In the early 2000s, the idea of being a chef or a food critic conjured a mental picture of posh Frenchmen, someone or something untouchable and pristine. That all changed with the popularity of Anthony Bourdain. His book, “Kitchen Confidential,” led to the creation of the hit TV show A Cook’s Tour. The show follows Bourdain as he travels around the world eating at local spots and exploring the world through cuisine.
Anthony Bourdain was born in New York but grew up in New Jersey. His mother was an editor for The New York Times, and his father was an executive at Columbia Records. From an early age, Bourdain got into trouble; he got into drugs at an early age. He went to Vassar College for two years, dropping out to attend the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Bourdain graduated from CIA in 1978 and started to work in kitchens in New York City.
His book, Kitchen Confidential, revealed the messy parts of the culinary world that were hidden from the public eye. Bourdain was open about his addictions and the reality of being a cook. This raw and real perspective gained him instant fame. Bourdain had a complicated relationship with fame. He once said, “I hate my fans, too. I hate being famous. I hate my job. I am lonely and living in constant uncertainty.” While his dark humour and straight-forward personality weren’t for everyone, it was for me.
From a young age, I’ve been interested in cooking and the culinary world. Being a chef has always been my dream, and Anthony Bourdain’s life has always been a big inspiration to me. His willingness to try new things and fully immerse himself in the culture was truly inspiring. The quote, “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. The extent to which you can walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food, it’s a plus for everybody. Open your mind, get up off the couch, move.” This piece of advice from his show Parts Unknown has always stuck with me. I am equally interested in traveling as I am in cooking, so to live a life full of adventures would be a dream come true.
Although Anthony Bourdain’s life tragically ended at 61 when he took his own life, his legacy and impact lives on. He will be remembered for his honesty about his struggles and his love for everything food.
