I saw it last night (I have all Anthony Bourdain stuff set to auto record)

I'd say it's touching on something more like "Dinner for Five with Jon Favreau" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0291604/

And actually I'd prefer if it were more like so, rather then having those brief moments where the guest is speaking post production.

It is something that could work, if they could do a little more presentation on the local restaurant as well.

The usual anthony bourdain personnae is a lot more interesting than the show. The topics were a little cliched and esoteric (is it wrong to spend $1800 on a meal?). Also, in this particular episode, Amy Sacco came off as a boring idiot.

It worked for me. However, I thought it was just a one-time thing. I'm not sure how this stretches topic-wise to cover multiple shows unless there is enough topic-of-the-moments to discuss. Otherwise, Bourdain as personna carried the show.

Agree on Sacco, though. Could have done without her.

I agree about Sacco. Tony is very educated about certain subjects and interesting on others. Maybe if he had better dinner guests it will work. I will definately watch again to see where it goes.

5 burnt out ex and current drug users talking about food like they are saving the world? Please. Bourdain used to be a cook and brought dignity to the craft. Now he is a clown. He is taking the whole "I used to do drugs, swear a lot, and look how edgy I am" personae too far. He will be begging the food network for a gig because his decline has started.

Agreed. I love Bourdain and No Reservations, but it was honestly hard for me to watch this show. It embarrassingly bad, and, right, so cliche. Painful. Dinner For Five was way more spontaneous and real and interesting. Just let them all get really drunk and speak the truth. And sadly, I agree with the person who said that Bourdain's badboy act is a little tired. It is. He's more like a privileged nerd now. So it didn't play well at all.

Don't give your day job ! Stick to what you do best...Travel....

I liked Kitchen Confidential, his mystery books are fine for light reading, and No Reservations is sometimes pretty interesting. But...

this show was surprisingly dull. As one commenter noted, the conversation was very contrived and the guests didn't seem to have anything interesting to say.

Tony - be a chef and cook something, or ben an author and write something. Leave the talk show bit to John Steward and Conan O'Brien.

I hate to be honest, but I have to say it Sucked!!!!
Go back to doing No Reservations. I love that program. Wouldn't miss it for the world. In fact I watch the reruns too.
So,I'll be waiting for more traveling adventures with Tony.

Mary

Hearing these rich snobs talk about a $1,800 meal during these terrible times financially for so many americans made me want to puke. The show should be given an award for the worst hour in television history! Stick to your original show Tony.