Three Star Michelin and Celebrity Chef found dead.

Hi, everyone.

Paul Mindra here from Ontario, Canada.

As you might know, I had been a professional chef for over thirty five years before finding my way here on this platform.

Back in 2013, I lost my father. He was a great man. He died at the age of 83 not of ‘old age’ but due to a fall. Take back that fateful day and he would still be practicing his dream as a doctor of alternative medicine today.

In early 2018, I lost my ‘Father Figure,’ Paul Bocuse.

Paul Bocuse was a highly celebrated French Chef who pioneered and redefined traditional French Cuisine. He has been referred to as the “Pope of French Cuisine” and died in the town of Collonges-au-Mont-d’or where he was born. He was 91.

My entire foundation of cooking was based on the works of Paul Bocuse and his mentors of generatoins past.

He learned cuisine classique techniques of Auguste Escoffier and trained under some of the best before him. He refined the “classical” techniques throughout his career and became one of the most prominent chefs associated with Nouvelle Cuisine.

“Much more than a father and husband, he was a man of heart, a spiritual father, an emblematic figure of World Gastronomy and a French Flagship who is gone,” said a statement from his wife and children.

The loss of my father and my father figure were great losses in my life, but as we know, life goes on.

Today, I learn that a Three Star Michelin and Celebrity Chef is found dead in his hotel room in a small community in the East of France.

Anthony Bourdain was a Chef turned TV Star and had spent years trekking around the planet not necessarily searching out the latest in food trends but instead bringing forth the cultures behind the foods.

He was a 1978 graduate of The Culinary Institute of America. That’s about the time that I was starting out at The Magic Pan in Toronto as a production cook.

His initial ‘claim to fame’ came when a book that he wrote made it to the New York Times Bestseller List.

The book, ‘Kitchen Confidential’ was written for fellow cooks and chefs to let them know about what actually occurs in the ‘Culinary Underbelly.’ It was his account of what actually went on in the restaurant/hospitality business including drug and alcohol abuse and what led to people to do things that were sometimes very irrational.

The book caught the attention of the general public interest and became a best seller.

You can download it here if you like:

https://joeandjin.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/anthony-bourdain-kitchen-confidential.pdf

His death was released as a suicide.

“It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain,” the network said in a statement. “His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the World made him a unique storyteller.” – Source CNN

I followed Anthony for many years after reading his book. He resonated with me, and I remember giving away his book to all of my employees once they had shown me six months of dedication. It was a ritual.

His talents and adventures never ceased to amaze me and I will miss him very much.

My thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family during this verydifficult time.

Rest in Peace, Anthony.

What I do not understand Anthony, is why suicide?

With heartfelt respect.

Chef Paul Mindra.