We can’t believe it’s already been an entire year since Anthony Bourdain tragically committed suicide during the filming process of a new episode of Parts Unknown in Kayserberg, France.

Via Fort Greene Focus @ Flickr

This famous chef, author, and travel host extraordinaire got his first TV show back in 2002. We were just three years old at the time – wee Sherpa’s babies!

But we took to Bourdain quickly, devouring his books and eagerly seeking out new episodes to fuel our foodie passion. We were pumped when he finally filmed an episode of No Reservations in China, visiting Beijing and Sichuan province in 2006. The next year, he was back in China. This time filming in Shanghai and Yunnan province.

Via Chinalawblog

We admit it. We were jealous of the non-stop travel and eating dream. We thought Bourdain had it all. That’s why we were so shocked when we saw the news that he committed suicide alone in a hotel room last June. Mental health and depression are serious issues. Reach out and seek help if you need it.

Even though he may be gone, Bourdain’s name lives on and continues to instill culinary passion. Bourdain’s friend chefs Eric Ripert and Jose Andrés…

Via Today.com

…have teamed up with the Culinary Institute of America, where Bourdain studied back in the ’70s, to provide grant money for Culinary Institute of America students to study abroad. Bourdain often returned to his alma mater to speak with students about world cultures, food, and being a chef. The Institute is planning to build a permanent memorial to Bourdain later this year at their Hyde Park campus in New York.

Via Wikimedia

It’s fitting that Bourdain’s legacy can help the next generation of budding culinary stars realize their dreams.

Cheers, Anthony. We miss you.