Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

This episode is a quirky, tongue-in-cheek take on classic television holiday shows. Tony and his pal, Michael Ruhlman, plan a huge potluck holiday dinner. But when things go awry, they end up at a Chinese restaurant.

During the World Cup, Tony visits Madrid, which he describes as the political, geographical and cultural center of Spain. It's also a melting pot of people and foods from all over the country.

In Paris, Tony gets to know a little bit about the lives of the city's working class, and he explores the varied ethnic communities that contribute to the pulse of Paris.

In this No Reservations special, enjoy an intimate look behind the scenes for a taste of all that must be done to complete each episode.

In 2006, Tony and his crew traveled to Beirut to shoot a typical episode in typical fashion, but they found themselves in the middle of a violent conflict and had to leave. In 2010, Tony returns to Beirut to finish the job.

Tony's travels finally bring him to Rome, where he dines on mouthwatering Italian classics and attempts to embody the Roman mindset: living happily, carefree and paying attention to the little things in life.

Tony experiences the major building boom that has taken place in the past 10 years in Dubai as it has emerged as a global city, as well as the uncertainty of a city that has struggled since the economic downturn of 2008.

Tony visits Kerala, a state mostly devoid of the extreme poverty seen elsewhere in India and virtually untouched by Western chains or franchises. He enjoys street food, home-cooked meals and a visit to an action movie set.

Tony heads to Liberia, the first independent nation in Africa settled by freed American slaves in 1847. Tony shares traditional foods with locals as they talk about their lives in Africa and Liberia's future.

Tony sets out to the American Heartland to find the unsung heroes of the food scene -- chefs who are fighting the good fight in cities all over America, creating heroic food that could compete with New York's finest.

Down in the southernmost end of the Caribbean, Tony and his crew sample the local cuisine and explore the Caribbean lifestyle while going scuba diving, fishing and even hunting for a local delicacy.

Now that some time has passed and the post-food porn euphoria has worn off, Tony Bourdain, with the help of a few friends -- including the illustrious Ron Jeremy -- is ready to gear up for an even steamier round two.

Tony visits China for the fourth time, this time to China's northeastern area formerly known as Manchuria. Arriving in the cold of winter--Tony savors stews, vegetables and dumplings influenced by Russian and Korean cuisine.

Tony travels to Maine with his longtime cameraman and native Mainer: Zach Zamboni. Along the way, Zach exposes Tony to the food and people of the "two Maines" -- the civilized coastal area and the sparsely populated, untamed, interior region.

I'm really proud of this episode because I believe it to be the most awesome "stand and stir" instructional hour in maybe..the history of television.

Ecuador is a hidden gem with a wide variety of local ingredients and a rich culinary background. Tony savors all the simple stews, fresh fish and exotic fruits that Ecuador's eateries and street vendors have to offer.

Only 60 or so miles up the Hudson River from Manhattan, the Hudson Valley is a luscious land rich with history. Tony explores the area in search of the usual -- good food, good drink and good people.

Anthony tests the culinary landscape of Prague.

Tony reveals there's more than just kebabs in Istanbul, Turkey.

Anthony Bourdain unravels Panama, a country that in the modern day, seems to be described simply by "abundance" and truly embraces crossroad cultures and adapts them for their own. He examines the effects of a land ruled by a former dictator.