“I'm asked a lot what the best thing about cooking for a living is. And it's this: to be a part of a subculture. To be part of a historical continuum, a secret society with its own language and customs. To enjoy the instant gratification of making something good with one's hands--using all one's senses. It can be, at times, the purest and most unselfish way of giving pleasure (thought oral sex has to be a close second).”

American celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarian

Anthony Michael Bourdain was an American celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarian. He became known for work that moved between kitchens, books, and television, with a public voice shaped by curiosity and sharp observation. He starred in programs focused on international culture, cuisine, and the human condition. His work often explored how people eat, travel, and live, and it brought him a reputation for honest, unsentimental commentary.