I like Zimmern, but my major complaint about him is that his reactions to food are a bit bland. Every time he tastes something, I shout out “It has a certain … quality,” because I’ve heard him say that so many times.
Yeah Zimmerman is not as vocal or expressive to me about what he eats as Bourdain. If you likes something or does not like you will know for sure. Bourdain has no problems showing his feelings and that is what make his show so interesting. you never know what that guy is going to say.
I was a bit disappointed in the first show of the new season of No reservations (China). Not because of the food or the trip…that part looked amazing. It was Tony’s goddamn affected attitude that drove me nuts. It’s like he is finally starting to believe his own hype and has sold out. His snark was not at all good humored and he was playing it up for no good reason. He’s lost something… it’s a point, I think. He used to have a point, now it’s just cynicism for cynical sake. He’s trying to be the Johnny Rotten of food, but he’s just Johnny Cotton…cottoning to his TV personality and what people expect. Even the jade is worn.
For his supposed worldlieness, in this Shanghai and Northern China episode Tony just played it like a stereotypical, rude and pompous, American Tourist. I couldn’t belive his glibness.
As a bonus and on the plus side, in this episode Bourdain finally entered the Raw Pork Club. Welcome to the club, Mr. Bourdain!
Oh, yak crap. If that’s what you think a stereotypical American tourist acts like, you don’t get out much.
In Zimmern’s defence, in the new episodes he does go to lengths to tell you what something really weird tastes similar to.
And whoever did the camera work in Bourdains Osaka episode made me want to jump on a plane and go there, right then.
Lisacurl I agree with you. I don’t feel he has changed at all or acts rude. I think he is just being the same guy we were introduced to years ago. I think his snarkiness is agreeable and is one of the reasons I actually watch the show. I know that the food is a big draw for many but I like his quick wit and the places he visits are just amazing.
Zimmerman and Bourdain did a head to head this past episode. It was really good anyone check it out?
I did, and thought it was good, although maybe its just me, but Bourdain didn’t seem at all thrilled about having to do this type of “very special episode”, and didn’t even seem to bother feigning a liking for Zimmern, who gave Bourdain a hug goodbye at the end- probably just to fuck with him. 
Bourdain calls everyone he eats with his “friend”, but didn’t call Zimmern one, except once in a perfunctory manner. But still, an enjoyable two hours.
Maybe he did not enjoy doing the show, but I know I did I like both of them so it was cool to see them go head to head doing what they both love. Do you think they will ever do something like this again?
I’ve been watching a lot of Andrew Zimmern this past week or so (lots of reruns on the Travel Channel!) and frankly, he’s grossing me out.
And it has nothing to do with the food he’s eating. I love watching him feast on bull’s penises and still-beating cobra’s heart.
What’s driving me absolutely buggy is his manner of eating –
(1) Open mouth wide, baring teeth and sticking out tongue
(2) Jab fork or chopsticks towards face as if in preparation for removing one’s own trachea
(3) Chomp down on chopsticks/fork making rattling noises that are like nails on a chalkboard!
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh!
Please, stop!
Please, Andrew, stop jabbing at your face with your fork! Please, Andrew, stop baring your teeth and sticking your tongue out! Please, Andrew, stop chomping on your chopsticks like you’re going to eat them too!
Please please please!
Yeah, and I saw her first. Get your own travel channel host! 
I totally have a man-crush on Bourdain too. It’s too bad he’s not gay. As if that were the sole reason why he’s not in my kitchen right now making after-sex breakfast.