The news of Anthony Bourdain’s death by suicide today caught us off guard completely.
In 2013 Bourdain announced that the prospect of doing a full hour episode in The Bronx appealed to him.
We immediately wrote that should he decide to come to The Bronx that he would have to do so with Baron Ambrosia, our culinary ambassador.
In an interview with Gothamist Bourdain said when asked if he would be interested in doing an NYC focused show:
I’m looking at the Bronx now. There’s been very little attention paid there. Other than Arthur Avenue there’s been very little attention paid to the Bronx as a borough. Queens is already pretty well acknowledged, at least, as a foodie paradise because of all the great Chinese and Korean places. That alone is enough to make it a kind of powerhouse of gastronomy.
And Brooklyn, you know, arguably we’re looking at the Brooklynization of the world at this point. Everywhere you go, whether you’re in Australia or England or Paris even, they’re referencing Brooklyn in some way. But the Bronx, I think that would be a really interesting challenge. A full hour in the Bronx really appeals to me.
The following year in the fall, Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown took the world to The Bronx and he brought the Bronx to the world.
Shortly before the premier of the show he told WNYC that, “…The Bronx is a magical place. ”
Who were we to argue with him?
After the episode aired, many Bronx residents were disappointed because he didn’t visit Little Italy or any of the other spots many people were familiar with but the fact of the matter was that he was interested in the UNKNOWN and not what people already knew about.
And for that we thank Bourdain for showcasing the best of our beautiful Bronx showing its diversity in full technicolor glory.
Welcome2TheBronx loves to showcase that side of the Bronx that the world doesn’t know about so we loved the episode regardless of whatever flaws it may have had.
But that’s not all we want to say.
Bourdain’s death by suicide is a topic that’s considered taboo for many and by others who have lost someone.
As we mourn the deaths by suicide of two celebrities, Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade, let us not forget the countless regular Janes and Joes who have committed suicide and those suffering with severe depression and contemplate killing themselves daily.
Remember them, be there for the loved ones they left behind wondering in anguish why?
Be there for your friends; Check in on them and see how they are. Tell them you love them. Maybe just hearing it enough can help. Who knows? I don’t have the answers only know that love is the most important thing in the world.
PS: If you know someone who is battling depression and has contemplated suicide, know that these high profile events can be very triggering for them.
BE there with them. Hold them.
As per usual, 50% of units are set aside for qualifying residents of Community Board 6 but you have to make a minimum of $32,543 a year for a studio unit and up to $72,600 for a 3 bedroom unit for a family of 6.
There will also be 95 units set aside for formerly homeless families for a total of 314 units in the 450,000 square foot development which will feature a rooftop and deck, outdoor space, and a 57,000 square foot medical facility run by St Barnabas.
Unfortunately, the average 3 family household in the area makes only $31,924 a year (less than half the minimum required) and even the average 5 person household doesn’t make anywhere near that either with an average yearly income of $42,387 a year.