Authors¡G Go Chengdu

People in Chengdu still remember Anthony Bourdain for his gourmet tour in Chengdu in 2016 when he was working on his episode of Parts Unknown.

"It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain. His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much," said CNN in a statement upon the unexpected death of Anthony Bourdain, who was found dead on June 8, 2018 of in his room at the Le Chambard hotel in Kaysersberg, France, when he was working on an episode of Parts Unknown in nearby Strasbourg.

An American celebrity chef, author, travel documentarian, and television personality who starred in programs focusing on the exploration of international culture, cuisine, and the human condition, Anthony Bourdain was considered one of the most influential chefs in the world.

In Parts Unknown, Anthony Bourdain dropped into some exotic spots all around the world, including Chengdu.

We still remember his visit to Chengdu in 2016, with his friend French chef Eric Ripert, when they set off to explore the Sichuan cuisine.

In the episode, Bourdain delights in tormenting his good friend with the Chengdu's most famous fiery-spicy delicacies, such as the hotpot and the chili-dotted Lazi-ji.

"It (the spicy Sichuan food) is rather more than my delicate French palate is used to," noted Eric Ripert, "Coddled by years of foie gras, runny cheeses, flaky pastries and the subtle notes of many fine wines, the searing burn of the Sichuan dried chilies and the numbing, delightfully disorienting effects of the Sichuan peppercorns were a challenge."

Yes, Sichuan food proved a new challenge to Anthony and Eric, and they loved it ― they even paid a visit to a cooking institute in Chengdu to learn how to make the famous local dish "fish-flavored shredded pork."

He must have missed the gastronomic explorations in Chengdu. And we miss you, Anthony.