Anthony Bourdain '78

Anthony Bourdain Global Cuisines & Cultures Legacy Scholarship at the CIA

Anthony Bourdain ’78, the renowned chef, author, and television host and producer, opened the world of food and global experiences to millions through his brilliant storytelling. Through the lens of food, he brought the public on journeys – from Nigeria to New Jersey – helping us to better understand other cultures and one another.

Now, with your support, the CIA is establishing the Anthony Bourdain Global Cuisines & Cultures Legacy Scholarship to assist students in following Chef Bourdain’s footsteps and take advantage of international exposure programs as part of their CIA education.

After beginning his culinary career as a dishwasher in Provincetown, MA, Chef Bourdain enrolled at the CIA and graduated in 1978. He then spent more than twenty years working at top New York City restaurants such as the Rainbow Room and The Supper Club, eventually becoming Executive Chef at Brasserie Les Halles.

While running kitchens in New York, Chef Bourdain began writing; publishing an article in The New Yorker that led to his bestselling memoir, Kitchen Confidential.

Through his written word – non-fiction, cookbooks, essays, and novels – and his work in television, Chef Bourdain gained a global following, widely recognized for his unique perspective, way with people, and absolute authenticity. In the words of CIA President Dr. Tim Ryan, Chef Bourdain became, “possibly the most recognizable food personality on the planet.”

Throughout his career, Chef Bourdain often returned to the CIA to speak with students about food and world cultures, his career, and the kitchen. He also filmed several episodes of No Reservations and A Cook’s Tour at the CIA’s Hyde Park, NY campus and in 2017 received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in Culinary Arts from the college.