An image of Anthony Bourdain eating pasta.
Via James Cann

Anthony Michael Bourdain (June 25, 1956 – June 8, 2018) was a renowned chef, author, and travel documentarian. He provided more documentaries than we will ever have enough time to sink our minds’ teeth into. He starred in various television programs that were focused in on the discovery of international culture, cuisine, and the ultimate question that lurks within the subconscious and every now and again presents itself in the forefront of the mind, which is, “what’s it all about?” Bourdain undeniably explored enough of the world to try and answer that question for us. We’ll now take a look at some of the most memorable quotes that he gifted the world with.

1. On the immaculate value of making someone breakfast

An image of Anthony Bourdain in a suit.
via peabody awards\

“What nicer thing can you do for somebody than make them breakfast?”

2. On what enlightenment actually might be

An image of Anthony Bourdain giving a speech with a microphone.
via paloma baytelman

“Maybe that’s enlightenment: to know that there is no final resting place of the mind; no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom is realizing how small I am, and unwise, and how far I have yet to go.”

3. On what a chef’s true deep appreciation is

An image of Anthony Bourdain giving a speech.
via honeybunny

“Anyone who’s a chef, who loves food, ultimately knows that all that matters is: Is it good? Does it give pleasure?”

4. On the reality of having character

An image of Anthony Bourdain giving a speech.
via honey bunny

“Skills can be taught. Character you either have or you don’t have.”

5. On the imperative nature of not taking food too seriously

An image of Anthony Bourdain reading a menu at a restaurant.
via carrie

“I personally, think there is a real danger of taking food too seriously. Food should be part of the bigger picture.”

6. On life being a grand adventure

An image of Anthony Bourdain smiling.
via maribeth mcewan

“I’m not going anywhere. It’s been an adventure. We took some casualties over the years. Things got broken. Things got lost.”

7. On the magic of New York

An image of Anthony Bourdain holding up a microphone.
via dc central kitchen

“I love New York. I’m a guy for whom a New York accent is a comforting thing.”

8. On the value of not agreeing with someone to appease them

An image of Anthony Bourdain giving a speech with a microphone.
via neeta lind

“I don’t have to agree with you to like you or respect you.”

9. On the unshakable worth of telling the truth

An image of Anthony Bourdain being interviewed.
via watch mojo

“Don’t lie about it. You made a mistake. Admit it and move on. Just don’t do it again. Ever.”

10. On how the best food can also be the simplest food

An image of Anthony Bourdain signing a book.
via rachel lovinger

“Good food is very often, even most often, simple food.”

Meet the Writer

Matt has spent over the last 8 years as both a writer and editor, working in Seattle and Brooklyn, where he is now based. He loves escaping the tirelessly fast pace of the “Mad Apple” that is NYC by taking walks and runs through parks where he’s able to catch up on the latest tea about society from the city’s ever chatty, always hungry, occasionally maniacal, pigeons. They always have a lot to say. When he’s not taking his urban nature strolls, or dutifully combing the deepest rabbit holes of the internet to find the content that’s worth sinking your mind’s teeth into, he’s likely holed up at a dark-lit dive bar with a new book and/or some friends, or just as easily he could be on the hunt for the next addition to his steadily growing plant family.

These days Matt’s caught up in trying to provide folks as many vivid glimpses into the days long since passed as he can, through fun and engaging collections of hand-picked vintage photos.