Eric Ripert, Jose Andres Hope Their #BourdainDay Tribute Goes Viral: "Spread the Word"

June 8, 2019 will mark one year since Anthony Bourdain died by suicide in France, where Eric Ripert discovered his body during filming. But that tragic day is not the one in June that Ripert wants to remember. Instead, Ripert and fellow chef José Andrés have partnered up for a special tribute to their friend Bourdain: They're calling it #BourdainDay, and they're planning it for June 25, his birthday.

In an Instagram post on Ripert's feed, the pair announced their plans for #BourdainDay with an upbeat, humorous video and the caption: "IMPORTANT!! JUNE 25th - #BOURDAINDAY. On this day we will celebrate the Life, Legacy & Birthday of our Dear Friend Anthony. Wherever you are & whoever you’re with, on 06/25 join @chefjoseandres & I by taking a moment to post & share your tributes & memories of Anthony using #BourdainDay & wish him Peace, Love and a very Happy Birthday on his journey. Regram / Spread the word! Cheers!"

The idea is — as the duo demonstrates in the video — to share a toast in honor of their friend, and post it on social media as a way to remember Bourdain in a way that he might have preferred.

Both Ripert and Andrés also pay tribute to Bourdain in a new book released this week, Anthony Bourdain Remembered. In the book, Ripert says,  “Anthony was my best friend. He was an exceptional human being, so inspiring and generous. One of the great storytellers of our time who connected with so many around the world on a level rarely seen."

The book was originally intended as a “keepsake” for Bourdain's daughter Ariane, and the estate later agreed to share the book publicly.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.