Bourdain Day

Bourdain Day timeline

1998

Executive chef

Bourdain became executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles. He stayed there for many years — eventually becoming what the restaurant called its "chef at large."

2000

Bestselling book

Bourdain published his most famous book — "Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly."

2006

A narrow escape

War between Israel and Lebanon broke out while Bourdain was shooting "No Reservations" in Beirut.

2013

"Parts Unknown"

Bourdain had left his Travel Channel show "No Reservations" in 2012 after a fight with the network.

2019

Anthony Bourdain Legacy Scholarship created

This will provide grant money to one or more Culinary Institute of America students per year to study abroad.

Bourdain Day FAQs

When is Bourdain Day?

Bourdain Day 2026 falls on Thursday, June 25, marking the birthday of the iconic chef, author, and travel host, Anthony Bourdain.

Who started Bourdain Day?

Bourdain Day was initiated in 2019 by his close friends, chefs Eric Ripert and José Andrés, to honor Anthony Bourdain’s birthday and keep his memory alive. They encouraged fans to celebrate his spirit by trying new foods and traveling.

What was Anthony Bourdain's most famous book?

Anthony Bourdain’s most famous book is undoubtedly ‘Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly,’ published in 2000. This raw and honest memoir offered an unprecedented look into the restaurant world.

What was Anthony Bourdain known for?

Anthony Bourdain was known for his candid storytelling, adventurous spirit, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life through food and travel. He demystified global cultures for millions.

How to Observe Bourdain Day

Travel

Perhaps it's best to spend discretionary income on experiences rather than objects. Amazing things can happen when you're in faraway places. Start packing, if you can.

Catch up on "Parts Unknown"

Bourdain's most recent TV series took him all over the world including Berlin, Vietnam, and Antarctica. He's one of the most compelling personalities you'll ever see on television. If you really can't travel, this is the next best thing.

Consider living in a foreign country

An estimated 9 million Americans live abroad. Those include retirees as well as a growing number of so-called "digital nomads" who, thanks to increasingly reliable WiFi in many countries, can work from anywhere. Living overseas, even temporarily, can alter your outlook on everything.

5 "Parts Unknown" Episodes You Need To Watch Immediately

"Rome" (2016)

Bourdain met his future girlfriend Asia Argento during this episode. At one point, they wind up at a boxing match and dine on spaghetti during the fight.

"Kenya" (2018)

TV host W. Kamau Bell joined Bourdain for this one. This was the first episode to air following Bourdain's death. Said Bell during the episode: "The idea that I’m sitting here with you doing this now, knowing where my life and career have come, it’s pretty cool."

"Peru" (2013)

Bourdain and close friend Eric Ripert playfully explore the country — eventually winding up in the Andes where they visit farmers who harvest the cocoa used in the duo’s gourmet chocolate bars. The experience seemed to leave Bourdain somewhat disillusioned about the chocolate business.

"Iran" (2014)

Bourdain met with married journalists Jason Rezaian and Yeganeh Salehi. Both were imprisoned following the episode. While captors released Salehi after a few months, Rezaian, who wrote for the "Washington Post," remained jailed until 2016.

"Hanoi" (2016)

Undoubtedly one of the show's all-time highlights, this episode featured President Obama just six weeks before the 2016 election. They shared a tiny table while eating the pork and noodle dish "bun cha."

Why Bourdain Day is Important

Inspiration

Bourdain gave us the blueprint for a more courageous life. He wanted everyone, especially Americans, to see the world and experience other cultures firsthand. Google Maps only takes you so far.

Struggle

All the success and fame in the world couldn't save Bourdain in the end. It's well known that he battled substance abuse early in his career. He also suffered from depression. Bourdain's death came just three days after New York City designer Kate Spade took her life as well. Mental health issues deserve our full attention.

Hope

Bourdain started out as a restaurant line cook who could barely make the rent. He wound up a celebrity chef, author and television host with mass appeal and a worldwide following. Through it all he achieved a measure happiness — though it unfortunately wouldn't last.