Eric Ripert reflects on 20 years of friendship with Anthony Bourdain, Le Bernardin's top rating

Eric Ripert is one of the world's most renowned chefs. The co-owner of the legendary seafood restaurant Le Bernardin in New York City has mantained a 3-star Michelin rating, the highest possible, for 14 consecutive years. It was named the best restaurant in the world by La Liste, a French organization that reviews nearly 16,000 restaurants worldwide. Only on "CBS This Morning," Eric Ripert joins us in Studio 57 for his first TV interview since the death of his close friend, Anthony Bourdain. He discusses how Le Bernardin consistently stays at the top.

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[backupcoolmn]

Lest we forget, Eric Ripert was not only Anthony's friend, but also sadly the one who discovered Anthony had committed suicide. He found anthony hung in his hotel room. So to not only stay composed knowing his friend died, but with the burden of having been the first to discover it, is truly remarkable. I have such respect and feel so much pain for this man. You are a beautiful human being.

[ashlynnlongnecker]

He and Anthony look like they could be brothers or cousins.... The world isn't quite as bright without Bourdain; a void in our collective heart that'll never be filled.

[JM-fcgm]

The relationship he had with Bourdain was so incredible. I loved watching him bicker with Bourdain. They were brothers, honestly. They brought out the best in each other.

[katjames]

Before I go to bed I either watch an episode of No Reservations or Parts Unknown. It's a relaxing ritual for me, and it keeps Anthony alive for me.

[nigelkhan]

For me this was the best episode of Parts Unknown. His trip to Peru with Eric to their cacao fields in the Andes that they invested in. From the shamans ritual, to them both performing the same ceremony on the cacao tree and each other. Their love of food and the appreciation and love that they had for the people of Peru and their cuisine. They were the perfect complement to each other. Some of Anthony’s wise cracks from this episode is priceless. I cannot imagine how hard it was for Eric to find Anthony dead. Prayers for Eric and Anthony’s family. Rest easy now chef.

[ambrosiafarms]

He seems really sweet for being so successful

[typeviic]

I will never forget the Parts Unknown episode where Tony treats Eric to Szechuan cuisine in China, spicy peppers and all, classic

[digitalboomer]

Many people may not know what a good writer Bourdain was. I've read all of his cooking related books, and they are really entertaining. In his book, "Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook", Bourdain tells the wonderful story of Justo Thomas. A savant at preparing fish for the kitchen and who also happens to be an employee of La Bernadin. Bourdain says, "Let’s put it another way: I graduated from the best culinary school in the country. I spent twenty-eight years as a professional cook and chef. I’ve cleaned and portioned thousands and thousands of fish in my time. The executive chef-partner of Le Bernardin, Eric Ripert, is probably my best friend in the world. And I would never dare to put a knife to a piece of fish at Le Bernardin.". Bourdain's respect is without doubt... Bourdain did not feel worthy to prepare a fish for his best friend.

[Gravity-up]

The smile on his face talking about Anthony is pure love for his friend. Just like Anthony was Eric is an amazing human being and we are better for learning from such people. God speed ER!

[smackwriter]

Eric seems like an absolutely lovely human being who deserves all the success in the world. I'm sure Tony is watching him and is very proud.

[carrieannkouri]

His humbleness is contagious. Would love to see Eric do his own show.

[xoxo-drdf]

When he spoke of Tony he really tries his best to hold it together and just remember him through the joys they shared. When you found your friend lifeless in a room, that's not easy to move on from. I loved watching them both. Despite Tony's pranks and jokes, it was so ovbvious how much Tony loved and respected Chef Eric. The Sichuan trip was epic.

[aaroncruz]

I still get emotional when Bourdain is on my brain. I truly admired the guy. Now I'm sad again. Grrr

[angelabrown]

How blessed he is for not only his own success but to have been Anthony's dear friend!

[luisbustamante]

I f$^&kin adore this man, I've been to Le Bernardin and it's even better that how you can imagine. My friend has been working as a captain for over 4 years there and he tells me Eric calls everybody by their name (from the dishwasher to the delivery guy) This just proves that you don't need to be the angry, unapproachable chef in order to be at the top of your game!

[bjmurray]

Chef Ripert is compassionate, talented, and the real deal. You can see he treats everyone in his restaurants with respect. Fear shows in food and service. From the fish cutter to the cleaners to the chefs, he values everyone. That's a big part of his success. Yes, he's a very gifted chef. But the consistent success of Le Bernadin is a combination of all of this.

[claudiaurias-enciso]

So glad you guys had him on and that you asked about Anthony .. I’m such a fan and will always be ..

[MrKmoconne]

I feel bad for Eric, he is being so gracious but he carries a burden no one should have to.

[mauriciogomes]

I was always a big fan of Anthony Bordain. Intelligent, well travelled, lot of culture, and a sense of humor that was unbelievable. Until this day, I cannot understand why he took his own life. One very, very sad story.

[janaball]

This is what class and integrity look like. Congratulations, Eric and company. Miss you, Tony.