Anthony Bourdain, In His Own Words

It is no secret that Julia Child is one of my favorite chefs and persons ever. I just love her to bits. But not so many people know I am also a big fan of Anthony Bourdain as well. Like Julia before him, Anthony Bourdain was a man of the people. He wasn’t just a pretty face, but had the skills and the chutzpah to back it up as well. He too has influenced millions of up and coming cooks and chefs, both at home and professionally. He too is an inspiration to many around the globe, from all walks of life. And he was every much the pioneer, both in and out of the kitchen, as was Ms. Child herself. They were both born rebels. I too was born a rebel, and shall remain so ’til my dying days.

Some of Anthony Bourdain’s most appealing traits, at least to me, are his raw honesty and fearlessness. He did what he wanted, said things others wouldn’t say, and lived life on his own terms. These are life skills and qualities I think the world needs more of these days.

I so totally agree with this philosophy!.

I remember so many people were always putting me down because I chose the professional kitchen as my main career path rather than life in the corporate world. I worked in the corporate world and I HATED IT! I tried for many years to get our of the restaurant and food industry, the industry that has taught me so much, because I was working towards a “better life”. But I always kept coming back to the place that felt most like home. Finally, I came to the realization that the professional kitchen is really one of the few places I truly belong. So many people thought they were above me and that I was uneducated. Well, let me tell you, the restaurant business is BRUTAL! It is not for the weak or faint of heart, and it sure isn’t the place to be if you are lazy either. You work your butt off in the restaurant industry. You work LONG hours, nights, weekends and holidays. You work when everyone else plays. You are on your feet all day long, often 16 hours+ a day, without many breaks in between. You get a workout everyday because you are always hauling around heavy items too. And don’t be fooled about the “uneducated” stuff. I have 4 college degrees, and I don’t use any of them except my Culinary Arts Degrees.

Wherever you are Mr. Bourdain, I hope you are still cooking up a storm in the ways that only you can.

Stay safe and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.