Just as the chef and storyteller, Anthony Bourdain, took on every city, he came to Nashville with an empty stomach, warm heart and a healthy dose of skepticism.
The chef and television host was found dead due to an apparent suicide. He had spent time in Nashville in October 2016 while filming his docu-series Parts Unknown.
"When I planned to do a show here I was saying 'you know, everybody does shows about music in Nashville.' But then we got here and got really really lucky. So prepare yourself. This show is all about music and is filled with the most awesome music ever in the history of the world, maybe in the universe." Bourdain said in the episode teaser.
Here's Bourdain's full review of Nashville: Anthony Bourdain leaves Nashville 'damaged but happy'
Local artists, musicians and chefs expressed their heartache and admiration after hearing the news of his death.
Singer/songwriter Margo Price said she was grateful for the kindness he showed her.
It’s hard to find the words right now... This is a heartbreaking loss for the entire world. I will always be grateful for the support and kindness Anthony showed to us. He was such a good man who always stood up for what he believed in. I admired him greatly
Chef, Maneet Chauhan also shared how much he inspired her and other chefs.
You sir showed the world that Chef’s are a cool and a bad ass group of professionals..... you sir made ethnic food trendy.... you sir inspired us to travel and explore.... you sir taught us how to connect... you sir showed us we are all one with conversations over food.... 💔 doesn’t even cover what I feel.... RIP Anthony Bourdain
Third Man Records recalled the moments they spent with Bourdain during the filming of the Nashville episode:
Our short time in the company of Anthony and his team in Nashville was one of the most exciting, joyous, and stimulating weeks we've had here at Third Man.
He immediately went straight to the heart of everything with incredibly insightful questions and a predisposed need to understand the how and why of everything around him.An intellectual, raconteur, kind soul, who was as real as they come... Anthony and his crew worked harder than anything we've come across and they did it with grace, happiness and kindness, daily.
We'll miss you, sir. Our love to your family, friends, and crew.
While in Nashville, Bourdain drank at Pinewood Social, ate pizza with rock supergroup Dead Weather at City House, visited Dandguard's downtown with 2-time Grammy nominee Jesse Boyce and ate hot chicken at Bolton's with indie punk vocalist Alison Mosshart.
"Nashville was known for its meat and three concept and also grounded in its various types of music. I believe he was looking for a setting that would help to tell the story not only about food but music," owner Dan Robinson said.
Bolton's chief operations manager Dollye Matthews laughed remembering what Bourdain told her after he ate hot chicken.
"His main statement he made was in my ear, 'this is the hottest blankedy-blank I've had since I went to China' and when he said that I said yes we knocked it out the ball park. Through him you can see what other worlds, other parts of the world experience every day in their food," Matthews said.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, there is help and hope.
The number for the National Crisis Hotline is 800-273-TALK.
