The movie’s “Tony” works at a seafood restaurant called the Flagship (which was a real establishment), much like the real Bourdain did. Sal acts as both a bully and mentor to Tony; Bourdain himself didn’t paint anyone specifically in this light but rather placed them all on a pedestal. Bourdain wrote that Howard had an annual clambake that was “a major social event” for locals and those working in the seasonal restaurants. In the movie, Tony travels to Provincetown in a light-blue seersucker suit. As Bourdain worked the kitchen (again, wearing that blue suit), he grabbed a hot sauté pan and burned himself.