Anthony Bourdain Day: June 25, 2019

This is what happens when two talented and well-known chefs decide to celebrate a departed friend’s birthday . . . Honor Tony on June 25 for Bourdain Day. Although he would not credit himself a journalist, Bourdain was driven by a deep curiosity. He had a respect for people, places and simple food. Those thoughtful comments that narrated the astounding pictures, drew everyone into a story very well told. This is about CNN and their book Anthony Bourdain Remembered – a collection of the best of social media.

“If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food. It’s a plus for everybody,” AB P1

Have a look at a few of the quotes that softened my heart and celebrate Tony’s birthday on June 25th. Please give yourself a gift of this very special book and buy a few more for friends, it will be the best present! Truth be told my copy has been marked by the tears I shed while compiling this list, let those teardrops be a guide to the inner thoughts of a true hero. I have quoted the most well-known and recognizable names: Presidents, Journalists & Chefs, simply because they will convey the breadth of Tony’s influence.

• Anthony Bourdain never wanted to be called a journalist, but that is exactly what he became. In fact he will end up being remembered as one of the most influential TV correspondents ever.  @Jason Rezaian
• Tony Bourdain was the revolutionary of the food universe. He literally changed the landscape.  @Jonathan Waxman
• Anthony was my best friend. He was an exceptional human being . . . He brought us all on some incredible journeys.  @Eric Ripert
• I didn’t know Anthony Bourdain but felt a special kinship and now an acute loss.  @Ken Burns

• It’s easy to love Tony. You can see it. He is the most caring person I have ever met. That’s why I am happy and proud to call him a friend. Tony was able to see what we are not able to see. He could give importance to things that many of us took for granted.  @Jose Andres
• His passion for cooking, writing, and his hunger for adventure were inspiring. We will always have Lyon and those days of eating like kings.  @Daniel Boulud
• He really broke the mold, pushed the culinary conversation, and was the most brilliant writer . . .  @Jamie Oliver   
• Hard truths spinning in the smoke of incense in one of the most perfect spots nature has to offer. Isn’t that what we expect from Tony?  @Darren Aronofsky
• Tony was a caring, democratic soul who extolled and enjoyed equally the simple street cooking of Mexico and the three star cooking of the best French Restaurants. @Jacques Pepin

• Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer. This is how I will remember Tony. He taught us about food, but more importantly about its ability to bring us together. To make us a little less afraid of the unknown, we’ll miss him.  @Former President Barack Obama
• If I think about Tony for too long, I start to cry. If I’m talking to somebody about him for more than a minute or two, especially someone else who knew him as a friend or who worked with him, then my eyes start to fill up, and I realize I have to make a decision. Do I try to keep a stiff upper lip and fight back the tears, or do I lean into the sadness and allow myself to become a sloppy mess? More often than not, I lean into the sadness. It just feels like the right thing to do.  @W Kamau Bell
• I feel so thankful for him introducing me to a world I never knew, the world of food and especially food around the world.  @Quest Love

Those who know Tony and those who only know of him have incredible things to say. Please buy the book and have a look.

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”  Anthony Bourdain

Lagniappe – A Little Something Extra in Five Easy Links!

• He did the music for Parts Unknown & has a bit to say about Tony – Bourdain remembered by Mark Lanegan
• Anthony Bourdain New Jersey Food Trail and over here!
• Buy this book before there are no more available! Anthony Bourdain Remembered
• Tony’s Graphic Novel ‘Hungry Ghosts’ becomes an Animated Series

Gary . . .

And for more on Tony Bordain, please check out these other blogs of mine:

• 24 Rules For Living From Anthony Bourdain
• Anthony Bourdain ‘The Last One in the World’
• Anthony Bourdain Always Invited a ‘Stunt Turkey’ to Thanksgiving Dinner

And one from The Washington Post: On the Anniversary of Anthony Bourdain’s Birth, it’s Time We Talk About Depression