

      1. I thought it was pretty damn ironic for AB to snicker at those bloggers. The whole concept of his show is about BEING OBSESSED ABOUT FOOD. So what if you're not lucky enough to be traveling around the world EATING and talking about the food on the Travel Channel's dime. To prove this point, please watch Food Porn, another one of AB's NR specials. Pretty ridiculous if you ask me. Oh, right, you did ask '-)

        1 Reply
        1. re: linguafood

          I thought it was a good episode - though the blogger part was a bit depressing. I was reminded of a saying my mom had "live to eat not eat to live" I don't think I live up to this too well these days...

        2. I liked everything BUT the part about the bloggers.

          1. I enjoyed Jim Lahey's bit and ABs running reenactment of the original cover of the Beatles "White Album".

            3 Replies
            1. re: mnosyne

              OT, but the butcher-doll cover was for "Yesterday and Today"

              1. re: the_MU

                It's been so long, I forgot! THX

                1. re: mnosyne

                  White Album with bloodstains -- now that's funny!