New Jersey’s food was beloved by the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, who spent much of his childhood in Leonia and summers at the Jersey Shore. Now, the state of New Jersey is considering designating an official Anthony Bourdain Food Trail in honor of the host of CNN’s Parts Unknown.
New Jersey Assemblyman Paul Moriarty has proposed legislation that the Division of Travel and Tourism designate the 10 restaurants the chef visited on a 2015 “Parts Unknown” episode.
This would include Kubel’s in Barnegat Light, Hiram’s Roadstand in Fort Lee, Knife and Fork, Dock’s Oyster House, Tony’s Baltimore Grill, and James’ Salt Water Taffy in Atlantic City, Tony and Ruth Steaks and Donkey’s Place in Camden, Lucille’s Country Cooking in Barnegat, and Frank’s Deli in Asbury Park.
Many of these places were not only high on Bourdain’s list of favorites but also are considered local favorites.
“Even after international fame, he never forgot his Jersey roots,” Moriarty said in a statement. “Each episode, Bourdain brought his homegrown wit, charm, and sense of humanity to his viewers. He became a New Jersey food icon.”