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Anthony Bourdain's possessions are being auctioned off for a study-abroad scholarship

Sept. 18, 2019
3 min read
anthony-bourdain parts unknown
Anthony Bourdain's possessions are being auctioned off for a study-abroad scholarship
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On June 8, 2018, the world lost an icon and titan of the travel world: Anthony Bourdain. When the news broke, the heartfelt tributes poured in — he was truly an inspiration to so many of us in the industry, as well as to travelers around the world.

The chef, author and television personality connected us all to the world, and taught us the importance of travel. He urged people to connect with others, to challenge themselves and to be open to learning something new. He lauded the journey, and celebrated the unknown.

Though it's been more than a year since Bourdain's passing, his passion for travel, food and people continues to live on. He's won posthumous Emmy Awards, and there's even a Bourdain-inspired food trail in New Jersey. And now, many of his possessions are being auctioned off for a very good cause.

Starting on Oct. 9, nearly 200 of Bourdain's most valued possessions — including artworks, books, apparel, watches and more — will be showcased in an iGavel auction. According to reports, 40% of the proceeds will benefit the Anthony Bourdain Legacy Scholarship at his alma mater, the Culinary Institute of America. The scholarship was established with Bourdain in mind, and aims to support students at the school who are either studying abroad or participating in one of the college's global cuisines and cultures international programs.

The remaining 60% will go to Bourdain's daughter, Ariane Busia-Bourdain, and his ex wife, Ottavia Busia.

Bourdain's passions — everything from travel to cooking, art, film and writing — are well represented by the items being sold at auction. Some of the highlights include a custom Bob Kramer steel and meteorite chef’s knife, a Chrome duck press from the Paris episode of "The Layover" and a script with signed inscriptions for "The Food Wife" episode of "The Simpsons." There's also a Danish midcentury Peter Lovig Nielsen writing desk, an original manuscript for Bourdain's novel "Bone in the Throat" and artworks by Ralph Steadman and John Lurie, among others.

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Items are estimated to range in value from $200 to $6,000 per item, for an approximate total value between $200,000 and $400,000, according to Afar.

"[Bourdain] was a larger-than-life personality with so many interests other than food, and this sale reflects his multidimensional persona," auctioneer Lark Mason said in a statement, explaining that estimated values were kept low so that "everyone who loved [him] will have the opportunity to purchase something ... and know that part of the proceeds will be going to a good cause."

Everything will be available for online preview starting Oct. 2, and the action will run until Oct. 30. Exhibitions of the belongings will tour during the auction and be visible in New Braunfels, Texas, New York City and Savannah, Georgia.

Culinary Institute of America president Tim Ryan, said that, with this auction, Bourdain's "legacy [will live] on in the future leaders of the food world."

"The ability to travel and experience other cuisines and cultures first-hand," Ryan said, "is a priceless gift ....”

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4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.