Even almost a month later, the news of Anthony Bourdain's suicide is no less shocking and devastating. Since his death, many have returned to his terrific globe-trotting television show; even more, both those inside and outside the culinary world, have asked questions about how we as a society can eliminate the stigma of mental illness and depression, how we can have honest conversations about these issues and, most importantly, how we can help others battling similar demons.
Now, an upcoming event hosted by the Avalon Atmospheric Theater will combine both those reactions – all for a good cause.
On Wednesday, July 25, the Bay View theater will host a special screening of two episodes of Bourdain's beloved Travel Channel show, "No Reservations," starting with the pilot episode called "France: Why The French Don't Suck" and ending with the series finale, a tour of the diverse food in Brooklyn alongside "The Wire" star Michael K. Williams. All the while, Avalon/Mistral executive chef Joe Shreiter will serve a roast beef sandwich topped with dijonnaise and arugula, inspired by the first episode's trip to an authentic French butcher shop.
The fundraiser screening will begin at 7:30 p.m., with tickets priced at $15. And best of all, all proceeds from the tickets and specialty dishes sold will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), which forwards awareness, research and resources toward those in need as well as those wanting to help.
For more information on the AFSP, visit the foundation's website. And for more information on tickets and this special screening, visit the Avalon's website.
As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.
When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.