Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Michael Bourdain (June 25, 1956 - June 8, 2018) was an American celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarian, who starred in programs focusing on the exploration of international culture, cuisine, and the human condition.

Early Life and Career

Bourdain was born on June 25, 1956 in New York City. He grew up in Leonia, New Jersey and attended Vassar College before dropping out and transferring to the Culinary Institute of America. After graduating in 1978, he worked in a number of professional kitchens, including as an executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles in Manhattan, which was the setting for his book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (2000).

Writing

Bourdain first gained widespread attention with his bestselling book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (2000), which provided a behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant industry. He went on to write a number of other books, including A Cook's Tour (2001), The Nasty Bits (2006), and Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook (2010).

Television

Bourdain's first foray into television was with the Food Network's A Cook's Tour, which aired from 2002 to 2003. He then moved to the Travel Channel, where he hosted Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2005-2012) and The Layover (2011-2013). In 2013, Bourdain joined CNN to host Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, which aired until his death in 2018. In these shows, Bourdain traveled the world, exploring different cultures and cuisines, and often delving into political and social issues affecting the places he visited.

Personal Life and Death

Bourdain was married twice, first to Nancy Putkoski from 1985 to 2005, and then to Ottavia Busia from 2007 to 2016. He had one child with Busia, a daughter named Ariane.

On June 8, 2018, Bourdain was found dead in his hotel room in Kaysersberg-Vignoble, France, where he was filming an episode of Parts Unknown. The cause of death was determined to be suicide by hanging.

Legacy

Bourdain was known for his wit, curiosity, and empathy, as well as his outspokenness on a range of issues. He was a vocal advocate for the #MeToo movement, and used his platform to speak out against sexual harassment and abuse in the restaurant industry.

In the wake of Bourdain's death, there was an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, colleagues, and friends around the world. He was remembered for his contributions to the worlds of food and travel, as well as his efforts to bridge cultural divides and promote understanding between people

Accolades

Throughout his career, Bourdain received numerous awards and accolades for his work in the culinary and media industries. He won multiple Emmy Awards for his television shows, as well as a Peabody Award for Parts Unknown in 2013. In 2018, Bourdain posthumously won two Emmy Awards for Parts Unknown, for Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program and Outstanding Informational Series or Special.

Influence

Bourdain's work has had a significant impact on the worlds of food and travel, as well as on popular culture more broadly. He helped to popularize the idea of "culinary tourism" - the idea that travel can be as much about exploring new foods and flavors as it is about seeing new sights. He also inspired a new generation of chefs and food writers, many of whom credit him with breaking down barriers and opening up the culinary world to a wider audience.

Filmography

• A Cook's Tour (Food Network, 2002–2003)
• Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (Travel Channel, 2005–2012)
• The Layover (Travel Channel, 2011–2013)
• The Taste (ABC, 2013–2014)
• Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (CNN, 2013–2018)

Bibliography

• Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (2000)
• A Cook's Tour: In Search of the Perfect Meal (2001)
• Typhoid Mary: An Urban Historical (2001)
• The Nasty Bits: Collected Varietal Cuts, Usable Trim, Scraps, and Bones (2006)
• No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach (2007)
• Anthony Bourdain's Les Halles Cookbook (2004, revised edition 2014)
• Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook (2010)
• Appetites: A Cookbook (2016)
• World Travel: An Irreverent Guide (2021, posthumous)

External links

Anthony Bourdain at IMDb

Bourdain's official website

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  Anthony Bourdain at the Peabody Awards 2014
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  Anthony Bourdain
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  Anthony Bourdain on WNYC, 2011
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  Kaysersberg Altstadt
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  Anthony Bourdain Tribute