We have some great traditions at Tough Guy Book Club. One that we look forward to each June is the Bourdain Day Dinner.
Celebrity chef, TV host, and author Anthony Bourdain, is a favourite among many TGBC goons, including Collingwood Original Dane Botfield, who passed away in 2017. Bourdain lived his life to the full, travelled the world, did some cool shit, and met interesting people. But he also was no saint, and he had his demons. Sadly, he passed away in 2018 due to mental health issues. Each year, on his birthday, the 25th June, we gather to celebrate life, acknowledge demons, share a meal, and remember departed friends.
Bourdain is remembered for his emphasis on connection, sitting down with people, breaking bread and talking. He reckoned, “You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together.” At TGBC we think this is a damn good reason to get together.
In June, individual TGBC chapters organise a meal out and to try somewhere new or somewhere a little fancy. This is one of those events where partners and family are encouraged to join us too. In Melbourne, some goons took it a little further. Bill Dennis, president of Reservoir VIC, was enjoying a beer with Joseph Abboud, the owner of restaurant Rumi. Joseph had served Bourdain at this restaurant in an episode of No Reservations back in 2009. They hatched a plan to recreate the same meal for the club. What started as a fireside chat turned into an event joined by 90 goons and their partners from across the city. Quail, lamb ribs, and prawns were devoured. Rowdy chats were had. A few poems were shared (see #poempunk challenge!). All washed down with Tony’s favourite drink, the Negroni.
But it’s not just about throwing a big shindig. Some of the gatherings were small but mighty. Other chapters put aside their local town rivalries and joined together for an epic dinner. One goon wrangled the vegans in their city to a fancy vegan restaurant for a slap up meal. A couple of goons even managed to include a dinner on their travels in Hoi An, Vietnam. Most put an effort in to dress up, with ties, jackets, and some getting a bit dapper – dusting off the suit for the evening.
The best part of this tradition is seeing so many goons, partners, and friends enjoying a moment together. The TGBC Pool Hall Facebook group was flooded with photos of these events. And while the food and drink looked good, the company looked better.
From Valencia to Singapore, New York to Rockhampton, the goons explored culinary delights from around the world. They broke bread, read poems, and shared space. We think the man himself would have approved. Cheer’s Anthony Bourdain, until we do it again next year!
By C.H. Yelverton
