Entertainment media in the past and present tends to give a false narrative as to what happens in the hospitality industry. This episode I observe two tv shows that show the hospitality Industry in two different lights.
Anthony Bourdain is a real inspiration to me as a chef, cook, leader and person during his time on our earth. His books and television series inspired, entertained and gave insight to what one person was living and seeing around him while in and out if the hospitality industry.
Entertainment media has so many different views on the culinary industry; from the Hell's Kitchen completion shows that kinda started things in the reality TV area... but even then if you look at what is out there, reality TV has dominated the views given about the industry as a whole. Very rarely is there a decent fiction show that gives life and heart to the industry i've come to love and hate.
In 2005 FOX TV tried their hand at doing a TV series based off the book "Kitchen Confidential" by Anthony Bourdain and it was something interesting.
Then skip ahead to 2022 where another TV series appears to have done justice to the industry and especially cooks that deal with the real side of the business. Though fictional, it does a good job of presenting real world problems with care and heart.
::SPOILER WARNING!!::
This episode does speak about the two shows at some minor details, if you care about watching either with a blank slate than go and watch them and come back to this episode for an observation.
Old Town Ale House
This past July, I went to Chicago for a management training course; while there, I did get free time to wander about the city. Second night there, after a Cubs game at Wrigley, I took a three mile walk to Old Town Ale House, a place that Anthony Bourdain once stopped by to film an episode of one of his many shows. My sister had reminded me that its a solid spot to visit as she had been there as well. It was busy and it’s a cash only bar; lucky of me there was my bank ATM to withdraw and enjoy. While sitting at the end of the bar, I spotted his picture and had to snap a shot. Many political portraits and they were kinda dirty but hilarious.
The next day was a shorter day at the Chicago zoo. Quickly realizing my surroundings, I discovered that the same place was right around the corner. Having taken a Bus to the zoo I asked if it was okay to just go off on foot and not travel back on the bus to the Hotel, I was given the okay and had another walk to the Ale house.
The Atmosphere was very different at Mid day. No one was there but a few locals; occasionally someone on travel would stumble in to use the restroom or a quick drink on to the next spot. I sat in silence while jazz tunes were playing on the juke box, real 45s. A very small chat was had with the bar tender but nothing substantial.
The last thing to note, the night I was there I ordered an old fashion; which was done about the same way I do them at home, 2fz Bourbon, 1t Sugar, 1t water, 3 dashes of bitters, Ice and an orange peel. Had one in the day and it was super complicated how this guy made it and not very enjoyable. Not sure if he caught on but I just drank beer after that. A good old fashion can sometimes be hard to come by, considering it’s been around for so damn long.