The Writings That Anthony Bourdain Left Behind for the World to Read

CNN

NOTE: If you are depressed and are having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.


On June 8th, the world-renowned travel writer, chef, and television host Anthony Bourdain committed suicide at the age of 61.

There’s no doubt, Bourdain was a lot of things. Before I started travel writing, I thought of him more as a chef and television host. But shortly after I began my little trek into the world of travel writing, I found out that Bourdain was a fantastic writer. Much like his career as a chef, as a writer, he seemed to know what ingredients (words) belonged and he knew where to sprinkle them in.

Below are just a few of his quotes that may inspire you to travel, cook, or live life to the fullest every single day:


On travel

“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. Walk in someone else's shoes or at least eat their food. It's a plus for everybody."


“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. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”

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“Do we really want to travel in hermetically sealed popemobiles through the rural provinces of France, Mexico and the Far East, eating only in Hard Rock Cafes and McDonalds? Or do we want to travel without fear, tearing into the local stew, the humble taqueria’s mystery meat, the sincerely offered gift of a lightly grilled fish head? I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything once.”

​On food and what it can mean to someone’s culture

“When somebody’s offering you food, they’re telling you a story. They’re telling you what they like, who they are. Presumably, it’s a proud reflection of their culture, their history, often a very tough history. You turn your nose up at that important moment, the whole relationship changes, and it will never be the same.”

​A motto one can live by

“Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.”

Recommended reading from Bourdain

As you can tell, Bourdain was an extremely talented writer with many books under his belt. In fact, it was a book that landed him on TV, ultimately making him one of the world’s most recognizable chefs. So what books of his should you pick up? Well, you should start with these four:

No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach

Probably my favorite of his, this combines the world of travel with the world of food. It explores how food helps bring people from different cultures and different countries together.

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Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly

This book, a behind the scenes look at the drama and excitement that goes on in a restaurant’s kitchen while you’re eating dinner, is what made him a celebrity.

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Typhoid Mary: An Urban Historical

For those history buffs in the audience, Bourdain tells the story of Mary Mallon, a New York cook who was accused of infecting at least 51 people with typhoid in the early 1900s.

The Bobby Gold Stories

Known mostly for his non-fiction writings, this book proved that he can be a pretty successful novelist too.