Get Started

Photo of anthony bourdain

Anthony Bourdain

Chef, Author, Television Personality

1956–2018

Biography

Anthony Bourdain (June 25, 1956 – June 8, 2018) was an American chef, author, and television personality. He gained prominence with his book "Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly" (2000), which offered an unvarnished look at the restaurant industry. Bourdain hosted several culinary and travel television programs, most notably "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" (2005-2012) and "Parts Unknown" (2013-2018). His approach combined food exploration with cultural and political insights, setting his work apart from typical culinary shows. In 2013, "Parts Unknown" won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Series or Special. Bourdain's unique storytelling and adventurous spirit made him a beloved figure in both the culinary and media worlds.

About

Born June 25, 1956

Died June 8, 2018

Birthplace New York City, USA

Nationality American

Education Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts

School The Culinary Institute of America

Resting Place Columbarium of the Cemetery of the Evergreens, Brooklyn, New York, USA

Popular Quotes

"You can call it nostalgia, I don’t mind. I think I’ll always be chasing memories of some better place, some better time."

Reflection Memory Nostalgia Past

"I'm not afraid to look like an idiot."

Courage Confidence Individuality Authenticity

"Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown."

Freedom Journey Adventure Exploration

"Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body."

Personal growth Change Life lessons Transformation

"There is no Final Resting Place of the Mind."

Philosophy Self-discovery Perception Introspection

"The way you make an omelet reveals your character."

Life philosophy Character Behavior Judgment

"I'm a big believer in winging it. I'm a big believer that you're never going to find your perfect city or your perfect house right away."

Personal growth Life philosophy Uncertainty Adaptability

"I think the people who do best in the kitchen are the ones who have a healthy respect for themselves."

Personal growth Self-awareness Inner strength Self-confidence

"Without experimentation, a willingness to ask questions and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund."

Creativity Growth Innovation Change

"Context and memory play powerful roles in all the truly great meals in one's life."

Memory Nostalgia Food Emotional connection

"I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable."

Connection Community Diversity Culture

"Maybe that's enlightenment enough: to know that there is no final resting place of the mind; no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom is realizing how small I am, and unwise, and how far I have yet to go."

Personal growth Philosophy Self-improvement Wisdom

"You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together."

Understanding Connection Friendship Relationship

"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."

Personal growth Journey Adventure Exploration

"I wanted kicks—the kind of melodramatic thrills and chills I found in movies—but more than that, I wanted a sense of purpose."

Self-discovery Purpose Adventure Meaning

Previous 1 2 3 Next