Bourdain Remembered

I missed commenting on Anthony Bourdain in June, the month that he was born in and then 62 years later it is the month he died in. I am not a big Bourdain fan, unlike many people that I know and some of them I even love. However, his voice and perspective on food and the people who make it is a huge loss to us all. I can totally get behind a lot of things that he promoted and was big on before it was cool. I really admire his accessibility as a person. People could connect with him when he was on camera, but word has it that that is who he was when the camera wasn't rolling as well. He liked to break bread with strangers and hear their stories. When he was in a new place he sought out the best food--not the most expensive of most carefully prepared food but rather the most flavorful and interesting food. Bonus points if it served a regional delicacy. He was a big advocate for those who have little or no voice. He spoke out about service staff needing the support of diners. He advocated going to places that aren't on everyone's radar, that every place has greatness, you just have to find it. So take a moment this summer and add an experience you wouldn't have done, but that Bourdain would have loved he inspired you to do. Or at least raise a glass and toast his gusto about food and the people who make it.