This photo is of the late Anthony Bourdain on his graduation in 1974.
He would go on to clutch a lengthy, notably bizarre, and frenzied culinary adventure, ultimately inspiring millions worldwide to explore, love, eat, drink, listen, and be judgment-free.
It’s tragic and sadly ironic that he brought strangers together and motivated countless people worldwide to form a community; still, at his own end, he was in despair and felt isolated.
Remember that life is a journey, and it’s important to cherish every moment along the way. Each day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and positively impact someone’s life. Don’t be afraid to take risks, chase your dreams, and embrace the unknown. Remember that you can achieve greatness; your unique talents and abilities can make a difference in the world. Always stay curious, keep an open mind, and never stop exploring the wonders of this fantastic world.
The day I found out that he had died, I quit the job that I was working at the time. The people I worked with were good, decent people, but I loathed the job and wasn’t inspired; I wasn’t ‘in love,’ and ultimately, I wasn’t happy. I told my manager I was leaving, effective immediately. I drove home, packed up my car with a few small bags, got on the road, and just drove. I started clicking off bucket list items. While away, I ate, drank, met people with remarkable histories and stories and fell in love with being ‘here.’ Out of his anguish and tragic passing, I rediscovered what I had forgotten I needed. I had been lethargic; I had been holding my breath. He taught me to breathe again. It was his last and final gift.
While on a dirt road that is hilariously labelled a “highway” in northern Quebec, on the boundary between civilization and the near-arctic, I discovered that I had been offered my dream job on the adventure Tony kicked off. I returned to Ontario and worked with great people, doing something I loved. I am no longer at that job, and many of those fine folks have come and gone, but I am still breathing and finding things to fall in love with, to discover and re-discover.
Thank you, Tony. You have been and will always be a source of inspiration for me and many others.
I couldn’t recommend Tony’s book, “Kitchen Confidential Deluxe Edition: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly” more. If you don’t already own it, I suggest picking up a copy today. (I have provided a link to the book on Amazon. This is an affiliate link.)
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