A small amount of time has passed since Anthony Bourdain’s death but I am still trying to process the reason why it has affected me so much.  Perhaps it is because, I had come to know a part of him through his writing, cooking or documentaries and wanted to know more and now that chance is gone.  Or maybe, part of me identifies with some of his struggles, which were at least hinted at during his programs.  There was always that pain you could  glimpse as you looked at his eyes, disconcerting but genuine, making you wonder what was going on or what had happened. His death might also bother me because he was almost exactly one year older than I am but I still believe there is something deeper that I have not quite figured out yet.

I would like to say that my attitude towards cooking was based on what I saw  and read but knowing that I will never be as talented or adventurous these words ring hollow.  Cooking for me is a pastime for him it was his soul. I am sad as many people are and we must process the tragic and move on but I know a brilliant light has been lost. To me he was a person who dealt in reality, sifted out the bullshit, and looked for the commonality in the one thing that everybody on this planet must do, eat.  I thank him for the insights into other countries, cultures, foods and flavors. Anthony, wherever you are, may you rest in peace.