Anthony Bourdain Changed the Face of the Restaurant World

The late Anthony Bourdain’s first book was a wake up call for the restaurant world.

“Kitchen Confidential” showed what happened behind-the-scenes in the restaurant world — and didn’t hold anything back. But it wasn’t just about dirty kitchen secrets — the book highlights how grueling kitchen life can be and the stories behind the people cooking your food. It is also a narrative about of his life, starting with his first oyster in France at 10 years old and touching on his battle with drugs and addition. It was also a preview of his love of food and adventuring.

His story changed how some people approached food and it has inspired so many others.

“I’ve long believes that good food, good eating is all about risk,” he stated within the book. “Whether we’re talking about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime “associates.” Food for me, has always been an adventure.

Bourdain died on June 8 at the age of 61. But his immense impact on the culinary world will live on through the people he inspired all over the world. Whether it is through his written narratives or his televised travels, he’s inspired a generation to explore and indulge.