The hashtag #ForAnthony started trending on Twitter shortly after news broke that chef/writer/storyteller and host of the CNN original series Parts Unknown Anthony Bourdain committed suicide at 61.
In a statement, CNN said: “It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain,” the network said in a statement Friday morning. “His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Social media was flooded with tributes.
Rest easy Uncle Tony, that’s what I cAlled him . I’m trying to find the words to say at this moment. I just go backs to the first time we met and had dinner with you all those years ago and how you wouldn’t shut the fuck up about how much you loved or hated something and all I wanted to do was talk about the truffles we were tasting. #rip my brother. I hope you can finally find peace with yourself. You will be missed. #anthonybourdain@anthonybourdain
And this amazing story of Bourdain’s quiet kindness that couldn’t be contained in a single tweet.
In 2010, I covered a book-tour stop at #stl’s @TheFoxTheatre where a boy with leukemia asked his culinary idol where he should go eat – anywhere in the world – once he’s in remission. Bourdain didn’t hesitate: Spain. But then…1/3…after @Bourdain left town and our story about the tour appearance ran, his assistant reached out to me, privately. Bourdain wanted to help send this kid to Spain and make it the time of his life. 2/3
So, with the help of , Evan Piña-White went to Spain. We wrote about that –
here – but the story doesn’t mention Bourdain’s involvement (per his wishes). He set the kid up at the best restaurants & helped make the trip incredible. He was special. 3/3
From Ellen Bennett and the Team at Hedley & Bennett
As we woke this morning to the news of the passing of Anthony Bourdain at the young age of 61, we were shocked and speechless. As the tragedy sinks in, we feel heartbroken to lose a truly guiding light in our global food community. In the days, weeks and years ahead, let us remember to be kind to each other, listen to each other, support each other and as Anthony always did, break bread with each other. His curiosity and sense of community knew no bounds, and that torch must be carried forward.
#ApronSquad, lets keep moving, keep dreaming, keep exploring and keep learning from each other… for him.
xxoo Ellen Bennett and the Team at Hedley & Bennett
The New York City hospitality community is shaken by the news of Anthony Bourdain’s passing. He put deserving restaurants all over the world on the map through “Parts Unknown.” His loss is one that will be felt for many years to come. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. This is a very sad day for our industry and reminds us that suicide affects people in all industries and ours is no exception.
The
NYC Hospitality Alliance implores our members, employees and the greater community at large to seek out mental healthcare when needed. We have conducted panel discussions as recently as this past May on this very essential topic and will continue to be a conduit for our community to appropriate avenues of help.
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Bourdain was an advocate for many issues affecting the restaurant indusry. Last year, he championed
Wasted: The Story of Food Waste.
“This is an important and informative film and a project I’m proud to be part of,” said Bourdain. “Chefs have been at the cutting edge of efforts to contend responsibly with the problem of food waste, perhaps because they, more than others, are painfully aware of the egregious volume of perfectly usable, nutritious food that could otherwise feed people in need, being thrown out in our restaurants.”
Here’s a link to the New Yorker
article that started his literary journey.
