On Anthony Bourdain
& food as a world-opener
Don’t have time to read a mini-essay? Here’s the short of it:
Anthony Bourdain was the man
We should all endeavor to be like Tony: hungry. For food, for the human connection and pride that it brings, for understanding
My central thought: food is an access point [especially when trying new dishes or traveling] to the HEART of who people are. Can we use it to broaden our worldview and our connection to others?
Deeper dive below.
“Of all the places, of all the countries, all the years of traveling, it's here, in Iran, that I am greeted most warmly by total strangers." - Anthony Bourdain, Parts Unkown: Iran
Man, I miss Anthony Bourdain. I’ll always remember Tony in Iran, effusive in regards to the outpouring of kindness everywhere he went, the “spectacular” food, and the legendary hosting that is a hallmark of Iranian hospitality. That was a heart-opening moment of recognition for Iranians everywhere.
Honestly, I’ve been thinking so much about the legendary AB during my travels, as I really feel like I am a member of the Anthony Bourdain school of life along with my darling Nick. Eating with deep curiosity, delight, and appreciation...well it mirrors the broader experience of travel. It's done best when you recognize you're not just consuming, but learning. A recognition of being invited in. In these last 4 months of our travels, I’ve been in awe of all the nature, all the beauty, all the history - but what I love most of all is the feeling of kinship that comes from eating a local meal.
I think that if any type of “global citizenship” can meaningfully exist, it’s by delighting in the fact that what is different about us (food, language, culture, history), is also a path into what we share: a yearning for some vibrancy, some love, some dignity, some belonging.
In the US, migration has given us the gift of so many cuisines to enjoy. But I think many people are still developing their connection to the fact that food is part of the spirit of people, of families and communities, of political trauma as much as joyful remembrance.
What happens when we care about the distinctive peoples of the Middle East the way we love shawarma and rosewater lattes? About our Chinese fam the way we love good dim sum? About the Jewish people the way we love a bagel or challah french toast? And on, and on, and on. I’m inviting a worldview that is expansive. Connected. Curious. We’ll never know everything about everyone, everywhere. But through food, can we be open to the storytelling and inherent dignity of all peoples? Can we allow food to make our worlds, and our hearts, bigger?
I find that when we do this - when we let food act as a portal - we’re getting closer to each other, and closer to ourselves.
May your meals be portals to the wider world <3
Lily Sufi
PS - Nick and I will be back in the States in May! We’re looking forward to sharing many meals and cultural cooking skills at the Noosh table in Bend! Keep up with us on Instagram until we’re back home.