Éric Ripert

Anthony Bourdain introduces his friend Eric Ripert to China's Sichuan province, sampling the region's famously spicy dishes, including green peppercorn fish.

Albert presses Councilman Ron Singleton to reopen housing projects; Davis enlists some top local musicians to cut a campaign CD; a Japanese jazz fan does a good turn for Antoine; Janette cooks for four celebrity chefs; Annie fails to embrace Sonny's houseguest; the city celebrates the return of displaced residents with a second-line parade.

Lt. Colson questions the quality of police investigations; Janette lands at Le Bernardin; Annie tries composing; Aunt Mimi gets a track from rapper Mannie Fresh, while Davis discovers a new talent; Sofia lands an internship in Councilman Oliver Thomas' office.

Delmond pitches his fusion project to Dr. John; Toni enlists a PI for the Abreu case; Davis debuts his band while Annie resists debuting her song; LaDonna's marriage is tested; Janette weighs a move to a more casual kitchen; Cornell continues to monitor Sonny's rehab; Hidalgo strikes a sweetheart deal with the city; Sofia runs with the wrong crowd; Susan Cowsill and Leroy Jones perform.

As Carnival arrives in New Orleans, Albert unveils his new plumage, and Delmond discovers a new sound; Annie heads to a rural celebration with Harley, while Davis looks for an alibi to party in town; Hidalgo combines business with pleasure on a Zulu float; Toni and Sofia struggle with their memories of Creighton; Antoine club-hops with his sons while LaDonna avoids the fracas; and Cornell offers Sonny a second chance away from all the revelry. In New York, Chef Ripert gives Janette time off to attend to personal business and Fat Tuesday.