Anthony Bourdain was all smiles earlier this week as he enjoyed lunch in the village of Kaysersberg with his good friend and frequent travel companion Eric Ripert.

The pair dined at Wistub La Petite Venise, and in his last Instagram post, Bourdain shared an image of the multi-meat meal, writing: 'Light lunch. #Alsace.'

He and Ripert than took some time to pose for photos with the staff at the establishment, with a few of those shots winding up on social media.

In one image, the two celebrated chefs stand outside the restaurant with the kitchen staff, smiling after finishing off their meal.

Just a few days later, Ripert would find Bourdain dead after the chef hanged himself inside his room at Le Chambard, the hotel where the men were staying while they shot the CNN show Parts Unknown.

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Meal time: Anthony Bourdain (above earlier this week in France) dined out at Wistub La Petite Venise a few days before his death

New friends: He and his friend Eric Ripert (second left) took photos with the staff after their meal, and the two men could be seen smiling in one group photo posted to social media

Bourdain was also pictured riding a tandem bike with friend Eric Ripert on Wednesday - just two days before he was found hanged

Bourdain was also pictured riding a tandem bike with Ripert on Wednesday - just two days before he was found hanged.

Ripert has not spoken in detail about what happened, but did release a statement on social media in the wake of Bourdain's death.

'Anthony was my best friend. An exceptional human being, so inspiring & generous. One of the great storytellers who connected w so many,' said Ripert.

'I pray he is at peace from the bottom of my heart. My love & prayers are also w his family, friends and loved ones.'

The men had been filming in the region all week, and Bourdain had recently come off a trip to Florence, where he was joined by his girlfriend of two years Asia Argento.

She released a statement a few hours after Bourdain's death which read: 'Anthony gave all of himself in everything that he did. His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds.

'He was my love, my rock, my protector. I am beyind devestated.

'My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I would ask that your respect their privacy and mine.'

That episode had been filmed earlier in the year, and Bourdain said that it was the pinnacle of his career getting to shoot with Doyle, who is the director of photography for Chinese director Wong Kar-wai.

Work work work: Bourdain was filming at the restaurant for his popular CNN show Parts Unknown

On display: Bourdain later posted a photo of his meal to Instagram, in what was his last ever post (Bourdain above filming)

Personal touch: The staff was in shock when they learned the news of Bourdain's death on Friday (server clears Bourdain's table earlier this week)

Bourdain and Argento had also both posted a black-and-white photo from Florence of the two btaken on May 26, with the chef writing: 'An eventful week. On the battlefield and off. Making art . Every motherf***ing day.'

That was a reference to the fact that Harvey Weinstein had been booked and charged just two days prior, thanks to the bravery of Argento and others.

Bourdain shared other photos of the two in Florence and would often document their time together while praising the actress.

'Just a perfect day You made me forget myself @asiaargento,' he said in April while sharing a selfie of the two.

Argento also posted that same image, writing: 'I'll stick with you baby for a thousand years, nothing's gonna touch you in these golden years, gold.'

'It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain,' CNN said in a statement Friday morning.

'His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.'

CNN president Jeff Zucker said in an email to employees on Friday: 'Tony was an exceptional talent. Tony will be greatly missed not only for his work but also for the passion with which he did it.'

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