Burt Wolf: Travels and Traditions

It's surprising to realize that just about everything that makes up a modern restaurant --- street floor access, a receptionist, seating, the wait staff, the kitchen in the back, and a written invoice --- was developed in Paris during a 50-year period starting in 1765. In this program, Burt travels around and looks at how these basic elements come together these days, when someone decides to open a restaurant.

Burt spends time with one of the most successful restaurant families in America, and sees how the younger generation adapts the restaurant business to a set of new interests, including the revival of the Tiki Bar, the growing popularity of a Japanese soup developed in World War II, and the modern outdoor food festival.

Burt takes a look at the history of beach vacations and visits the Palm Beach area on the east coast of Florida, one of the earliest destinations for a beach vacation in America.

Burt returns to the Palm Beach area of Florida, canoes along the Loxahatchee river, climbs a mound built for the rulers of ancient native tribes of Florida, finds out how baseball changed to favor the long ball hitter, stops into the oldest fishing club in America and goes deep sea fishing.

Burt travels to Geneva, Switzerland, London, and Washington, DC to talk with experts to find out what is happening and how we can use our vacation time to help.

Burt focuses on humanitarian issues, how to evaluate the opportunities for voluntary tourism, and what each of us can do even if we stay at home.

Burt teams up with a non-profit organization to explore what are the issues Americans care about and which companies reflect those values.

Dan guides Burt through a World War I museum. Also includes one of the world's greatest golfers, Tom Watson.