When hearing that someone beloved has passed away, it’s normal to feel grief — even if you didn’t personally know them. After hearing about the upsetting death of celebrity host and chef Anthony Bourdain, the emptiness is something that’s especially hard to ignore. Not only was Bourdain a true talent who made such incredible strides in his industry, but he knew so much about the world, and often spoke out in such an intelligent, truthful way. Bourdain was the type of person who’d be wonderful to get advice from, whether it’s about cooking or everyday living.
Bourdain was found dead on June 8th, in a hotel in France. He was in the middle of filming an episode of his CNN show, Parts Unknown. His death was ruled to be a suicide, leaving fans devastated — especially fans who had no idea that he was suffering. Bourdain leaves behind an 11-year-old daughter, reportedly one of his biggest food critics while at home, as well as girlfriend Asia Argento, who he met in 2016 when the two collaborated in an episode of Parts Unknown.
While the situation is hard to grasp, at least we can hold onto the wisdom that Bourdain has given us throughout the years. As a host, Bourdain was able to view the world in a way most of us could only dream.
Here are some of Anthony Bourdain’s best quotes that will remind you how much he’s experienced in his 61 years.
“Without experimentation, a willingness to ask questions and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund.” — from his book Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook
“The religion of any successful or busy restaurant is consistency. You have to do the same dish the same way and on time. I was a happy dishwasher. I jokingly say that I learned every important lesson, all the most important lessons of my life as a dishwasher.” – Bourdain to NPR
“I spend so much time on the road that when I’m not working, I try to do something really normal. Whatever normal is, I try to emulate that. I put my family into the car and we drive out to Long Island. I spend time on the beach doing absolutely nothing. I barbecue in the backyard. I don’t go out to dinner. I don’t go to benefits. I rarely see friends. I putter. I nap. And I do as little as possible.” – Bourdain to Bon Appétit
“I love Ina Garten. She’s one of the few people on Food Network who can actually cook. When Ina Garten roasts a chicken, she roasts it correct. When Ina Garten makes mashed potatoes, those are some solid mashed potatoes. In many ways I want Ina’s life. I don’t want to live in her house. I don’t want to spend a weekend there. It gets weird in Ina Land…Oh, when Jeffrey gets home, he’ll be so happy I made meatloaf. And then he comes home and you’re pretty sure he’s not into meatloaf.” -Bourdain to Atlanta Magazine
Yeah yeah yeah, I know. I’m a crank. But the word “royals” just ...will never go down easy. Only person I ever felt comfortable referring to as “Prince” came from Minneapolis
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) May 19, 2018
“As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks — on your body or on your heart — are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt,”on television series Parts Unknown, as per Thrillist.
“If I am an advocate for anything, it is 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. It’s a plus for everybody.” Bourdain, according to GoodReads
“I have the best job in the world. If I’m unhappy, it’s a failure of imagination.” –per Eater
I don’t know why it’s so important to me, but I’d REALLY like to see the president working chopsticks with those tiny, vestigial nubbins .
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) March 4, 2018
“I’ve never seen someone enjoy a cold beer on a little plastic stool more than President Obama.” –per Eater
“The minute that you become a father, certain truths become immediately obvious to you. The first second you see your daughter’s head corkscrew out of the womb and open her eyes, they are pretty much saying, ‘Lose the Ramones shirt.’ So I’ve made some adjustments in my life.” -Bourdain to Atlanta Magazine
“I sort of feel in a heartfelt way for Guy [Fieri]. I wonder about him. He’s 52 years old and still rolling around in the flame outfit…What does he do? How does Guy Fieri de-douche?” -Bourdain to Atlanta Magazine
“I’m waiting to see the end of the Kobe slider. I’d be really happy to see that gone. It’s easy to make fun of pumpkin spice, but is it a clear and present danger? Probably not. The Kobe slider is a clear and present danger, though. Pumpkin spice is just silly, but the Kobe slider is an indication of a douche economy that’s threatening to me personally. It’s like bottle service at the nightclub; it’s a societal ill.” -Bourdain to Town and Country
“Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.” – Bourdain in Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly
Anthony Bourdain was such an inspiring person, and we already feel a void based on his tragic passing.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
