In Memory of Anthony Bourdain
I’ve needed days to come to terms with Anthony Bourdain’s passing. I had my Montréal video ready to post but held off because I felt sick to my stomach after hearing the news. I instead wrote out my thoughts on his passing and the impact he’s made in my life. I went back and added an in memoriam to the credits before publishing. Below you'll find my food guide to Montréal. I think Bourdain would approve...
A celebrity loss has never hit me like this one. Tony was my hero. Regretfully, I never met him. It hurts to imagine what his family and friends are having to endure. My heart goes out to them during this trying moment.
Anthony Bourdain in Rome, Italy
Instead of dwelling on the sadness. I wanted to share this scene from his Rome episode of “No Reservations.” An episode I would later learn to love. A scene that closely captures my own personality.
Tony wanted this episode exclusively shot in black & white despite being a food show. On top of that, filming one of the most stunningly colorful cities in the world. He took creative chances; unconcerned what the network or advertisers might think.
Being a huge fan of his show for many years, I never skipped an episode. So although skeptical by this artistic deviation from the “norm,” I later grew to love this episode. Bourdain chowing down on cacio e pepe in a Roman piazza is pure unadulterated happiness. THIS is the moment I choose to remember Anthony Bourdain by.
I studied in Rome in 2010 and since I have loved this city like none other.
I had the good fortune to have studied abroad in Rome 8 years ago where my passion for travel all began. A defining moment in my young adult life. One that forever shaped the man I am today. Had it not been for Tony, I’d probably not have had a desire to study abroad. And certainly not starting my own travel and food video series.
Bourdain inspires me to follow my dreams. With authenticity and courage I hope I can make a living doing what I love. They say never meet your heroes. But Tony could never disappoint me. He was too real. There’s not many people in this world like that. Let’s cherish those like him whenever we can for as long as we can. Let them know how important they are in our lives.
Thank you, Tony. RIP
