Few chefs have impacted the world quite like the late Anthony Bourdain. Champion of all things food, an ally to many in disadvantaged communities, and an uncommonly honest, fiercely beloved personality, Bourdain left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape and the world before his tragic death in 2018.
Across his three memoirs, , , and (and !), Bourdain exposed the culinary underbelly that many outside observers thought they understood, but in reality, knew very little about. Through his work, he was also an advocate for constantly trying new things and stepping outside of your comfort zone, both of which he became very familiar with over his lifetime. Even better, Bourdain expertly narrated all of his acclaimed memoirs himself, making what were three already incredible audiobook journeys even more special. And now, his fans can glean even more about Bourdain through the latest documentary about his life, Roadrunner.
Thankfully, because of his spare-no-detail and outspoken personality, Bourdain was also a source of great and memorable quotes. So if you’ve ever wanted to get into the mind of the inimitable Bourdain, then look no further. Here are the 30+ of the best quotes from the culinary legend himself, Anthony Bourdain.
Best Quotes
1. “No one understands and appreciates the American Dream of hard work leading to material rewards better than a non-American.”
2. “I've long believed that good food, good eating, is all about risk. Whether we're talking about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime 'associates,' food, for me, has always been an adventure.”
3. ““Our movements through time and space seem somehow trivial compared to a heap of boiled meat in broth, the smell of saffron, garlic, fishbones and Pernod.”
4. “People confuse me. Food doesn't.”
5. “Skills can be taught. Character you either have or don't have.”
6. “For me, the cooking life has been a long love affair, with moments both sublime and ridiculous. But like a love affair, looking back you remember the happy times best.”
7. “Food had power. It could inspire, astonish, shock, excite, delight and impress. It had the power to please me... and others. This was valuable information.”
8. “Cooking is a craft, I like to think, and a good cook is a craftsman—not an artist. There's nothing wrong with that: the great cathedrals of Europe were built by craftsmen—though not designed by them. Practicing your craft in expert fashion is noble, honorable and satisfying.”
