Yes, Chef

I have seen posts and articles that try to explain who Anthony Bourdain was and his contribution to this world.  They mention his TV shows or his books.  Those that know better, call him Chef first.  He was more than just a television personality or writer.  He was more than just a chef.  He toiled and recovered from drug and alcohol addiction to be among the elite of the grueling Manhattan restaurant scene; a place where many chefs have failed.  Kitchen Confidential exposed the mysterious world of the back of house and shaped the idea of the modern chef.  The modern chef is passionate and unapologetic.  He/she prepares dishes that satisfy the soul surrounded by flames and very sharp knives.  The modern chef is a pirate and an alchemist.  Chef Bourdain made food cool.  With the book’s popularity, he found he had become one of those celebrity chefs that he hated.  His natural gift for writing and thirst for adventure took him out of the kitchen.  It took him to the Muslim World during the Iraq War.  It took him to the deep American South after Trump was elected.  He ate rare seal blubber, fish heads, and bugs then challenged us to do the same. Through his shows, he gave us more of an understanding and closed the gap a little more between us.  But he did more than encourage the public to try new foods or explore cultures.  He taught us to be brave; to take the leap.  He taught us to embrace life and have no fear.  He embodied different parts of what we all wanted to be.  He had accomplished more in this world than any one of us ever will.  His message reached a far wider audience than our voices could carry.  Rest in peace chef, adventurer, traveler, writer, survivor, local, enjoyer of life, observer of mankind, advocate, teacher, and legend.  You will be remembered.