The One Road Trip Twin Falls’ Anthony Bourdain Fans Must Take

Anthony Bourdain's 2018 death both shocked and saddened his fans. I know, because I am one, and I recently had the opportunity to take a road trip from Twin Falls to a restaurant he once featured in his show Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.

Anthony Bourdain was a television host, cook, and writer. I was a huge fan of the man and his travel shows. His intelligence, humor, and style of storytelling are why I became a fan. I just got back from traveling 680-miles south of Twin Falls to the Mojave Desert.

Joshua Tree National Park has been on my to-visit list for over 30 years, and I finally got the chance to go there last week. The drive is about 10 hours from Twin Falls, but it's worth every mile. Just outside the park is an area called Pioneertown, California. The small community features a restaurant known for live music, interesting characters and great barbeque.

Pappy & Harriet's is located about seven miles outside the south entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. Along with my best friend, wife, and son, we had lunch there on Sunday, just prior to checking the park out for a couple of hours. It was a lot of fun, and my barbequed chicken burger was outstanding. The Tequilla shots were good too.

The site was featured in season seven (episode 13) of No Reservations. Bourdain hung out with friend and lead singer of the Queens of the Stone Age, Josh Homme. It's hands down my favorite episode of the series. We had a great time in the southern California desert retracing his footsteps.

Get our free mobile app