Not a Basho quote apparently. It’s been mis-attributed. Best I can get from a quick search is “Wu Li” or “Zen Proverb.”
Anyways, Anthony Bourdain came to Maine.
I had heard about this from several people this winter. Some infamous food-guy came through Portland and word on the street was that he gave Street (of Street and Co.) a bad rap, which was just desserts or entirely unfair depending on who you heard it from. It was the first I had heard of the show, not having a TV or being that TV-minded, but still I was intrigued as it’s always interesting to get an outsiders reflection upon our state. Sure, let him come, greater men have come before.
Verdict: The only way to come to Maine and truly enjoy it is with someone who knows the state, who has family or friends here. The great thing about this episode is that it really hits on the community. Friends, uncles, kids, neighbors, all of it is classic Maine. Yes some of it is dysfunctional or fiercely private but it’s this interconnection that lends itself so well. There’s no way to get by up here without having at least one point of human contact, and at the same time it’s the startling lack of it in the more remote areas that provides such a nice contrast.
That and bear meat. Which now I’m going to have to track down.
Good to see Shipyard getting consumed and what looked like a Geary’s. Good to see guns getting shot. Great to hear “Sweet, dude!” being yelled while Bourdain chops wood and fantastic that they let Zach do some talking. I love bringing people into the fold, out into the woods or around Portland for eats and Zach just reflected this joy. Maine’s a great place to come from and it’s great to see that pride come through.
Also pluses: No Portland Headlight shot. Exchange Street in Portland. J’s Oyster Bar as the opener. Mornings in Paris (though they should have come up the Hill to Rosemont and Hilltop) and a few other places. The two cooks in Rockland and Bourdain allowing Dana Street to make a flawless dink of himself.
“To be a Mainer is simple: one only has to be here. To eat the fish is to become the sea. To eat the plants and animals is to become the land…”
Good stuff, dude.
