Bourdain Day: Remembering Where Anthony Bourdain Ate In Philly

PHILADELPHIA — June 25 is Bourdain Day, which celebrates the birthday of Anthony Bourdain, celebrity chef and the star of CNN's "Parts Unknown," who died in France, June 8, 2018. And on Bourdain Day, we are looking back at the places he ate at in Philadelphia.

The 61-year-old personality and chef visited countless countries, states, and cities, trying the best food those areas have to offer. And Philadelphia was no exception.

Bourdain visited the city in 2012 during the second season of the short-lived Travel Channel show "The Layover," and in 2015 for CNN's "Parts Unknown."

During his visit, Bourdain stopped by many Philly dining staples, including DiBruno Brothers, Paesano's, Stateside, Amis, Zahav, and more.

Bourdain lauded South Philly's John's Roast Pork – often cited as one of the best cheesesteak slingers in the city by true locals – but for its roast pork.

When it comes to cheesesteaks, Bourdain said on "Parts Unknown" that the best steak likely isn't even in the city.

It was Donkey's, across the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey, that serves up the area's best steak, Bourdain said.

On June 25, many took to social media to celebrate Bourdain Day.

Bourdain's friend and fellow celebrity chef Eric Ripert found Bourdain unconscious in his hotel room in France — where the pair were working on an upcoming episode.

CNN described Bourdain, whose show took him and his viewers into exotic kitchens across the world, as a man who loved "great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world."

"His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much," the network said.

Philadelphia chefs and food critics were saddened and shocked by the news of Bourdain's untimely death.

"No words," Philadelphia restaurateur Marc Vetri said of Bourdain's death. "Such sadness."

Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan called Bourdain's death a "gigantic loss."

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