Moriarty Introduces Measure Calling on State Tourism Division to Create “Anthony Bourdain Food Trail” In NJ

The Famed Food Chef, Anthony Bourdain, Was Born in Leonia

(TRENTON) – Assemblyman Paul Moriarty introduced on Monday legislation that would call on the Division of Travel and Tourism to establish the “Anthony Bourdain Food Trail” in New Jersey.

Bourdain was born in Leonia, Bergen County, and spent his professional career in the restaurant industry. He worked his way up from being a dishwasher at a clam shack in Provincetown, Massachusetts to being head chef in some of the country’s best restaurants, including the Rainbow Room and Les Halles in New York City.

“There’s no question that Anthony’s road to fame was not an easy one,” said Moriarty (D-??). “Even after international fame, he never forgot his Jersey roots. Each episode, Bourdain brought his homegrown wit, charm and sense of humanity to his viewers. He became a New Jersey food icon. It was heartbreaking for his fans and for those who knew him in Leonia to find out of his passing.

“A designated trail of his favorite dining spots is a fitting way to honor the memory of one of New Jersey’s best known chefs.”

Mr. Bourdain wrote best-selling books describing the high-pressure life of a chef in famous restaurants, including “Kitchen Confidential,” and later in life traveled the world experiencing, explaining, and enjoying local cuisine and culture in the popular television programs “No Reservation” and “Parts Unknown.

Bourdain celebrated the food and culture of his native state in a 2015 episode of “Parts Unknown” where he visited 10 of his favorite eateries in different parts of the state and recalled his childhood spent on the beaches and restaurants of Long Beach Island.

The Assembly Resolution specifies that the tour would include the 10 eateries Mr. Bourdain visited in 2015 for “Parts Unknown.”

The eateries featured in that episode include: Kubel’s in Barnegat Light; Hiram’s Roadstand in Fort Lee; Knife and Fork in Atlantic City; Dock’s Oyster House in Atlantic City; Tony’s Baltimore Grill in Atlantic City; Tony and Ruth Steaks in Camden; Donkey’s Place in Camden; Lucille’s Country Cooking in Barnegat; Frank’s Deli in Asbury Park and James’ Salt Water Taffy in Atlantic City.

The measure was introduced on Monday, June 18.