Anthony Bourdain (and Eric Riper--heads up LindaWhit) on the lines at Les Halles, No Reservations

[chowser]

This must be a repeat but I just caught it for the first time. Has anyone else seen this one? I thought it was so interesting seeing the behind the scenes in such a busy restaurant. I can't imagine how hard it must have been for the others w/ cameras in the kitchen and I loved seeing everyone outside the kitchen window crowding in to get pictures of Eric and Anthony. What a nice surprise it must have been for everyone. And, loved seeing Eric Ripert handle himself so well on the grill. Fun episode.

[LindaWhit]

Didn't see this thread until today, chowser....but I have seen the show when it first aired. LOVED it. :-)

[chowser]

I was assuming you'd probably seen it but just in case...ER in a doo-rag, too good to miss.

[LindaWhit]

ER in anything. WAY too good to miss. :-)

[mliew]

Yeah it's a rerun. I think it originally aired about a year or so ago. Pretty interesting though how he describes the inner workings of the restaurant. I thought it was hilarious when they showed Ripert at Le Bernadin and were playing the classical music in the background. The difference between the two kitchens was really like night and day. One all calm and relaxed whereas the other is chaotic and messy.

Also thought it was interesting how Ripert commented that it was insane that Les Halles could do that many covers with so few people in the kitchen. Seems like LB has about twice as many cooks and a dining room that is probably less than half the size.

I wonder which restaurant makes more money?

[chowser]

Yeah, I loved the zen like scenes at Le Benardin and loved how well Eric seemed to manage the craziness of Les Halles. I wonder, with the increase in covers, if the quality of Les Halles has declined. But, it was interesting to see the behind the scenes look at such a busy place.

[Worldwide Diner]

Les Halles was never good to begin with.

[ipsedixit]

So true.

[chowser]

Good to know.

[Fydeaux]

I love the place. Different strokes...

[tofuburrito]

Agree with Fydeauz - enthusiastic thumbs up.

[tangovoxtrot]

Yeah, Les Halles and Le Bernadin are two completely different types of operations. I've been to both and I enjoyed both places were what they were. I thought Les Halles was pretty decent - not the dive the some people make it out to be and not as good as Bourdain might want you to believe either, but somewhere in between.

[applehome]

It's a Bistro vs. the Hautest of Haute Cuisine - how do you even begin to compare? Great Hanger Steak with excellent Pommes Frites and a Frisee salad at Les Halles - you're not going to get that at Le Bernadin.