Journalist, filmmaker, author, explorer, raconteur and chef Anthony Bourdain was found dead in his hotel room in France on Friday. He was 61. During his career as an author and documentary filmmaker for television, Bourdain visited Austin multiple times to shoot episodes of his TV shows and speak at the Paramount Theater and South by Southwest. Austin chefs and food-lovers, writers and fans of Bourdain around the world are reacting to the news.
(Hear my thoughts on the passing of Bourdain here, from my conversation on 104.9 The Horn Friday afternoon.)
CNN confirmed that Bourdain committed suicide. If you or anyone you know is battling depression or thoughts of suicide, please know there is help out there and recovery is possible. And please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline phone number at 1-800-273-8255. Chefs with Issues is also a resource if you are struggling and work in the food world. Locally, you can call 512-472-4357 to connect with mental health services.
Anthony Bourdain and president Barack Obama met over beer and bun cha in Hanoi for an episode of “Parts Unknown.” (Credit: CNN)
Barbecue legend John Mueller, currently of John Mueller Black Box Barbecue in Georgetown, appeared on the Austin episode of Bourdain’s “No Reservations” in season eight:
“Huge fan of his work. His style of storytelling was amazing as he made you feel like you were there. When I was privileged enough to meet him he was laid back, gracious, and we had one hell of a time.” — John Mueller
If anyone put Montreal gastronomy “on the map,” it was Anthony Bourdain. He loved our city and our chefs. He just got it. We owe him a debt of gratitude.
— Lesley Chesterman (@lesleychestrman) June 8, 2018
Anthony. One of my idols. Unapologetic, passionate and one of the best storytellers on the planet. Thank you for making food so exciting. And always standing up for everything right. Horrible. Why why why. Be at peace now
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) June 8, 2018
