The Beloved Type Of Meal Anthony Bourdain Always Skipped Out On While Traveling

Anthony Bourdain was beloved by fans for his open-minded approach to different cultures and their local cuisines. With that said, there were some foods he strictly refused while traveling. Bourdain always avoided eating plane food, and he made a point to avoid utilizing hotels' breakfast buffets. Similarly, you'd never spot the late foodie and TV personality ordering brunch before a flight or to kick off a big day of sightseeing.

His disdain for brunch came from his own time spent as a chef. Bourdain wrote in a 1999 essay for The New Yorker, "The 'B' word is dreaded by all dedicated cooks. We hate the smell and spatter of omelettes. We despise hollandaise, home fries, those pathetic fruit garnishes, and all the other cliché accompaniments designed to induce a credulous public into paying $12.95 for two eggs." According to the "Parts Unknown" star, preparing brunch was demoralizing and uninspiring for serious chefs. Years later during a 2017 appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," the globetrotter reaffirmed his feelings about the meal: "Brunch is a horrible, cynical way of, you know, unloading leftovers and charging three times as much as you ordinarily charge for breakfast."

A late-morning brunch might sound like the perfect way to remedy those tummy grumbles after sleeping late in your hotel room. However, if there's truth to Anthony Bourdain's assertion that brunch is an unoriginal, overpriced meal of leftovers, you may want to satisfy your hunger with something else. One of the best alternatives is eating where the locals eat. Sure, in some cities this may include a trendy brunch spot, but it'll also likely include a friendly diner, a breakfast-only restaurant, and on-the-go joints favored by the local workers. Ask your hotel receptionist and others who live in the destination for their recommendations.

The morning and early afternoon can also be a good time to sample cute cafes in Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, and other cities. Order a coffee and a pastry or small dish and take a seat to people-watch. If the area is known for a certain style of bread or sweet treat, you can also stop by a local bakery or patisserie.

Another option, especially for the budget-conscious, is to avoid dining out for breakfast or brunch. Pack your own granola bars, nuts, and fruit for a simple meal that'll hold you over until lunch. Or head to the nearest grocery store to check out its selection of prepared dishes, fresh breads, and packaged breakfast foods.