The food world was shook this week by the loss of one of the most iconic chefs of our generation; Anthony Bourdain. Though celebrities aren’t people we actually know, when you invite someone into your living room for years, follow their stories and travels, their loss can be felt deeply. My husband and I are certainly mourning this one, feeling the loss of a great personality and inspiration. Anthony in his writing and shows was so transparently himself, sharing his intricate thoughts, struggles, and experiences. I remember many times watching him on television and listening to him talk… feeling that his soul was much deeper than mine, and his thoughts more complex. He was true modern marvel of our lifetimes.
My husband and I have discussed losses like this in the past; deaths by suicide in particularly brilliant minds. What it all comes down to is that life is difficult for many people for so many reasons, but due to our bodies different chemical makeup, some people feel it much deeper than others. We look at celebrities and marvel at their fame and fortune, when in fact some struggle with deep depression, dependency issues and feel loneliness just as so many others do. No one is immune from depression or anxiety – some people may feel it only a few times in their lives, where others will battle it eternally.
What I feel is so important as we mourn this loss, is that we as the human race work to normalize depression and mental health struggles which are so incredibly common.
It breaks my heart that at 61 years old, with a child to raise and so much life left to live, he found it in himself to take that final step and end his existence. He had commented in interviews before that he had contemplated suicide but felt he ‘didn’t have the courage’ to go through with it – I read this comment earlier today and wished he had the courage to try to live. To just wait one more day, and instead of acting in that dark moment to sleep one more night and seek help, or even comfort of a friend. No matter how dark the world feels, help IS there. Someone will listen. As a chronic anxiety/depression sufferer I have been there before and know this exact feeling he expressed, and hope that anyone who knows me would reach out if they had a moment where they felt they could no longer keep on… even people who only know me online.
This is a quote I saw circulating the internet and felt it was tragically appropriate for this instance.
National Suicide Hotline – 1-800-273-8255
@800273TALK
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
On the eve of his passing, my husband and I decided to honor the late chef the way we saw most appropriate… preparing a delicious feast only recipes from “Anthony Bourdain’s Les Halles Cookbook” while demolishing one of our favorite bottles of red wine. Well, technically the red wine was all my husband as I am 20 weeks pregnant, but the dessert was all me 🙂
Our menu we decided on:
Cote de Boeuf w/Bearnaise Sauce
Les Halles Fries
Creme Brulee
In my mind, I imagine him finding humor in our dinner tribute, giving us a half-smile, making a witty comment and taking a sip of his Negroni in-hand. Rest peacefully good sir, you will not be forgotten in this kitchen.
X.O. Abbey Co.
Kitchen Confidential Updated Edition: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (P.S.)
He inspired me to write about food. I still can’t comprehend that he is gone 😢😭
I agree. So tragic. He inspired so many!
Hi Abbey! This was a beautiful tribute to an amazing and unique man, foodie, chef and world-traveller. I also wrote a tribute on Anthony Bourdain, but from a traveller’s perspective. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it! He truly brought the world together through food. Here’s my link if you are interested: https://trouvaille.ca/2018/06/08/anthony-bourdain-an-honorary-article/
I did check it out, and thank you. He inspired so many to cook and to travel and live life exploring. Truly, a modern tragedy that he is gone.