Eric Ripert reflects on 20 years of friendship with Anthony Bourdain, Le Bernardin's top rating

Lest we forget, Eric Ripert was not only Anthony's friend, but also sadly the one who discovered Anthony had committed suicide. He found anthony hung in his hotel room. So to not only stay composed knowing his friend died, but with the burden of having been the first to discover it, is truly remarkable. I have such respect and feel so much pain for this man. You are a beautiful human being.

He and Anthony look like they could be brothers or cousins.... The world isn't quite as bright without Bourdain; a void in our collective heart that'll never be filled.

The relationship he had with Bourdain was so incredible. I loved watching him bicker with Bourdain. They were brothers, honestly. They brought out the best in each other.

Before I go to bed I either watch an episode of No Reservations or Parts Unknown. It's a relaxing ritual for me, and it keeps Anthony alive for me.

He seems really sweet for being so successful

I will never forget the Parts Unknown episode where Tony treats Eric to Szechuan cuisine in China, spicy peppers and all, classic

I f$^&kin adore this man, I've been to Le Bernardin and it's even better that how you can imagine. My friend has been working as a captain for over 4 years there and he tells me Eric calls everybody by their name (from the dishwasher to the delivery guy) This just proves that you don't need to be the angry, unapproachable chef in order to be at the top of your game!

I still get emotional when Bourdain is on my brain. I truly admired the guy. Now I'm sad again. Grrr

For me this was the best episode of Parts Unknown. His trip to Peru with Eric to their cacao fields in the Andes that they invested in. From the shamans ritual, to them both performing the same ceremony on the cacao tree and each other. Their love of food and the appreciation and love that they had for the people of Peru and their cuisine. They were the perfect complement to each other. Some of Anthony’s wise cracks from this episode is priceless. I cannot imagine how hard it was for Eric to find Anthony dead. Prayers for Eric and Anthony’s family. Rest easy now chef.

Many people may not know what a good writer Bourdain was. I've read all of his cooking related books, and they are really entertaining. In his book, "Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook", Bourdain tells the wonderful story of Justo Thomas. A savant at preparing fish for the kitchen and who also happens to be an employee of La Bernadin. Bourdain says, "Let’s put it another way: I graduated from the best culinary school in the country. I spent twenty-eight years as a professional cook and chef. I’ve cleaned and portioned thousands and thousands of fish in my time. The executive chef-partner of Le Bernardin, Eric Ripert, is probably my best friend in the world. And I would never dare to put a knife to a piece of fish at Le Bernardin.". Bourdain's respect is without doubt... Bourdain did not feel worthy to prepare a fish for his best friend.

They left out the very sad fact (understandably so) that he was the one who found Anthony Bourdain. Blessings to you sir!💙

He is such a beautiful human being.

His humbleness is contagious. Would love to see Eric do his own show.

How blessed he is for not only his own success but to have been Anthony's dear friend!

Anthony would be proud of you!

Eric seems like an absolutely lovely human being who deserves all the success in the world. I'm sure Tony is watching him and is very proud.

When he spoke of Tony he really tries his best to hold it together and just remember him through the joys they shared. When you found your friend lifeless in a room, that's not easy to move on from. I loved watching them both. Despite Tony's pranks and jokes, it was so ovbvious how much Tony loved and respected Chef Eric. The Sichuan trip was epic.

Such a likeable man!

I feel bad for Eric, he is being so gracious but he carries a burden no one should have to.

The smile on his face talking about Anthony is pure love for his friend. Just like Anthony was Eric is an amazing human being and we are better for learning from such people. God speed ER!