My first introduction to Anthony Bourdain was during my earlyish years working at Fox. We had optioned the rights to his book, “Kitchen Confidential.” All I knew was the book was about the underbelly of kitchen and restaurant life, all of its inner workings and sordid and despicable details with lots of profanity thrown in for kicks. To this day, I’ve never read it. The studio at Fox produced the series for one season so I saw Bradley Cooper portray Anthony Bourdain while I, and other coworker friends, mooched off the craft services offerings as it was literally down the fire escape stairs outside of our offices. I loved the show but the general public didn’t so off the air it went. Clearly this was before online streaming. Sadly, the timing of the series was too early. Now, especially with his passing but more importantly with the infusion of the foodie culture which has exploded on all platforms, the current environment is ripe for a show about him based on real life kitchen experiences. I began watching his earlier shows on Food Network, Travel Channel and eventually CNN. I found him gruff and offensive initially but he grew on me to the point that at the time of his passing, I wept and had moments of ugly crying while watching old episodes of No Reservations on the Travel Channel a day after his death. Anthony Bourdain literally took viewers to Parts Unknown. I still remember watching the Lebanon episode and how real life broke out in Beirut and he stepped back and let history speak for itself. His gift was his ability to be inclusive and make you want to partake in the food and culture despite its possible controversial or questionable past. He compelled us to learn and appreciate other cultures so that we can grow as individuals and as a society through the experience of food. All of his shows were thoroughly researched with cultural and historical reference so it seemed as if we were in class but with sensory teachings. I didn’t realize how much he impacted me until he passed. I had created an Instagram account to document my food and travel finds and started a food and travel blog to help others find their way. But for Anthony Bourdain, I would not have even thought of that possibility. He is my hero and he has left us. My heart is broken. I am crushed but he leaves a legacy and we each must do our part to get his voice and message heard. To travel and eat is to live. I honor and pay homage to his life’s work and legacy by sharing my journey. I am angry and beyond crushed that he is gone but I will continue my path that he has inspired. I will forever miss his gift of storytelling but I will continue to eat and travel to keep his inspiration and memory alive.

“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.” – Anthony Bourdain #theanthonybourdainmovement 

Anthony Bourdain was an inspiration to many. He taught us how to appreciate other cultures through food and travel. His impact on how we see the world is indelible. He will be missed. #rip #saddened #heartbroken