Hundreds of Anthony Bourdain's Russian admirers gathered at a Moscow cinema in September for the premiere of "Tony," a new Hollywood film about his early life. Eight years after the chef, author and television host died, the gathering also brought out Zamir Gotta, the translator and fixer who became his friend and a familiar companion on screen.
Organizers served oysters and imported beer despite Western sanctions on Russia. Among those attending was recent university graduate Katerina Kodenka, who has admired Bourdain since her teenage years. She said his writing and television work offered a hopeful perspective amid war and hatred, emphasizing people's shared desire for peace, love and good food.
Gotta, now 70, first met Bourdain about 25 years ago during the making of "A Cook's Tour." His English skills had helped him find production work with Western media organizations before a call came about a New York chef planning to film Russian food. When Bourdain arrived wearing an earring and a large ring, Gotta thought he looked more like a rock musician than a cook.
The assignment soon expanded beyond translation and production. Bourdain recognized Gotta's ability to put people at ease and invited him on camera. Their appearances combined meals, spy jokes and drinking that Gotta says was real. As Bourdain's work moved from the Food Network to the Travel Channel, their professional relationship grew into a friendship.
Gotta helped Bourdain explore Russia and other former Soviet territories. Bourdain later took him to American destinations, including Buffalo and Detroit. Born in the same year on opposite sides of the Iron Curtain, they had experienced sharply different childhoods. Gotta recalled Bourdain's family trips to France and access to oysters and pate, while he remembered queuing for bread or whatever food was available.
Bourdain's death by suicide in 2018 left Gotta devastated. Four years later, Gotta's son Anton, whose name partly honored Bourdain, also died by suicide at 20. Gotta said the loss reopened the pain of his friend's death. He has sought therapy and used public appearances to draw attention to suicide prevention programs while working through grief and guilt.
He also fulfilled a promise to write a memoir. "The Fixer And The Chef," published in English in 2025, recounts their friendship. Another venture, Zamir's Peacemaker vodka, is available in the United States. Gotta said Bourdain suggested the idea, which reflects both his political idealism and the meaning associated with his name: "I am for peace."
Bourdain last visited Russia in 2014 for CNN's "Parts Unknown." Alongside his encounters with Gotta, the episode examined growing nationalism under President Vladimir Putin. Bourdain criticized Putin's use of power, portraying him as a businessman exploiting his office.
During a recent meal of dumplings at his Moscow apartment, Gotta said he still sees a purpose in carrying forward Bourdain's belief that food can bring people together. He has gradually found greater peace with his losses and the guilt that followed. Remembering his son and his friend remains important, he said, but so does finding hope and continuing to move forward.
