Anthony Bourdain
It all started with his book Kitchen Confidential in 2000. That was how I became aware of Anthony Bourdain.
Tony, as he liked to be called by his friends and colleagues, was the culinary mentor I was always looking for. In my world Tony was a beacon, a bright light, a great storyteller, a guy who shot from the hip, brought us together and yes, he was deeply flawed.
Tony was, a self-acknowledged reformed heroin and cocaine addict, he confessed back in 2003 “I would have robbed your medicine cabinet had I been invited to your house.” Whatever you may think of Tony, he was controversial and from all appearances, seemed to have everything he ever wanted.
He cheated death, a number of times and created the job of a lifetime, or so it seems. I guess he could never really shake his demons, no matter how successful he became.
He also was a great storyteller, with an an acerbic wit, with a love of great food and he could cook, really cook.
Tony was compassionate, hopelessly human, and yes, he had a potty mouth, but so what?
I loved the guy, he had a huge impact on me. He, opened my eyes to look at the world and food from a completely different point of view.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”
~ Mark Twain
On Friday, when I heard the news that Anthony took his life, I couldn't believe it, I still can't. At work in the kitchen where I was cooking, that was all we talked about. It really shook me.
Finally, on Saturday, I cried, really cried. I cried for Tony, his daughter, his family, his good friend Eric Ripert and for those who feel they can't go on. I will miss him.
Rest in peace Tony
