Books: Anthony Bourdain Remembered

Anthony Bourdain Remembered
By CNN
Echo; hardcover, 208 pages; $35.00

One year ago today, the world was saddened to learn of the passing of celebrated chef and television host, most notably of CNN's "Parts Unknown," which showcased hidden treasures around the world 
in such places as Vietnam, Antarctica, and Tanzania.


The outpouring of love from his fans was momentous, as people realized what a loss this was to a world in need of someone with a deep compassion and open-mindedness about how people are more alike than they are different.

One of Bourdain's famous quotes was, "If I'm an advocate of anything, it's to move...Walk in someone else's shoes or at least eat their food."

The beautiful new book Anthony Bourdain Rememebered was edited and produced for CNN by Amy Entelis, Carolyn Disbrow, and Katie Isaacson with Girl Friday Productions. This captures Bourdain's spirit and passion in the words of his devoted fans, as well as some of his closest friends and colleagues.

One of his closest friends was former President Barack Obama, who dined with Bourdain in Hanoi, Vietnam. "'Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer.' This is how I'll remember Tony," Obama wrote. "He taught us about food - but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together. To make us a little less afraid of the unknown. We'll miss him."

There are also memories and anecdotes about Bourdain's unique achievements and his enduring effect on their lives from people such as chefs Eric Ripert, Tom Colicchio, Richard Blaise, and Jose Andres; filmmaker Ken Burns, comedian W. Kamau Bell, and his legions of fans.

Chef Pierre Thiam is pictured with Bourdain in Senegal, West Africa, and he wrote, "I always loved my country, but I think Tony was able to see a beauty that we can't see. He was showing the beauty in things that we don't particularly find beautiful."

Anthony Bourdain Remembered will give you an appreciation of what he accomplished by going to these places, making everywhere feel accessible and familiar, and highlighted how unique every part of the world is.

Amy Entelis, Executive Vice President, Talent and Program Development at CNN Worldwide, said of the celebrated chef, "Our relationship with Anthony Bourdain began in 2012 and in that time Tony became a dear friend and colleague who enriched CNN with his brilliant storytelling, distinctive voice and refreshing perspective on culture at home and abroad. His impact and legacy will live on indefinitely at CNN. As a expression of gratitude we wanted to create this remembrance for his family and those whose lives he touched."

These tributes give us a look into Bourdain's impact through his political and social commitments, his dedication to travel and eating well, and his love of the written word.

Daniel Halpern, the President and Publisher of Ecco, said of this tribute, "Anthony Bourdain's passing was a huge loss to us all and there isn't a day that goes by when we don't miss his singular presence. Anthony Bourdain Rememebered reminds me of the joy that he brought to everyone who knew him or watched him on-air as he moved in his particular way around the globe. It is the perfect memento for those of us who, through his shows, came to know the others who inhabit our planet - and an homage to the world's most beloved traveler. Originally a keepsake for Tony's daughter, privately published in a limited edition by CNN, the estate has agreed to share this book with his many friends and fans."

Just in time for Father's Day, Anthony Bourdain Rememebered is one of the most enlightened gifts you can give to a special person in your life.