Anthony Bourdain's Cuban Food Show Creates Controversy

By Michael Lopez

Depending on which paper you read, Anthony Bourdain's recent televised trip to Cuba was either harmless fun or mired in controversy. USA Today seemed to think cameras from his No Reservations series captured "beauty" and "unspoiled architecture," while El Nuevo Herald found the visit to be glossy and a tad unrealistic.

For example, on one culinary outing Anthony seemed to be surrounded by happy locals enjoying fancy meals, baseball games, and lush surroundings. What the Herald pointed out, was that most of those people survive on $20 a day and, in reality, are unable to enjoy the spoils filmed by Bourdain's cameras.

Food rationing is a major part of the Cuban lifestyle as well, which means residents get rice and beans, while tourists like Bourdain can enjoy steak dinners. So the question is, is it Anthony's responsibility to depict that lifestyle on his culinary show?

It's hard to find the "right" answer to that question, especially since No Reservations has nothing to do with politics. Truth be told, it is difficult to deny the delicious qualities of fancy Cuban food. Let's just hope that soon more people on the island will get to enjoy it.

What did you think about Anthony's adventures in Cuba? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Anthony Bourdain, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cuba, Cultura, Food, No Reservations, Television