42 Little-Known Facts About Anthony Bourdain
Little-Known Facts About Anthony Bourdain
"You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together." —Anthony Bourdain
For nearly two decades, Anthony Bourdain has thrilled readers and viewers with stories about the foods of the world, the people who grow, produce, and cook it, and the culture and circumstances that shape it.
Bourdain’s unique perspective on food was heavily influenced by his decades-long tenure as a restaurant chef.
His early writings and television shows were the product of kitchen banter—confrontational, sardonic, and downright hilarious.
As he became an experienced traveller, his tone became noticeably more empathetic and inquisitive, though he always maintained a sense of humor.
Bourdain has taken us to far off lands and our own cities, dined at some of the most exclusive fine dining establishments and also in family homes in rural villages.
As we still try to process his recent untimely passing, let’s look back on some fascinating facts that define a truly brilliant individual.
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42. Marilyn and Tony
In 2012, a positive review of a North Dakota Olive Garden written by 86-year-old restaurant columnist Marilyn Hagerty became a viral sensation. The review was widely derided for its unabashed affection for a chain restaurant.
Bourdain, however, jumped to her defense on social media, stating that Hagerty’s reviews represented an important perspective on Middle American dining. The two eventually met in-person and became friends.
Bourdain’s book imprint published a compilation book of reviews from Hagerty’s long career as a restaurant columnist.
41. Getting Their Revenge on Tony
Early in his celebrity, Bourdain had a habit of tearing into various food personalities. Two of Bourdain’s targets of pointed criticism and mockery—Guy Fieri and Rachael Ray—were able to exact revenge at a charity roast of Bourdain.
40. All Seven Continents
Very few people can say that they have travelled to all seven continents, let alone say they made episodes of television on all seven continents. Bourdain has travelled extensively throughout his long career as television travel host. In 2017, Bourdain and his crew were even invited by the National Science Foundation to remote Antarctica to film an episode of Parts Unknown. In preparation for the long trip and the arduous conditions, Bourdain and his crew had to undergo a series of rigorous medical exams.
39. Emmy Award Winner
Emmy voters have recognized Bourdain’s work on television many times. Throughout his career he received 12 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and won four. All four wins came in the Outstanding Informational Series or Special category for Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, which he shared with his fellow executive producers.
