No Reservations in Romania (en)
Published by Blegoo March 2nd, 2008 in romania.After a certain delay, “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” show producers have published somethig akin to a press release, following the uproar over the romanian episode.
As I thought, their declaration is a good mix of lawyerese and sincerity, the exact procentage being hard to determine.
In their own words:
Posted 02-29-08 12:26 AM
We have been following the exchanges on the boards regarding the Romania episode. Clearly this show elicited some strong reactions and we appreciate the feedback both positive and negative. It is particularly dismaying to us to read of good hearted Romanians and fans who tuned in expecting to see a depiction of a country they know, love and recognize as their own but were disappointed.
People who are familiar with Tony’s shows (dating back to A Cook’s Tour days) should know that Tony and Zamir have a longstanding relationship and have traveled together on more than one occasion. For better or worse the show was an honest portrait of Tony’s trip to Romania with his old friend Zamir along as a sidekick.
For the record, we DID hire a number of Romanians to assist us with this production and looked to them for guidance and scene suggestions. However, our attempts to set up authentic experiences and off-the beaten path locales typical of No Reservations were, more often than not, foiled at every turn. It was a source of frustration that our requests for “everyday, working class food-related†scenes were again and again either discouraged or seemingly impossible to arrange. The prevailing wisdom was that “the best French restaurant in town†or patently “set up†scenes were preferable to what most Romanians would recognize as reality. Although certain commentators would assert that we ignored their suggestions in favor of our own agenda, this was certainly not the case. If anything, we worked more closely with official tourism entities than we usually do. Most scenes and locales were strongly recommended by them. The scene at the “mici†joint, which we shot against the explicit wishes of our minders, remains an example of a show that for good or bad, might have been.
We do out best to make shows that are both informative and entertaining. In some people’s eyes, we failed on the Romania show. We didn’t show those people the country and scenes they wanted to see — instead we showed them what we experienced during our brief time in Romania. We are not in the business of making fun of people. That is not our hope or our intention when we visit a country new to us. We well know that our very best shows are the ones where we are allowed to see people as they are—not as our official hosts or government representatives wish us to see them. In this instance, the results were often absurd and we showed what we experienced. Romania has survived far worse than our travel show. As the Executive Producers of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations we stand by the show we made.
Chris Collins & Lydia Tenaglia
Executive Producers / Directors
Zero Point Zero Production, Inc.
Plenty of words from the category “peace, prosperity and friendship”.
However:
“… Tony’s trip to Romania with his old friend Zamir along as a sidekick.”
This is important. All those criticizing the choice of a russian as a “local guide” should understand what an entertainment TV show is all about. Anthony Bourdain plays a role; Zamir plays another. Everything is done according to a script. Nothing unusual, this is how the work is done. Perhaps those who believe that wrestling shows are about real fights would think that “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” is spontaneous and totally real.
Yep! Sure! 
Obviously, Ms. Lydia Tenaglia and Mr. Chris Collins ARE NOT LYING when say:
“…instead we showed them what we experienced during our brief time in Romania…”
Indeed. What they don’t say is that “the experiences” were a direct result of their own screenplay/itinerary! There are two possible scenarios:
• The show producers had control over their own travel in Romania…
• Romanian officials had decided what, where and how the should be made.
Of course we have the fantasy version with Zamir being in charge…
Meanwhile, a certain document called “Solicitare de Oferta” had surfaced. So, I had to verify the veridicity of said document. Indeed, it exist, apparently on the official site, as described.
Page 1:
Page 2:
Page 3:
Even a casual reading of the document reveal that the show presence and travel in Romania was carefully planned. The only question remaining unanswered is: WHO MADE THE PLANNING?
The show producers? Ceausescu’s Secret Police?
Somehow, something doesn’t quite fit. The show producers also state:
“…For the record, we DID hire a number of Romanians to assist us with this production and looked to them for guidance and scene suggestions. However, our attempts to set up authentic experiences and off-the beaten path locales typical of No Reservations were, more often than not, foiled at every turn. It was a source of frustration that our requests for “everyday, working class food-related†scenes were again and again either discouraged or seemingly impossible to arrange…”
Hmmm…“everyday, working class food-related†scenes…in Bucharest? “Jaristea” restaurant? Of course. That’s the spot where working-class romanians go to eat. Guidance, scene suggestions? Well…once you set up an itinerary starting with “Jaristea”, nothing can help! There is nothing left to guide.
Ms. Lydia Tenaglia si Mr. Chris Collins appear to suggest a total innocence as to the show choices for visiting and/or filming. Their honest attempts to find the “off-the beaten path locales” were totally ignored or actively discouraged by “official tourism entities”.
Those are pretty heavy words. Apparently, those responsible on the romanian side with helping the crew did “a splendid” job totally destroying the show.
I would like to read some more clarification on the subject, both from the romanian Tourism Board as well as from the show “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” producers.
I’m not holding my breath, though.
Zamir rocks the house. He is a smart guy, but he is also quite funny. Oh, and he makes one hell of a jolly drunk. Happy 50th, Zamir! I hope Tony brings you back in Season 3.