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Food June 25, 2020

Chefs, friends and fans celebrate Anthony Bourdain on his birthday

WATCH: Anthony Bourdain dies at 61 in apparent suicide
AUTHOR PHOTO: Kelly McCarthy By Kelly McCarthy

On what would have been Anthony Bourdain's 64th birthday the culinary world took pause to celebrate his storied career, legacy and life for Bourdain Day.

PHOTO: Anthony Bourdain has a drink at Tintol restaurant in Times Square.
New York Daily News Archive/NY Daily News via Getty Images
Anthony Bourdain has a drink at Tintol restaurant in Times Square.

The celebrated American chef and famously curious, no-frills traveler who carved a new norm for the way people approach food and different cultures, died nearly two years ago by suicide just weeks before his birthday.

PHOTO: Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert attend the premiere of "Wasted!" during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival at Borough of Manhattan Community College on April 22, 2017 in New York City.
Taylor Hill/Getty Images
Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert attend the premiere of "Wasted!" during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival at Borough of Manhattan Community College on April 22, 2017 in New York City.

Today, as the restaurant and hospitality industry reels from the harsh impact of the coronavirus pandemic and works to reinvent itself, people are taking time to ponder what Tony would have advised and reflect on the words of wisdom he left behind.

Restaurant, food service industry has lost nearly $120B due to pandemic

Anthony Bourdain's passing was a profound loss for the foodservice and restaurant industry. We hope you take a moment today to reflect on the life @Bourdain lead and the legacy he left behind on what would have been his 64th birthday. #BourdainDay pic.twitter.com/pJ8RIgRiKr

— National Restaurant Association (@WeRRestaurants) June 25, 2020

One of Bourdain's longtime friends French chef Eric Ripert, co-owner of the James Beard-awarded restaurant in New York City Le Bernadin,reflected on Bourdain's legacy.

Celebrating My Dear Friend Anthony Bourdain.THX for your unconditional Friendship& loyalty,special moments&laughters!The inspiration,talent,legacy.On your birthday we remember &celebrate your life.Where ever you are Cheers!!☮️&❤️Mon Ami.
#BourdainDay 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Jvxl671JUM

— Eric Ripert (@ericripert) June 25, 2020

Another of Bourdain's closest compadres José Andrés -- Spanish chef and founder of World Central Kitchen -- raised his glass (of water to be healthy) in honor of Bourdain Day and asked people to post videos with their thoughts about the late chef and TV host and "celebrate with tapas or a cocktail."

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Let’s do a video celebrating #BourdainDay with a cocktail, in a bar, cooking at home... in honor of our dear friend Tony! @ericripert what are you drinking? 😘

A post shared by Jose Andres (@chefjoseandres) on

Anthony Bourdain dies at 61 in apparent suicide

HBD #BourdainDay 🙏🏽 we miss you buddy and your wisdom. You would be cooking up a storm these days https://t.co/U0EZkr6Trv

— SANDRA RIPERT (@SandraRipert) June 25, 2020

Remembering Tony today. Look at these young chefs! #BourdainDay pic.twitter.com/jVKkjRqXcM

— Aarón Sánchez (@AaronSanchez) June 25, 2020

Others have shared favorite moments from his CNN series, "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown," which featured cuisines and stories from around the world, won several Emmy Awards and a 2013 Peabody Award.

"As you move through this life & this world you change things slightly; you leave marks behind, however small. And in return life & travel leaves marks on you. Most of the time those marks on your body or on your heart are beautiful. Often though, they hurt."

~ Anthony Bourdain pic.twitter.com/Ka1dY05nqk

— Aaron Vallely (@Vallmeister) June 25, 2020
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A post shared by Explore Parts Unknown (@partsunknowncnn) on

"I want it all. I want to try everything once." - Anthony Bourdain

Today, on #BourdainDay we remember & celebrate Anthony's deep love of food, travel, & storytelling. We encourage you to toast in his honor! See some of his favorite dishes in America here: https://t.co/jnfjVyKxH1 pic.twitter.com/cBOvY6y421

— Bravo Top Chef All Stars LA (@BravoTopChef) June 25, 2020
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We miss you, friend. 🖤

A post shared by MaSovaida [mah•so•vey•da

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Happy Birthday.

A post shared by Bryan Noury (@bnor_vision) on

One artist shared a simple digital print on Twitter that's a rendition of Bourdain cooking alongside his two friends chef Ripert and chef Andres in Grand Cayman -- that will raise money for a local food bank.

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