Bourdain Day
Bourdain Day celebrates a chef, storyteller, and traveler who taught us to dig deeper than flavor.
The day honors Anthony Bourdain, born June 25th, and it highlights the way he used food to bring people together across cultures.
Friends and fellow chefs Eric Ripert and José Andrés created this tribute not just to mark his birthday, but to carry forward his belief that sharing a meal builds bridges.
It feels like a warm invitation to gather, listen, and remember someone who inspired curiosity, honesty, and openness.
This tribute matters because he reminded us that food is more than a dish—it’s a gateway to understanding.
Through his shows and writing, he encouraged us to converse, connect, and question. Behind the laughter and the bold flavors lay a call to address life’s tough parts, including his own mental health journey.
On Bourdain Day, people pause to recall his energy, his daring, and his care for others.
It’s a way to honor his courage, and to carry forward his message that meals—and the moments we share around them—can shape how we see the world.
How to Celebrate Bourdain Day
Here are some lively ideas to mark Bourdain Day in ways that honor his spirit:
New‑Taste Adventure
Try a flavor you’ve never had before. Visit that small spot off your usual path.
Explore a local gem. Respect traditions and follow Bourdain’s “Grandma Rule”: be grateful for hospitality.
Raise a Toast
Grab any drink you enjoy. Cheers with friends, family, or solo. Film a short moment and share it online with the hashtag #BourdainDay.
Ripert and Andrés started this simple ritual to connect people everywhere.
Hit an Evening Event
Attend a themed tasting, pop‑up, or multi-course dinner. Seek out gatherings hosted by local chefs or restaurants on that day. These events echo dim kitchen camaraderie and Bourdain’s raw honesty.
Explore a Market
Roam a farmers’ market or local bazaar. Let new sights and aromas lead you. Collect fresh ingredients, chat with vendors, then craft your own meal. This echoes Bourdain’s favorite ritual.
Support Mental-Health Causes
Donate to or volunteer for suicide‑prevention groups. Bourdain’s legacy includes raising awareness about mental well-being. This step brings compassion and action to the day.
History of Bourdain Day
Bourdain Day started in 2019, one year after the passing of Anthony Bourdain. Chefs Eric Ripert and José Andrés, two of his closest friends, created the day to honor his memory.
They chose his birthday for the tribute. It began with a simple idea: raise a glass, say his name, and share a moment of thanks. What started as a quiet gesture between friends quickly grew into something global.
On that first Bourdain Day, people all over the world joined in. They posted photos, told stories, and cooked meals inspired by him. Many shared clips or messages using the hashtag #BourdainDay.
Some gathered in restaurants. Others stayed home and toasted with whatever they had. The energy was honest and heartfelt, much like Bourdain himself.
That same year, the Culinary Institute of America created a travel scholarship in his honor. The fund helps students explore food and culture beyond their home country. It reflects his belief that travel, curiosity, and conversation can change lives.
Now, every year, people continue the tradition. Some cook. Some remember. Some talk about mental health. However, they choose to mark the day, the spirit stays the same—open-minded, brave, and full of heart.
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