Celebrity chef, travel writer, television host, and advocate Anthony Bourdain has died at age 61, but we will aways have his quotes to remember him by. His insight and wisdom encouraged us to climb out of our shells and explore the world, its food, and its cultures whenever possible. He was as much an award-winning wordsmith as he was a teacher, an explorer, and a foul-mouthed comedian.
Below is a small collection of Bourdain’s thoughts on food, cooking and living life.
On eating adventurously
I’ve long believe that good food, good eating, is all about risk. Whether we’re talking about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime ‘associates,’ food, for me, has always been an adventure.”
On vegetarians
To me, life without veal stock, pork fat, sausage, organ meat, demi-glace, or even stinky cheese is a life not worth living.”
On living life
If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food.”
On drinking
There’s something wonder about drinking int he afternoon. A not-too-cold pint, absolutely along at the bar — even in the fake-ass Irish pub.”
On the only thing he’d eat on an airplane
Scotch on the rocks — they can’t f*** that up,” he said.
On his secret guilty pleasure
My real guilty pleasure — my really disgusting, shameful pleasure — is the mac and cheese at Popeye’s Fried Chicken,” he said.
On cooking skills
But I do think that the idea that basic cooking skills are a virtue, that the ability to feed yourself and a few other with proficiency should be taught to every young man and woman as a fundamental skill, should become as vital to growing up as learning to wipe one’s own ass, cross the street by oneself, or be trusted with money.”
On modern food
The word authentic has become a completely ridiculous, snobbish term. There are so many first- and second-generation immigrants making wonderful mashups of food they grew up eating. On the other hand, I’m pretty sure that every time Guy Fieri puts barbecue pork inside a nori roll, an angel dies.”
On eating healthy
Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.”
Also see: Here’s how all your favorite chefs make scrambled eggs.
