Reactions to Anthony Bourdain’s death

Anthony Bourdain, the gifted chef, storyteller and writer who took TV viewers around the world to explore culture, cuisine and the human condition for nearly two decades, died today at the age of 61.

And while we’re ending our live coverage of the world’s reaction to the loss of an icon here, CNN continues to cover his impact and the lives he touched.

Tonight, CNN will air “Remembering Anthony Bourdain,” a special report on the life and legacy of the chef, storyteller and writer, tonight at 10 p.m. ET.

Until then:

His episode on South Korea was the first thing I watched after learning that I was being moved there for my dad’s work. It gave me confidence that I would be fine when I moved there (I was in high school) and that it would truly be an adventure like his.

His willingness to adventure into Korea and try the food and meet the people where the exact way myself and my family decided to approach our move there. Thank you, Anthony!

Note: We are welcoming here any memories, moments or inspiration “Tony” gave to you. Please share.

The production company that worked with Anthony Bourdain for two decades say they feel a “deep & extraordinarily profound” loss today.

The company worked with Bourdain on several shows, including “The Layover,” “No Reservations” and “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.”

I was in Culinary School and about to enter an industry that, even as Anthony put it, chews up and spits out the weak. His book “Kitchen Confidential” just hit the shelves. He unknowingly helped prepare me for the reality of the commercial kitchen and all the pain, sweat, heartache, joy, excitement and passion that it brings.

I brought his books with me as I traveled Europe working and learning as a chef and saw everyday reminders of him in almost every kitchen I worked in. It continues to this day.

He will continue to be seen and present, in my mind, in every kitchen I will find myself in.

Note: We are welcoming here any memories, moments or inspiration “Tony” gave to you. Please share.

Xi’an Famous Foods, a popular New York City restaurant chain that specializes in northwestern Chinese cuisine, announced that it’s donating its net sales to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline today in honor of Anthony Bourdain.

They credit Bourdain with much of their success.

Jason Wang, the company’s CEO, told the story of how his family’s Queens food stall grew into a New York empire after Bourdain visited in 2007.

Years later, Wang said he tried to thank Bourdain for the business boost — but the chef wouldn’t take the credit.

Wang sales that 100% of net sales today at all Xi’an Famous Foods locations will go to the lifeline.

You can read Wang’s full tribune to Bourdain in this Twitter thread:

American chef Thomas Keller remembered Anthony Bourdain as as a “cool & irreverent” chef who showed the world the power of cooking.

In 2008 I was a young cadet at the US Air Force Academy. I was rarely allowed to leave the Academy grounds. Anthony’s shows became a way for me to travel the world without leaving my dorm room.

Later, as an Air Force Officer, I was stationed in remote places and had few opportunities to get out of my little isolated world. Anthony’s shows continually became my escape.

Because of this man, no matter how small or isolated my world could get, I always felt like I could escape with a friend to some remote culture and breath for at least an hour or two.

Note: We are welcoming here any memories, moments or inspiration “Tony” gave to you. Please share.

Anthony Bourdain spent two years at New York’s Vassar College, before he dropped out and enrolled in culinary school.

He spent years as a line cook and sous chef at restaurants in the Northeast before becoming executive chef at Manhattan’s Brasserie Les Halles.

The restaurant has since closed, but Bourdain fans stopped by today to pay their respects. They’ve taped cards and thank you notes to the windows and left flowers by the door.

For years I watched Bourdain’s shows in awe, inspired by his storytelling and destinations.

I finally made the decision last year to quit my job, travel the Silk Road, share stories and write a cookbook — all with the purpose of bringing people closer together as Bourdain did.

Note: We are welcoming here any memories, moments or inspiration “Tony” gave to you. Please share.

French chef Eric Ripert, one of Anthony Bourdain’s closest friends, tweeted his “love & prayers” to Bourdain’s loved ones.

Bourdain, whose death was confirmed by CNN on Friday, was in France working on an upcoming episode of his award-winning CNN series, “Parts Unknown.” Ripert found Bourdain unresponsive in his hotel room Friday morning.