Culinary luminaries pay tribute to American celebrity chef Bourdain after his death at 61
LEADING FIGURES in the culinary world have paid tribute to American celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, who has died at the age of 61.
Bourdain was found in his hotel room in France by his friend and fellow chef Eric Ripert while he was working on his CNN series on culinary traditions around the world.
Celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and Gordon Ramsay all paid tribute to Bourdain.
Oliver wrote on Instagram: “He really broke the mould, pushed the culinary conversation and was the most brilliant writer. He leaves chefs and fans around the world with a massive foodie hole that simply can’t be replaced ... rest in peace chef.”
CNN confirmed Bourdain’s death, and said he was in Strasbourg filming an upcoming segment in his series Parts Unknown.
The CNN statement said: “His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller.
“His talents never ceased to
amaze us and we will miss him very much.”
Bourdain achieved celebrity status after the publication in 2000 of his best-selling book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly.
The book created a sensation by combining frank details of his life and career with behind-thescenes observations on the culinary industry.
It was a rare crossover – a book which was intended for professional cooks that had enormous mass appeal.
Bourdain went on to achieve fame due to his CNN series Parts Unknown.
Lawson wrote on Twitter: “Heartbroken to hear about Tony Bourdain’s death. Unbearable for his family and girlfriend. Am going off twitter for a while.”
Meanwhile, Ramsay said: “Stunned and saddened by the loss of Anthony Bourdain.
“He brought the world into our homes and inspired so many people to explore cultures and cities through their food.”
Bourdain was twice divorced and has a daughter from his second marriage.