The tragic loss of Anthony Bourdain left the world without one of its essential cultural ambassadors. There could be no better tribute to a man who taught us the way to live better is by getting out into the world and experiencing it with wonder and compassion than the Anthony Bourdain mural in New York, his hometown and the place where his food journey began.
Where is the Anthony Bourdain mural in New York?
The Anthony Bourdain mural in New York is located at 100 Delancey St., on the north side between Essex and Ludlow streets on the Lower East Side. Street artist Bradley Theodore announced his work in an Instagram post simply captioned: “In a city full of villains we all need heroes.” Check out a video of the work in progress, too.
Though he didn’t say why he chose the Lower East Side, the neighborhood is the kind Bourdain would’ve appreciated, where history and newcomers don’t collide but coexist: Remnants of classic deli fare like Russ & Daughters Cafe mingle with new stars like Mission Chinese — both among Anthony Bourdain’ favorite restaurants in New York City.
The Anthony Bourdain mural in New York was not the first street art tribute to the chef. Just over a week after his death, a giant portrait went up in the Santa Monica neighborhood of Los Angeles, the work of famous muralist Jonas Never.
Where did Anthony Bourdain work in New York?
Anthony Bourdain learned to talk about food by working in restaurants since he was a teenager, from dishwasher all the way up to executive chef. His most memorable stint was at Les Halles, Manhattan’s long-running classic French bistro that provided much of the inspiration for his bestselling book Kitchen Confidential. If you know not to order fish on a Sunday or avoid free bread baskets, it’s because of the restaurant secrets Bourdain uncovered.
Les Halles, located 411 Park Avenue South in Manhattan, closed in March 2016 in the midst of a rent hike negotiation with its landlord. That’s not stopping Anthony Bourdain’s fans from continuing to leave notes, flowers and other mementos at the doors. A representative for the new owners of the space says they are being preserved and will be given to Bourdain’s family.
“Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer.” This is how I’ll remember Tony. He taught us about food — but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together. To make us a little less afraid of the unknown. We’ll miss him. pic.twitter.com/orEXIaEMZM
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 8, 2018
How did Anthony Bourdain die?
Anthony Bourdain took his own life on June 8, 2018 in the French city of Strasbourg, where he was filming an episode of his show Parts Unknown. According to CNN, Bourdain hanged himself in his hotel bathroom, and was found unresponsive by his frequent travel companion and fellow chef Eric Ripert.
A worldwide outpouring of sorrow followed, with tributes from figures in the food world and well beyond. “Tony was a symphony,” Bizarre Foods host and chef Andrew Zimmern said. “A huge personality, a giant talent, a unique voice, and deeply, deeply human,” CNN international correspondent Christiane Amanpour tweeted. “He taught us about food — but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together,” former President Barack Obama wrote, remembering their dinner at a Hanoi noodle shop. “To make us a little less afraid of the unknown. We’ll miss him.”
If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
