Life. Enjoy the Ride.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 5 years since Anthony Bourdain’s death (suicide). This quote from Bourdain was in my newsfeed this morning, and it really resonated. Over the many years that Bourdain’s culinary journeys and escapades were chronicled, I believe that his energy/personae was always hopeful, curious, energetic, fun. He nearly always expressed gratitude for the people, environment, food, and drink that he experienced. He made it all feel like one great adventure. Truthfully, there have been many culinary journeys by well known chefs and entertainers— Bobby Flay, Stanley Tucci, Giada De Laurentiis to name a few—but for me, the enjoyment of watching their journeys with no criticism of their presentation intended, pales by comparison with the sense of adventure, fun, and “light” of traveling along with Anthony Bourdain.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of coming full circle. It seems that many dots are connecting somewhat serendipitously all around me. This quote feels perfect for Passover/Easter week, and SPRING. What a great message about life! And in the spirit of living life, enjoying the ride, and making each day count, it also brings to our attention those standing right next to us, that perhaps we know well, that are hiding pain and suffering behind a joyful and full of life facade. Let’s be sure to check in on them too.

“Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Listen to someone you think may have nothing in common with you. Order the steak rare. Eat an oyster. Have a negroni. Have two. Be open to a world where you may not understand or agree with the person next to you, but have a drink with them anyways. Eat slowly. Tip your server. Check in on your friends. Check in on yourself. Enjoy the ride.”

Anthony Bourdain, 1956 - 2018