"Out of the Limelight" by Latisha Yates on Zatista.com

My wife and I are big foodies, and lately we’ve gotten hooked on Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations” on the Travel Channel. Thanks to Netflix, we’ve been gobbling up episodes like we were getting paid for it.

"Raining Love in Paris" by Liz London on Zatista.com

If you haven’t seen the show, the concept is pretty basic: fly chef and author Anthony Bourdain, famous for his searing, hilarious book, Kitchen Confidential, around the world and stuff him to the gills with local food. What makes the show so great is that Tony, as I have come to call him, is one heck of a writer. His commentary somehow manages to be pithy and profound at the same time. Sure, his pursuits are hedonistic, but he manages to make his traveling, eating and drinking relevant within the greater context of life — which I admire. (I’m getting to my point, don’t worry.)

"Les Lavandes" by Edwidge Mitterand on Zatista.com

Of all the places we’ve watched him explore, nowhere shuts Tony up like France. For someone who makes his living talking, he always seems awestruck — almost dumbfounded — by the place. The countryside! The food! The people! The history! The wine! The conversation! The splendor is too much for him to handle, and I think he’s sold us on our next trip.

"Blacksmith France 2" by Nina Fuller on Zatista.com

The problem is that there’s a recession on, people! I can’t afford to fall in love with far off lands right now. A grand tour is out of the question, so for now, we’re going to have to satisfy our wanderlust with art inspired by France. With what two Air France tickets cost (yes, I’ve checked) I figure I’ve got a pretty good budget to work with.

"Paysage in South of France" by Abel Lauvray on Zatista.com

Considering what’s at my finger tips here on Zatista, it’s not a bad compromise.