11. No Reservations looks more real than any reality tv I’ve ever seen.

10. His response to eating barely cooked wart hog rectum in Namibia: “The chief is there in front of his whole tribe offering you his very best. Show respect. I’m lucky to be there… Chewing some antibiotics is a small price to pay.”

9. His sexy tattoo.

8. Beirut

7. 38 years of smoking and he quits? Who manages that?

6. He’s a professional French chef that thanks everyone for their food and seems to genuinely enjoy a home cooked meal.

5. Quote: “Yes, I’m arrogant. But I also regularly entertain the possibility, if not the likelihood, that I’m absolutely wrong about everything.”

4. His respect for religion, even though he doesn’t believe in it.

3. His rugged good looks has inspired me to add a My Five list to About Me.

2. Watching his show makes me want to travel everywhere – even places I’m scared to go – just so I can meet people, see their lives and eat their food.

1. He tries so damn hard to be jaded & cranky… and then he watches people with this wide-eyed wonder that makes you love the world.