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Anthony Bourdain, the notable chef, author, and television host, has died at the age of 61. CNN reported that he was found “unresponsive” in his hotel room in France this morning by his friend, chef Eric Ripert. The cause of death is reported to be suicide.
Austin chefs and industry people have been sharing their tributes, recollections, and favorite quotes from the outspoken rock-star chef this morning:
Pitmaster John Mueller of Black Box Barbecue in Georgetown shared the following:
I was a big fan of work. Was a great honor to meet him and hear his thoughts on different foods including Texas barbecue. We had a great time that day. He will be missed
New Waterloo’s Amanda Rockman remembered when Bourdain gave her advice that led her down her culinary path, “advice [that] altered my life forever.”
Emmer & Rye’s Page Pressley shared “a deep thank you to [his] work, honesty, and words.”
Hai Hospitality (parent company to Uchi, Uchiko, and Loro) talked about how Bourdain understood that “food was a conduit to understanding people” and that his death “leaves a gaping hole in the culinary world that will be felt for a long time.”
To Anthony Bourdain, food was a conduit to understanding people. Sharing a table was a way to find common ground. To connect. He inspired all of us to create food that spurs curiosity&conversation. He leaves a gaping hole in the culinary world that will be felt for a long time. pic.twitter.com/328paacec5
— Hai Hospitality (@HaiHospitality) June 8, 2018
Wu Chow and Swift Attic’s C.K. Chin “admired him as both a culinarian and as a wordsmith,” adding that Bourdain taught him to embrace what he really wants.
Absolutely heartbreaking. I’ve always admired him as both a culinarian and as a wordsmith. So true that the most brilliant of us have the most persuasive demons. #RIPBourdain (US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255) https://t.co/n7vE6Uf6vp
— ℭ. . ℭ (@seekaychin) June 8, 2018
Devastated. @Bourdain taught me to be unapologetic about my passions and to speak freely about my beliefs. His masterful use of language and eloquence quite literally turned food into poetry. His defiance against conformity remains as a benchmark in my life. #RIPBourdain pic.twitter.com/cXt5FM0Vvj
— ℭ. . ℭ (@seekaychin) June 8, 2018
Texas Monthly Barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn is “gutted,” and shared the story of how Bourdain came to publish his book on a chance.
Gutted. From 2011 when we met for the first time. He said, “we’ll be doing business together.” He published my book 2 years later. #RIPBourdain pic.twitter.com/KFOzz6IsVA
— Daniel Vaughn (@BBQsnob) June 8, 2018
He didn’t know me from Adam, but took a chance to publish a blogger’s book on Texas BBQ and forever changed the trajectory of my life. I owe him so much. I will miss him and his work.
— Daniel Vaughn (@BBQsnob) June 8, 2018
My wife and I binge watched the whole last season of Parts Unknown a few weekends ago and marveled at how every one of them drew us in. I wanted to tell Tony how much we enjoyed it, but I didn’t out of fear of sounding like a kiss-ass.
— Daniel Vaughn (@BBQsnob) June 8, 2018
The book we worked on together published 5 years ago. I’ve always felt guilty for not making the first book he did a best seller, but he was only supportive. The highlight of my performance life was introducing him to an audience at the Majestic in Dallas.
— Daniel Vaughn (@BBQsnob) June 8, 2018
We ate a brisket I smoked for him in the green room. We talked about our kids, and how he was happiest in New York cooking pancakes for his daughter. I weep for her. Depression is viscous. I’ll miss you, Tony.
— Daniel Vaughn (@BBQsnob) June 8, 2018
La Barbecue called Bourdain “truly an inspiration.”
We are so saddened by this news!! He was truly an inspiration!! https://t.co/31OiQf3oTB
— la Barbecue (@la_Barbecue) June 8, 2018
Barbecue restaurant Stiles Switch BBQ shared a simple remark.
Heart. Soul. RIP @Bourdain
— StilesSwitchBBQ (@StilesSwitchBBQ) June 8, 2018
Holly Roller’s Callie Speer shared a photo of Bourdain and Iggy Pop with his quote about how travel changes you.
Puli-Ra’s Deepa Shridhar thanks Bourdain for “all you did for us.” She’s even serving specials this weekend inspired by him.
ELM Restaurant Group chef Andrew Curren shared an Ernest Hemingway quote.
Fukumoto’s Kazu Fukumoto, who cooked at Bourdain’s punk rock karaoke contest during South by Southwest 2016, said he was “an inspiration to us.”
LeRoy & Lewis pitmaster Evan LeRoy wrote about Bourdain opened a world of food for him:
Small Victory’s Josh Loving called Bourdain “an amazing teacher and an inspiration.”
La Condesa executive chef Rick Lopez recounted when Bourdain ate at the restaurant with musical bands The Shins and The National, and he came back into the kitchen to chat in 2012.
Vaquero Taquero thanked Bourdain for being “the voice for all immigrants in the kitchens.”
Foreign & Domestic extended simple gratitude.
Guild sous chef Hannah Yerby shared a Bourdain quote and how Kitchen Confidential inspired her.
Justine’s Brassiere admired Bourdain’s spirit, that was “unconventional, punk rock, kind, and inspiring.”
Nickel City is honoring Bourdain with its marquee signage: Pursue Happiness
If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. For international resources, here is a good place to begin.
This post will be updated as other tributes are posted.
