Bourdain Day

Bourdain Day is an annual celebration honoring the life and legacy of Anthony Bourdain, the renowned chef, author, and travel documentarian. It’s a day to remember his contributions to culinary culture and his unique perspective on food, travel, and human connection.

Quick Facts

When is it?: June 25th (Anthony Bourdain’s birthday)
Tagged as: Food and culture celebration
What’s the hashtag?: #BourdainDay
When was it founded?: 2019
Who founded it?: Chefs Eric Ripert and José Andrés

History of Bourdain Day

Bourdain Day was established in 2019, a year after Anthony Bourdain’s untimely death. His close friends and fellow chefs, Eric Ripert and José Andrés, created this day to celebrate Bourdain’s life and impact rather than mourning his passing. The day encourages people worldwide to remember Bourdain by enjoying good food, exploring new cultures, and fostering human connections.

Timeline

2000: Bourdain publishes “Kitchen Confidential,” launching his career as a culinary celebrity.
2002-2012: Hosts “No Reservations” on the Travel Channel.
2013-2018: Hosts “Parts Unknown” on CNN.
June 8, 2018: Anthony Bourdain passes away.
May 30, 2019: Eric Ripert and José Andrés announce the creation of Bourdain Day.
June 25, 2019: The first Bourdain Day is celebrated worldwide.

Bourdain Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	June 25	Wednesday
2026	June 25	Thursday
2027	June 25	Friday
2028	June 25	Sunday
2029	June 25	Monday
2030	June 25	Tuesday

How Bourdain Day is Observed

Bourdain Day is celebrated in various ways, all inspired by Anthony Bourdain’s approach to life and food. Many people choose to dine at local, independently-owned restaurants, trying new cuisines or dishes they wouldn’t normally order. Others organize potlucks with friends, sharing meals and stories in the spirit of Bourdain’s love for culinary exploration and human connection.

Some fans revisit episodes of Bourdain’s shows or read his books, reflecting on his insights and adventures. Many also use the day to raise awareness about mental health issues and support suicide prevention charities, honoring Bourdain’s memory by helping others who may be struggling.

Restaurants and culinary institutions often create special menus or events to mark the occasion, celebrating Bourdain’s influence on the food industry and his dedication to authentic, diverse cuisines.

Fun Facts About Anthony Bourdain

Bourdain’s culinary career began as a dishwasher in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
He was a talented writer, authoring both non-fiction and fiction books.
Bourdain was known for his willingness to try almost any food, including a still-beating cobra heart in Vietnam.
He had a cameo appearance in the film “The Big Short” (2015).
Bourdain was a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and practiced the martial art regularly.

Quiz

In which year was Bourdain Day established?
What is the date of Bourdain Day?
Who founded Bourdain Day?
What was the name of Bourdain’s breakthrough book published in 2000?
Which CNN show did Bourdain host from 2013 to 2018?

(Answers: 1. 2019, 2. June 25th, 3. Eric Ripert and José Andrés, 4. “Kitchen Confidential”, 5. “Parts Unknown”)

FAQs

Q: Why was June 25th chosen for Bourdain Day?
A: June 25th was Anthony Bourdain’s birthday, making it a fitting date to celebrate his life and legacy.

Q: How can I participate in Bourdain Day?
A: You can celebrate by trying new foods, watching Bourdain’s shows, reading his books, or sharing meals with friends and strangers alike.

Q: Was Bourdain only a chef?
A: No, Bourdain was also an author, TV host, and cultural commentator known for his insights on food, travel, and human nature.

Q: Is Bourdain Day recognized officially?
A: While not an official holiday, Bourdain Day is widely celebrated by fans, chefs, and the culinary community worldwide.

Q: How has Bourdain Day evolved since its inception?
A: Since 2019, Bourdain Day has grown to include more organized events, charity initiatives, and global participation through social media.

Importance of Bourdain Day

Bourdain Day serves as a poignant reminder of Anthony Bourdain’s impact on culinary culture and his unique ability to use food as a lens for understanding different cultures. It encourages people to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and connect with others through shared meals.

The day also highlights the importance of mental health awareness, given the circumstances of Bourdain’s passing. It prompts conversations about the pressures faced by those in the culinary industry and beyond, fostering a more open dialogue about mental health issues.

Lastly, Bourdain Day celebrates the spirit of curiosity and openness that Anthony Bourdain embodied. It inspires people to travel, explore, and approach unfamiliar cultures and cuisines with respect and enthusiasm, continuing the legacy of cultural exchange and understanding that Bourdain championed throughout his career.