Chef Eric Ripert, a close friend of the late Anthony Bourdain, is featured in a cameo role in the new A24 biopic "Tony," which chronicles Bourdain's formative years. The film, released August 7, portrays a teenage Bourdain working as a dishwasher and line cook in Provincetown during the 1970s, discovering his passion for the restaurant world.
In the movie's closing scene, Ripert, a renowned chef and restaurateur, interviews a young Bourdain about his aspirations to attend the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Ripert told The Post that this moment is pivotal, marking "the moment he starts taking cooking seriously."
Ripert and Bourdain's friendship began in the early 2000s, shortly after the publication of Bourdain's seminal book, "Kitchen Confidential." Bourdain had praised Ripert's establishment, Le Bernardin, in his writing, leading Ripert to invite him for lunch. Their initial meeting quickly evolved into a deep friendship, marked by shared experiences, including Ripert's introduction to his first dive bar, Siberia.
Their bond extended beyond New York City, with Ripert appearing alongside Bourdain in several episodes of the CNN travel series "Parts Unknown." Together, they explored destinations like Peru, seeking rare cocoa, and China, where Bourdain encouraged Ripert to step outside his comfort zone.
Ripert recalled Bourdain's supportive and protective nature, particularly during their travels. "When I was with him, I always felt like nothing wrong could happen to us," Ripert said. "He would always be so cool and so protective and so natural — making you feel comfortable and safe next to him."
Ripert also remembered Bourdain as a highly skilled cook, despite Bourdain's tendency to downplay his own culinary talents. "He was an excellent cook and a great technician," Ripert stated, recounting a memorable spaghetti vongole dish Bourdain prepared. "Whatever he was cooking was always fantastic."
The friendship tragically ended in 2018 when Ripert discovered Bourdain unresponsive in his hotel room in Alsace, France. Bourdain died by suicide at the age of 61.
"Anthony was my best friend. An exceptional human being, so inspiring and generous," Ripert said in a statement at the time. "One of the great storytellers who connected with so many. I pray he is at peace from the bottom of my heart."
Ripert views his participation in "Tony" as a way to honor and connect with his late friend, noting that the film presents a different side of Bourdain than the one he knew. "The Anthony Bourdain that I met and knew was very different than the Anthony Bourdain when he was 19," Ripert reflected.