Remembering Anthony Bourdain 6 years after his tragic death
Anthony Bourdain was a pioneer in food and travel journalism
His incisive personality, ability to capture the essence of the places he visited, and remarkable writing skills made him a beloved figure among travel and food enthusiasts. Here are some highlights from his incredible life and career.
Publication of 'Kitchen Confidential' (2000)
After a career that began with washing dishes and ended as an executive chef, Bourdain felt compelled to write about the dark underbelly of New York’s culinary scene. In 'Kitchen Confidential,' he revealed the secrets and scandals of chaotic kitchens. His irreverent narrative and signature dark humor established him as the bad boy of food journalism.
His fame soared, making him a celebrity
Tall, handsome, charismatic, and rugged, his irreverence charmed readers and turned his book into a bestseller. He was interviewed on countless TV shows, including Oprah Winfrey's. This popularity led to his own TV show.
'A Cook's Tour' for The Food Network (2002)
Bourdain’s early steps in television were evident in a show with some production issues, but his wit and charisma turned it into a global gastronomic odyssey. Unlike others, Bourdain went beyond the dishes to focus on the cultures he visited, eventually delving into anthropological and political themes, elevating street food to the same level as exclusive restaurants.
Debut of 'No Reservations' (2005)
This time for The Travel Channel, with better production and a bigger budget, Bourdain took us to various corners of the world, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Vietnam. His unfiltered exploration of global cuisine and culture captivated audiences for six seasons.
Graphic Novel 'Get Jiro!' (2012)
In this dystopian tale of culinary intrigue and gastronomic warfare, Bourdain’s irreverent imagination ran wild in a satirical feast that ridiculed the excesses of gourmet culture with his characteristic deliciously dark humor.
Premiere of 'Parts Unknown' (2013)
This time for CNN, Bourdain showcased his insatiable curiosity and fearless spirit for twelve seasons. In this show, he ventured into the world’s most enigmatic regions, some even considered dangerous. The most iconic episode was when he and his crew were trapped during the outbreak of war in Beirut, Lebanon.
His other books
Bourdain wrote fourteen books, both fiction and non-fiction. Notable titles include 'No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach,' 'The Nasty Bits,' 'Medium Raw,' and 'Appetites.'
Establishment of Bourdain Day (2019)
On June 25, his birthday, fans around the world raise a glass to honor Bourdain's adventurous spirit and insatiable appetite for life, commemorating his legacy with acts of culinary exploration and humanitarian causes.
Publication of 'The Definitive Oral Biography' (2021)
This compilation of interviews with friends, family, and colleagues offers an intimate portrait, providing new insights into Bourdain's complex personality and his indelible impact on the world.
Establishment of the Anthony Bourdain Food Trail (2019)
If you're a Bourdain fan, you must experience this culinary pilgrimage in his native New Jersey. You can honor his lasting legacy by following his footsteps through beloved restaurants and culinary landmarks.
The paradox of the rockstar chef's death
While filming his show in Strasbourg, France, Bourdain took his own life on June 8, 2018. Fans worldwide were devastated, finding it hard to believe that the man with the best job in the world ended his life so abruptly. Fans paid tribute at 'Les Halles,' the restaurant where he was once executive chef.
Premiere of 'Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain' (2021)
Released on Netflix, this film chronicles the chef’s life through archival footage and candid interviews, exploring his rise to fame and the potential reasons behind his premature death.
Posthumous co-authorship of 'World Travel: An Irreverent Guide' (2021)
In this posthumous collaboration, Laurie Woolever, one of Bourdain’s closest collaborators, does what Tony never wanted: a conventional travel guide. What sets this book apart are Bourdain’s witty phrases and wisdom, guiding readers through the places he visited with practical advice and cultural insights from Woolever.
Emmy-winning episodes of 'Parts Unknown'
Since the series debuted in 2013, it received numerous nominations and wins. That year, it won the Emmy for Best Informative Series and the Special Award of the Year. In total, it garnered 5 Emmys and dozens of nominations. In 2018, the show received six more nominations, announced a month after Bourdain's death, winning five.
His irreverent and self-destructive personality led to his end
In various interviews, Bourdain confessed to having a self-destructive personality, which led to a heroin addiction that nearly killed him. His love life was also complicated, with two failed marriages. His last relationship was with Italian actress and filmmaker Asia Argento, whose alleged infidelity has been subtly blamed for Bourdain’s final, tragic act.
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