You know, there's nothing a Chef loves more than customers who complain about little details in the otherwise good food that you cook for them.

Working as a bartender once, I had one guy order a dry Tanqeray Martini, then send it back to me, complaining that he "totally hates gin." Of course, he didn't expect to pay for it, and wanted another one. Oh, I really love customers like that!

So imagine how excited I am to see lots of people who claim to enjoy the show complaining about BMWs, Ted Nugent, everything in Saudi Arabia, and just about anything else that makes No Reservations any different from the normal basic cable travel and food cannon fodder.

On the one hand, I do wonder why anyone would watch the show if you don't like seeing Tony have a good time?

On the other hand, without any sarcasm, I'm glad to see Tony offending some viewers. This is punk rock, and the central ethos of punk rock is:

NOBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED BY ANYTHING.

I think Tony, and No Reservations, lives that ethos, far more than most people can. If your delicate sensibilities are offended by a Republican gun nut who needs a hair cut, or a European sports car that obviously isn't organic, or an Arab who also laughs and has a good time at the mall, then guess what? You are way too uptight!

Awesome post. Couldn't agree more!

The FCC disclaimer at the beginning of No Res should include the statement you listed above.

"NOBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED BY ANYTHING ON THIS SHOW."

Nicely put, Ouyangwulong!

*Applauds*

I think people just like to moan for the sake of moaning, and will find any thing imaginable to pick at.

I don't get the people who come on this forum, whining about meat consumption.

Read the disclaimer at the beginning of the show! I agree, the disclaimer needs a bit of tweaking. Good suggestion!

I love it!
I don't have to agree with everything Tony says or does to love his show.
Just like I can like and enjoy (Real) punk rock without having to "look" Punk

It is the perfect analogy even if it is not the same one you intended

Actually, that is exactly part of what I intended.

The most punk rock thing is to like punk but not look it! I mean, if punk has a dress code, and you have to tip-toe around the delicate fashion sense of other punks, then you aren't punk at all.

Punk is all about making other people realize how misanthropic it is to be uncomfortable. The lesson of punk rock is to learn to love everyone, even if they piss you off.

I think it's no mistake that Tony is an old-school punker, citing the Ramones as a critical influence, and that he is absolutely willing to give respect to anyone but Rachel Ray (and hey, everyone has to draw a line somewhere.)

I think the point of the show is: be who you are, and to heck with everyone else. And if you just do what you want, you'll be cool, be happy, and make for good television!