It was one of Anthony Bourdain’s closest friends who found him unresponsive in his hotel room on Friday morning.
Éric Ripert, a famed chef in his own right whose flagship New York restaurant Le Bernardin holds three Michelin stars, honored Bourdain after his death by suicide at the age of 61.
“Anthony was my best friend,” tweeted Ripert on Friday, adding, “An exceptional human being, so inspiring & generous. One of the great storytellers who connected w so many. I pray he is at peace from the bottom of my heart. My love & prayers are also w his family, friends and loved ones.”