In Memory of Anthony Bourdain

I have not felt much like cooking this weekend. Ever since a co-worker broke the news to me Friday morning I have been shocked and confused by the apparent suicide of Anthony Bourdain. While I make a point not to idolize any celebrities he was certainly a person from whom I learned a considerable amount.

My passion for cooking, like a lot of people, stems from an early interest in the flavours and cooking methods I observed and obtained from my parents. When I made my way into the working world I found myself in the dish pit of a local restaurant taking orders from older, rougher men who all had tatoos of the trade, otherwise known as hands and arms with semi-permanent burns from pans taken straight from the oven. The Food Network was my next non-employment adventure in food. In the beginning it was mostly cooks, and chefs, teaching the tricks of the trade. After the network transferred to the reality-laced programming it has on today, I lost interest. Looking for new knowledge I began to expand into other food related media, enter Anthony Bourdain.

From his hit books to his numerous television spots I began to explore the world of food with Tony. Food was no longer the meat and potatoes I have grown up knowing. Travelling with Mr. Bourdain, by way of my television set and online, I saw how food was prepared, served and consumed the world over. From Canada to Cambodia, from Iceland to Japan where Tony went I followed. Exploring the world through my own kitchen I have gained countless experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Why do I not like haggis? The combination of oats and meat. How do I know this? Wartime recipe meals tested in mid November.

Anthony displayed many traits that you can expect from an honourable man today. He was honest and opinionated, with the knowledge to back it up. His blend of opinions, rants and humor made for entertaining and informative media. His books I have read, his shows I have watched and from him I have grown as a person. Is there anything more that you can ask from someone?

Thank you Mr. Bourdain for all you have done with your sixty-one years. When you factor in that he was in his fourties before he broke out of the back of Les Halles has done a lot over the last twenty years. I feel the need to thank another person, Mrs. Bourdain. Based on the information I have it was Anthony’s mom who convinced him to submit his first article to the New Yorker back in 1999. It was from that one article that his stardom was spun. There is much more that could be said, and the grieving process is far from over for many in the food industry. Simply stated, thank you again for all that you have provided. May you rest in peace.