Rudy Maxa

Travel journalist Rudy Maxa and Washington, D.C. restaurateur Daisuke Utagawa present three distinct regions of Japan, focusing on the nation's food and food producers. From the ramen of the northern island of Hokkaido, to the sushi of Tokyo, to the Wagyu beef raised on the southern island of Kyushu, food is a window on the soul of Japan.

Join veteran travel writer and TV show host Rudy Maxa as he explores Turkey, a land of stark beauty that sits at the crossroads where Europe and Asia -- and two of the world's great religious faiths -- meet. Maxa guides you through the mysteries of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar and then into the delights of a bona fide Turkish bath. Next, he hops on a boat to explore the many Roman ruins along Turkey's southern Turquoise Coast.

Rudy can't get enough of the sheer vitality of Tokyo. Exciting, edgy, and full of life, Tokyo is shopping madness by day and a carnival at night. Join the throngs at one of the world's most exciting street intersections to witness its blazing neon and JumboTron shows. Greet the new day at the Tsukiji fish market, where a staggering 2,000 tons of seafood pass through each day. Get caught up in cherry blossom mania, visit distant neighborhoods via the subway, and wander the streets in search of new restaurants, a Tokyo obsession!

Beginning with a private, rolling party on board one of Hong Kong's iconic streetcars, travel journalist Rudy Maxa and former chef and now Washington, D.C. restaurateur Daisuke Utagawa lead viewers through on of the worlds most exciting cities. Hong Kong takes cuisine from around the world and makes it its own. Explore the cuisine as well as the mostly unknown, lush side of Hong Kong where hiking trails and beaches rule. Bangkok - In a city where the weather is always hot, it is natural that residents spend so much time eating outside. Street food rules the capital of Thailand, and no visitor should miss the opportunity to follow local custom. Utagawa and Maxa taste their way through the city while exploring the Klongs (canals) and temples that make Bangkok a visitors paradise.

With an extensive investigative reporting background, Rudy Maxa uses his fine-tuned travel techniques on his journey around the world. Join him and discover all sorts of incredible countries and cities that are full of energy and vitality.

The series follows Rudy along the canals of St. Petersburg, Russia, to the Taj Mahal in India, into the jungles of Thailand's Golden Triangle and inside the tango halls of Buenos Aires.