Episode 86: Anthony Bourdain (unaired interview from April 2014)

A never-before-aired, recently rediscovered interview with Anthony Bourdain, whom we lost a year ago this week. On April 29, 2014, Tony was kind and generous enough to sit down over lunch with Andrew for a two-part conversation, covering everything from his early days as a cook to his transition to a writer and television icon, to coping with fame, meeting his idols, how the industry has changed over the years, and speaking his mind. Originally recorded for print use in a busy restaurant, the audio quality isn't world class (though we've doctored it to the best of our abilities), here's a rare chance to hear approximately 90 "new" minutes with one of the most influential and transformative figures the industry has ever known, in a very casual, relaxed dialogue. Hope it helps listeners remember a peak career moment in his life. Special thanks to Julia Sexton--a cook-turned-writer/editor who was inspired by Bourdain (as we all were)--for joining Andrew for the introduction. We encourage you to listen to Andrew and Julia's recollections and observations; actual interview begins about 33 minutes in. Cook free or die! Andrew Talks To Chefs is powered by Simplecast. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!