One word and one feeling circled my mind when I flew back from Hong Kong to Barcelona for a brief stopover before heading off to PromaxBDA for the F5 pop up. It was one food capital (Hong Kong) to another food capital (Barcelona) before heading to the food Mecca of New York City.

What was that feeling? What was the emotion welling up inside my very soul?

Distraught. 

Anthony Bourdain was a true hero. He was my inspiration, and inspiration to millions of others. He was authentic. He was raw. He was honest. I loved him (and still love him to pieces) and love everything he represented to the global community at large.

How much of a hero was he to me? My first twitter account 10 years ago was @mrsbourdain. My desire at that time was to become a “famous” food blogger. Why? Maybe I would have the chance to meet him one day. 

Tony, I literally modelled my life after you.

I started the blog too late. Okay, well, I actually never started. I stuck with just the twitter account. It’s such a fucking shame that I did not have the fortitude to start it, and to follow through with my dream of meeting my hero. 

Fast forward to now. 10 years later. Blogging is sort of outdated…… and…. now?

I’m about to speak at Vidcon, thanks to an invite from Paramount.  I’m about to discuss my beliefs on a panel with a few other key industry individuals. Maybe it’s an epiphany that I am going to Vidcon, or maybe it’s a sign.

I’m taking it as a sign.

I’m starting my long-gestating food Vlog dedicated to Anthony Bourdain on YouTube, beginning in July, in his memory. I will return to my alter ego as @mrsbourdain (with all due respect to Asia Argento, another hero of mine for different reasons).

#EatWithDot by @mrsbourdain 

The first #EatWithDot episode will review my fave spots I love to eat in Hong Kong. The irony of just being there, and Hong Kong was the last city Anthony Bourdain filmed for “Parts Unknown” is not lost on me. Stars crossing in the night, but not meeting, again, for the upteenth time.  The magnificent & beloved city he and I both loved to travel to and eat in is such a honorable way to start my Vlog. 

Tony, you remind us that life is too short. We shouldn’t wait another moment to enjoy life to the fullest. 

You remind us to be who we are and fucking own it. Flaws, mistakes, and all. 

Here’s to you.

You will remain Immortal to us all.