Food: Bourdain To Film "No Reservations: Austin" In March

Sources don't come much better than this: last night at the Paramount, Anthony Bourdain announced that his Travel Channel show "No Reservations" will film an Austin episode within the next 4-6 weeks. Speaking to a packed house along with good friend and decorated Le Bernadin chef Eric Ripert, Bourdain mentioned that the Austin segment of the "Heartland" episode from 2010 wasn't quite enough about Austin and that they'd made the decision to return this spring. One suspects that the filming will coincide with Bourdain's SXSW 2012 appearance on Tuesday, 3/13 for his "Digital Debauchery" panel (where his social media team will also appear.) So it appears that TV audiences may see Austin in the full throes of SXSW music and interactive party mayhem.

Among other revelations last night: Bourdain and Ripert chose Lambert's as their lunch destination in Austin on the advice of a friend, while Ripert dined the day before at Perla's and (wait for it) Guero's. Bourdain rebuffed questions of a favorite restaurant in Austin, stating that he'd not spent nearly enough time here to be a qualified judge. He did mention that his most fun Austin meal to date was at Old School BBQ, and seemed enamored with the idea that you could buy BBQ out of an old bus. Ripert also praised Austin generally and was entertained by the 78704 food truck scene, describing it as "great for the young chefs." After Bourdain ribbed Ripert about a recent Le Bernadin redesign leading patrons to drink more, Ripert sheepishly admitted he is now employing six sommeliers at his restaurant.

The audience Q&A was predictably muddled, with questions both inspired ("How do you like your eggs?") and insipid ("Don't you think Tito's from Austin is the best vodka?") In sum, the two-hour session seemed to leave the audience happy - and with tongues wagging on the way to the exits about which Austin spots will make it into the upcoming episode.

Image via AustinTheatre.org.