Born on this day: Anthony Bourdain – chef, writer, storyteller

On this day, June 25, 1956, the great Anthony Bourdain was born, a man of many talents who unfortunately left us too soon and tragically in 2018.

He began his career as a chef, or culinary chef, and then grew into an ultra-popular television personality and world-renowned author and storyteller. His charisma, adventurous spirit, the original touch that his shows have, as well as his brutal honesty towards all the people he meets and towards the audience, make him unique in the world of culinary and travel stories. His life has been an energetic journey of exploration and discovery, connecting people through the universal language of food.

Anthony’s rise to fame began in the kitchens of New York City, and he made his first significant mark as head chef at Brasserie Les Halles, a renowned French restaurant in Manhattan. His culinary talent and unique style set him apart, but he is not only recognized as a chef, but also as a storyteller. His 2000 book, Kitchen Confidential, catapulted him to extreme popularity for offering a raw, unfiltered look at the culinary world, captivating readers around the world.

Anthony Bourdain's success as a writer also led him to television. His shows, such as "No Reservations" and "Parts Unknown," were not just food shows, but cultural and educational explorations and documentaries that brought the culture of a city or country closer to viewers. Traveling to the most remote places in the world and interacting with locals through sharing experiences, history, and meals, Bourdain connects cultures through food, thus broadening viewers' horizons to diversity.

Bourdain's television travels have earned him countless accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards, but his impact has transcended the awards. He has influenced how people view food and travel, encouraging more exploration, experimentation, spontaneity, and curiosity.

The legacy left by Anthony Bourdain continues to inspire many chefs, travelers, storytellers, hedonists, and all those who enjoy food, travel, and diversity. His worldview and perception of life and food are and will continue to be a guiding light for many.

Finally, we will share one of Bourdain's most famous quotes:

"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.”

Photo: CNN, Pinterest, Laurie Woolever, David Scott Holloway