Anthony Bourdain's impact on Austin

Rebecca Sadler will never forget, when Anthony Bourdain stopped at her restaurant, Quality Seafood Market. “We weren't allowed to know who was coming. The employees got a notice about 15 minutes before they [Bourdain crew] were supposed to come in,” said Sadler, who is the restaurant manager.

He stopped in Austin in 2012 to shoot an episode of " No Reservations."

Local band, “The Sword” recommended the place.

“He said you pick out the tacos that you like, and we will try those out. I guess he liked it because they ordered more afterwards,” said Sadler.

His apparent, death by suicide is a shock, and heartbreaking for Austinites. His large impact on the capital city is felt by chefs, cooks, dishwashers, and general members of the public.

Some say, with that one episode, he helped put Austin on the map. “Austin was on the verge of becoming a huge culinary town and I’m sure his influence and show had something to do with that also,” said Sadler.

Another stop he made, was the Texas Chili Parlor.

“He was the nicest person in the world. He took pictures with anybody who wanted to take a picture with him,” said Russell Rich, manager.

What's often said about Bourdain, is that he wasn't a typical glamourized chef...he was also storyteller, who connected with everyone, from the top chef, to the line cook.

“He was able to, through food, bring out people's personalities,” said Rich.

“There was one episode where he took one of the line cooks from a high end restaurant in New York City. He actually brought him to the front of the house and had dinner with him. That man had never eaten in the restaurant he had cooked in in all those years,” said Addie Broyles, writer for Austin 360 and the Austin American Statesman.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions, suicide rates in the U.S. have gone up 25 percent since 1999. “This is a circumstance that can affect anyone. The assumption in the United States and other places is that somebody can't be depressed or suffer from a mental health condition if they have success,” said Dr. Kim Kjome, psychiatrist.

Those who loved Anthony and his work, are hoping his legacy can live on in all Austinites....and hopefully conversations can be started. “It seems like it's becoming more prevalent and I think it needs to be addressed and not shamed,” said Rich.