Philly Chefs React to the Death of Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain, chef, author of the widely influential memoir Kitchen Confidential, and host of several food and travel TV shows, has died at the age of 61. CNN, the network that produced Bourdain’s acclaimed travel show Parts Unknown, announced the news this morning and noted that the cause of death was suicide.

Chefs, restaurateurs, and others in the hospitality industry around the world have been posting tributes and memories of Bourdain on social media.

In Philly, Hardena, the family-run, James Beard-nominated Indonesian restaurant, led with a quote from the outspoken chef: “Travel changes you. 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.” (When Bourdain first brought one of his travel TV shows to Philly back in 2012, he made a point to ignore cheesesteaks, which the city, and Eater Philly, appreciated.)

Marc Vetri shared a simple message with a powerful black square:

Stephen Starr called Bourdain an inspiration:

George Sabatino of Rooster Soup Co. posted a photo and a succinct message:

Amis’s Brad Spence also posted a photo:

In a 2015 episode of Parts Unknown, Bourdain visited Donkey’s Place in Camden, saying “the best cheesesteak in the area might well come from New Jersey.”

“We owe so many thanks to this man,” Baology wrote:

Michael Strauss of Mike’s BBQ posted a quote:

DiBruno Bros.’s Emilio Mignucci said “he will be missed”:

Mayor Jim Kenney tweeted an important reminder:

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.