Laurie Woolever, pictured here with Anthony Bourdain, was his assistant for about a decade, and co-authored his 2016 cookbook "Appetites." She joined "On Second Thought" to share stories of the author, chef, TV host and world traveler.

Laurie Woolever, pictured here with Anthony Bourdain, was his assistant for about a decade, and co-authored his 2016 cookbook "Appetites." She joined "On Second Thought" to share stories of the author, chef, TV host and world traveler.

Anthony Bourdain was highly regarded as a chef, author, TV show host and world traveler who, for many, epitomized the essence of cool. He was seen as a stylish and sophisticated character with good taste and a subversive edge.

It has been about a year and a half since the famed food connoisseur died by suicide. His death was unexpected by many - from family and friends to his vast and devoted fanbase - and revealed a stark contrast to what many people perceived as the enviable lifestyle he led.

On Second Thought host Virginia Prescott speaks with Laurie Woolever.

And he certainly did lead an adventurous and exciting life. During his time and travels, he acquired a number of collectible possessions. Now, some of his estate is up for auction. A selection of these items are on display in Savannah at the Everard Auction and Appraisals Gallery for a limited time. 

Tonight, Savannah's Jepson Center will host an evening discussion and sale preview. Laurie Woolever, a writer, editor and Bourdain's longtime assistant, will speak at the event, called "Anthony Bourdain: A Discerning Palate."

Before heading over to the Jepson Center, Woolever joined On Second Thought from GPB's Savannah studio to share her personal experiences with the late, great Anthony Bourdain.

"He was a much more gentle and generous person - and more sensitive - than I think was always telegraphed on camera," she said. "He could be a little awkward which, to me, was very endearing."

Woolever, who co-authored his 2016 cookbook Appetites, is now working on two upcoming books. One is a travel book that she began with Bourdain.

"The vision behind our travel book is sort of a look at the world through Tony's eyes," she said. "You know, he's seen so much of the world, so let's highlight some of the best things that he's seen in his almost 20 years of televised travel."

The other book, which she has been working on for about a year so far, is also about Bourdain.

"This is an oral biography of his life," Woolever said. "So I'm interviewing about 75 people who knew him well all throughout the course of his life, and sort of crafting a new narrative of his life story through the stories that other people tell about him — and how they came to know him and spend time with him."

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One of the most popular items up for auction is one of Anthony Bourdain's favorite knives. It is a custom Bob Kramer steel and meteorite chef's knife.

One of the most popular items up for auction is one of Anthony Bourdain's favorite knives. It is a custom Bob Kramer steel and meteorite chef's knife.

Another item up for auction: A small red Verve cardboard record case, containing 14 records (45's), from artists such as the Velvet Underground, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Elvis Costello, and others.

Another item up for auction: A small red Verve cardboard record case, containing 14 records (45's), from artists such as the Velvet Underground, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Elvis Costello, and others.

According to Woolever, in his final years, Bourdain began collecting more art, such as this "Lizard Lounge" print from Ralph Steadman.

According to Woolever, in his final years, Bourdain began collecting more art, such as this "Lizard Lounge" print from Ralph Steadman.

Bourdain had also collected a few watercolors by American artist John Lurie, like this one, called "The Sky is Falling, I am Learning to Live with It."

Bourdain had also collected a few watercolors by American artist John Lurie, like this one, called "The Sky is Falling, I am Learning to Live with It."

Some items, like this chef jacket worn by Anthony Bourdain for his cameo in the film "The Big Short," are not on display in Savannah, but are still available for auction.

Some items, like this chef jacket worn by Anthony Bourdain for his cameo in the film "The Big Short," are not on display in Savannah, but are still available for auction.

The auction features a variety of Anthony Bourdain's personal items. There are carved wooden figures, maps, furniture, books, watches, and even some of his early writings. You can also bid for some of Bourdain's clothing, like his cashmere scarves or his Tom Ford tuxedo, seen here.

The auction features a variety of Anthony Bourdain's personal items. There are carved wooden figures, maps, furniture, books, watches, and even some of his early writings. You can also bid for some of Bourdain's clothing, like his cashmere scarves or his Tom Ford tuxedo, seen here.

Tags: auction  Laurie Woolever  Restaurant Industry  jepson center  book  Clermont Lounge  chef  anthony bourdain  Cookbook  cnn