Anthony Bourdain's possessions are being auctioned off for a study-abroad scholarship
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.
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 ...."
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.