Chefs José Andrés and Eric Ripert are doing their part to honor the late Anthony Bourdain. Nearly a year after their pal’s death by suicide, the culinary professionals have announced the launch of something they have dubbed “#BourdainDay.”
The occasion, which is slated to take place on what would have been Bourdain’s 63rd birthday on June 25, is meant to be a celebration honoring the Parts Unknown host. “IMPORTANT! JUNE 25th #BOURDAINDAY Celebrating the life, legacy & birthday of our dear friend Anthony!” Ripert, 54, tweeted on Thursday, May 30. “Wherever U are & whoever UR with, join @chefjoseandres I & share your tributes & memories using #BourdainDay & wish Anthony peace & happy birthday!”
In a video accompanying that tweet, both chefs explain the meaning behind #BourdainDay. “On June 25, we all are going to celebrate the birthday of our dear friend and beloved Anthony Bourdain,” Ripert tells the camera.
IMPORTANT! JUNE 25th #BOURDAINDAY Celebrating the Life, Legacy & Birthday of our Dear Friend Anthony! Wherever U are & whoever UR with, join @chefjoseandres I & share your tributes & memories using #BourdainDay & wish Anthony Peace & Happy Birthday! RT/Spread the word! CHEERS! 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/Sw28hDupfw
— Eric Ripert (@ericripert) May 30, 2019
Adds Andrés, 49: “We want all of you to celebrate Tony’s life.”
To participate, Ripert says all people need to do is toast to the No Reservations alum “anywhere you want, with anyone you want.” Tributes will be tracked using #BourdainDay.
Bourdain died in France on June 8, 2018. He was 61. At the time of his death, he was shooting an episode of Parts Unknown with Ripert, who found the Kitchen Confidential author unresponsive in his hotel room.
“We decided to celebrate his birthday instead of June 8th — because that was obviously a sad day — to highlight his many contributions,” Ripert told Today Food. “We don’t want people to take advantage of it [Bourdain’s death]. That’s why we have been proactive in creating this day. We have made it easy for everyone to celebrate Anthony.”
#BourdainDay is just the latest in a series of tributes to the beloved culinary figure. On Tuesday, May 28, CNN released Anthony Bourdain Remembered – a book containing photos, quotes and remembrances dedicated to the New York native. “Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer. This is how I’ll remember Tony,” wrote former President Barack Obama. “He taught us about food – but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together.”
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).