‘Tony’ inspired me to revisit Anthony Bourdain’s best culinary books

• A new biopic titled "Tony" depicts the early life of the late chef Anthony Bourdain.
• The film follows a 19-year-old Bourdain as he begins his journey into the culinary world.
• The movie's release has renewed interest in Bourdain's popular books, such as "Kitchen Confidential."

Anthony Bourdain is back in the headlines once again, as the late chef's life is celebrated — and in many ways, depicted for the first time — in a new A24 biopic from Matt Johnson aptly titled "Tony."

The coming-of-age drama follows a 19-year-old Bourdain (played by Dominic Sessa) as he stumbles through young adulthood, navigating from a failed writing fellowship to a restaurant kitchen job that would introduce him to the intensities of the culinary world — and change the trajectory of his life forever.

As a longtime Bourdain fan, and religious re-watcher of his early aughts hit "No Reservations," I've been itching to see the movie myself. And as early reviews for the film have poured in — which officially released in select cities on Aug. 7, with expanded showtimes beginning Aug. 20 — it has me yearning for his thoughtful perspectives on life, food, and travel, more than ever.

Luckily, Bourdain's influence is still ever-present to this day — even moreso if you've read his books like "Kitchen Confidential" or "A Cook's Tour," which offer deeper insights into the mind and world of a true lifestyle savant (even if he wanted to be considered anything but).

If you, like me, are looking to revisit Bourdain's work amid his biopic's release, below, I ranked the best Anthony Bourdain books to read — no matter if you're a foodie, a traveler, or just someone looking to live better.

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Ranking the best Anthony Bourdain books

1. Kitchen Confidential

Spawned from a then-viral New Yorker article penned by Anthony Bourdain — before he became the Anthony Bourdain — 'Kitchen Confidential' is a confessional memoir complete with wild retellings of the chef's most outrageous adventures in the culinary trade. It's funny, sensational, and every bit as delicious as Bourdain's own food innovations.

2. Appetites: A Cookbook

Bourdain's decades-long pursuit of unique flavors — and destinations — come to life in this beloved cookbook that translates his lessons in global cuisine into home-cooking tips and tricks that can be conquered within your own kitchen.

3. A Cook's Tour: Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisine

America's boldest and bravest chef lives up to his name in this otherworldly culinary guide, which asks the question: "What would be the perfect meal?" Bourdain attempts (and IMO, succeeds) to answer this with his usual wit, cynicism, and

How to watch the Anthony Bourdain biopic 'Tony'

The new Anthony Bourdain biographical film "Tony" officially released in select cities on Aug. 7, with expanded showtimes and destinations beginning Aug. 20.

With this Regal Cinemas deal on Groupon, you can save on movie tickets and see the new Anthony Bourdain film for less.

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