I’m an only child. But if I were to have a big brother, I think I would’ve wanted him to be Anthony Bourdain.
It’s tricky with Tony because he was born in 1956 and therefore by most definitions he’s not quite part of my generation. So maybe he’s like an older brother. You know, like he may be quite a bit older than you – but you can still, like, swear around him, get high, and talk about girls and shit…
When he died, I took it hard even though I’ve never met the guy.
I mean shit. The guy hung out with the likes of Obama, and David Choe both (albeit not simultaneously) He ate at hole-in-wall places and at the finest spots. He partook in the finest drugs to be found in NYC in the 80s. He took a bloody helicopter so he could go to Jiu Jitsu practice on time to roll with the white belts. Never mind Steve McQueen, this guy was the king of cool. If he couldn’t get his shit together, what chance does any of us have?
I’ve recently seen some interesting Tik Toks where folks will quote Tony’s writings and cook his recipes and talk about him. Because of this I’ve been able to view him as more of a historical figure than a dead sibling.
So I’ve decided to watch his entire videography whilst I partake in the finest herb.
Have you read kitchen confidential yet?
His death hit me hard too, it felt like I had lost a dear friend… I had bought the book before he passed, and it took me years after to actually read it.
His honesty was incredible and so, so rare.
RIP