Seattle Remembers Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain, the legendary chef, author, storyteller and award-winning television personality has died by suicide. He was 61.

Bourdain made a tremendous impact on so many people all over the world, including here in Seattle, where he visited last year for an episode of CNN’s Emmy-winning series, Parts Unknown, where he said:

“I love Seattle. I’ve had many happy experiences there. From the beginning of my writing career, it’s a town that has welcomed me—probably because it was one of the first cities in America to embrace chefs and new restaurant ideas, to loudly celebrate their local ingredients and local producers. It was a foodie town long before the word foodie existed and will be when that loathsome term is long dead and buried. Demographically speaking, it’s a town that likes talking about food, eating food, reading about food—and, in my case, stories about people who make food.”

Many Seattle chefs and restaurants are now paying their respects with messages on social media. Here’s what they’re saying.

“I love Seattle. I’ve had many happy experiences there. From the beginning of my writing career, it’s a town that has welcomed me—probably because it was one of the first cities in America to embrace chefs and new restaurant ideas, to loudly celebrate their local ingredients and local producers. It was a foodie town long before the word foodie existed and will be when that loathsome term is long dead and buried. Demographically speaking, it’s a town that likes talking about food, eating food, reading about food—and, in my case, stories about people who make food.” – Anthony Bourdain, Parts Unknown: Seattle . . RIP @anthonybourdain and thank you for everything you’ve done to share the wonders of food with the world. . Take a moment to ask someone how they’re doing. How they are really doing. And listen. . National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255 Available 24 hours everyday https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

A post shared by The White Swan Public House (@whiteswanpublichouse) on Jun 8, 2018 at 7:15am PDT

no words…. and i can’t say i can even begin to understand, however we have got to get a handle on this as people are truly hurting. I don’t know what the answer is, but somehow we have to be able to show people that there is hope, that there is love for them, that this truly isn’t the best option……………………..,…….RIP Tony…you were an icon during my lifetime that spoke so many truths and created a window into the craft and industry I love. ……………………………..National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week #suicideprevention #bourdain #anthonybourdain

A post shared by Joshua Henderson (@jhendu72) on Jun 8, 2018 at 5:21am PDT

Today we lost one of our own. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.

A post shared by Anna Wallace (@seattleseltzer) on Jun 8, 2018 at 7:05am PDT

A post shared by Renee Erickson (@chefreneeerickson) on Jun 8, 2018 at 6:52am PDT

Unbelievably sad news. If you agreed or disagreed with his opinions his impact on our world is undeniable. Check in with/say I love you to your people.

A post shared by Jeffrey Vance (@out.of.step) on Jun 8, 2018 at 6:23am PDT

What a ride @anthonybourdain you have taken us on and it has now come to an end way to soon. You have taught us so much from your life’s journey and there will be much more to learn from your death. This is one of the most grueling professions on the planet and we have to work together to find a balance. Our abuse on our bodies for the sake of making other people happy needs to stop. There will be so much to learn and gain from your story. You exposed us, you exposed yourself and I say thank you the only way I know how. May your soul dance in heaven with the culinary Gods. RIP #stress #life #death #cheflife #must #change #rip #anthonybourdain #abuse

A post shared by Edouardo Jordan (@edouardojordan) on Jun 8, 2018 at 10:16am PDT

The whole Wild Ginger team is heartbroken to hear about the loss of a true legend, Chef Anthony Bourdain. He will be greatly missed. #AnthonyBourdain pic.twitter.com/A907FzTUDS

— Wild Ginger (@WildGingerEats) June 8, 2018

I will miss his virtuosity, slaying dragons with a smirk, a sentence, or a meal. I am brought to tears by the tears of my young team, at wits end, struggling to understand why their hero is so human. #RIPAnthonyBourdain pic.twitter.com/qmkgZUBvVK

— Tom Douglas Company (@TomDouglasCo) June 8, 2018

Seattle singer-songwriter Mark Lanegan, who was featured on Parts Unknown‘s 2017 visit to Seattle, also shared a rememberance.

I’m heartbroken. @Bourdain was such a positive force in my life and so many others. A great friend and artist. What a sad fucking day

— mark lanegan (@marklanegan) June 8, 2018