I still remember the first time I tried crab. My big brother Carlos who is an executive chef would always make a simple evening out seem like the adventure of a lifetime. He took my sister and I to San Francisco which was 2 hours away from our little home town. We were used to ordering the basics, seafood was always a no, it was far too expensive and my parents never budged when it came to ordering an expensive dish at a restaurant. My brother took us to where they sold fresh sourdough bread and clam chowder, then he threw a curve ball at us. He ordered 3 crabs from a street vendor, he taught us how to crack it open and even showed us that dipping the crab in butter made it taste heavenly.

My sister Aileen and I developed a love for San Francisco that day. It's a happy memory that will forever be ingrained in our hearts. My brother Carlos has always been that person that encourages us to travel and to always be willing to try something crazy and different on a menu. He still always reminds us to check out the happy hours whenever we visit a new town. He tastes his way through towns. I guess that's why I've always felt a connection with Anthony Bourdain, he reminds me of my brother Carlos, both cefs and world travelers.

Anthony Bourdain always encouraged people to travel off the beaten path. His unique style captured many peoples attention. One of my families favorite shows is "Parts Unknown". You can't help but fall in love with Anthony Bourdain, and want to travel the world with him. My family has been in the restaurant business since 1989. Our family understands the struggle of the restaurant business. Naturally Anthony Bourdain who got his big break at 44 is definitely our hero. At the urging of his mother Bourdain sent an article to The New Yorker which led him to landing his $50,000 book deal. A restaurant burn out became a celebrity! Come on that has to be one amazing achievement right?

If I have learned anything from Anthony Bourdain, it's never to late to take action. At 44 one small thing can change your life forever. Travel, you'll learn more from people than you can from a computer screen. Try it all, from the odd food pairing to the crazy cross country trip your friend is suggesting. There are stories and memories to be made! Most importantly, talk to someone. If you've hot rock bottom, talk about it. Seek help. Someone out there can help you.

"As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life and travel leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks on your body or on your heart are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt.” Anthony Bordain 

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