Still, details will be available about the exact reason for his death, as proper information will be available after a few days. He trained some of the most distinguished chefs in London, including Gordon Ramsay, Pierre Koffmann and Marco Pierre White. "Chef Lentswe Bhengu was a beloved and respected member of the M-Net family and will be greatly missed. 'He couldn't watch Gentleman Jack': Suranne Jones is 'Worried' Love Island star Chloe Crowhurst reveals her baby 'I'll miss you but I have nothing but happy memories in my Katherine Ryan gives birth! He developed his love for cooking, Watanabe said, while cooking with his grandmother and late father, Joseph Nader Sr. Nader was also known for his extensive knowledge and passion for various music genres. Chef Lentswe worked in the investment banking industry for five years prior to enrolling in the renowned Culinary Institute in the Cape Winelands in 2010. Find the best deals on Kitchen from your favorite brands. We regret to have to notify you of the passing of Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko. His family had said they were "deeply saddened" by his death. Save up to 50% on Pets when you shop now. Support local journalism andbecome a digital subscriber to the Free Press. In a statement, they said: "The Rhodes family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of beloved husband, father and brother, Gary Rhodes OBE. Since yesterday, a portrait of Leah Chase (1923-2019) occupies that space. Alexander began his culinary career by cooking the Southern and Cajun flavors he learned from his parents, who grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was incredibly kind, generous and extremely talented. Grissom is the latest loss for the "Top Chef" family. Tomaso Maggiore, the Sicilian-born chef and restauranteur and a fixture of the Phoenix food world for four decades, has died at 73 from lung cancer. 'Paul you will be missed by so many, thanks for all the great memories . Wayne Shorter, a Grammy-winning saxophonist and composer who helped shaped the sound of contemporary jazz, has died, according to his publicist. ', TV presenter Stephen Jardine wrote: 'He was an extraordinary talent and a beautiful human being. The Pierce County medical examiner confirmed to USA TODAY thatGrissom died Tuesdayafter suffering "multiple blunt force injuries" duringa traffic accidentin Washington state. When and how did Janet Abelson die? Member of Roux culinary dynasty died on Monday after a long illness, his family has said Alexandra Topping Wed 6 Jan 2021 12.31 EST First published on Wed 6 Jan 2021 05.37 EST The family has asked for prayers and privacy during their mourning period and said details of his memorial service and funeral will be announced in due course. Save up to 50% on Skin Care when you shop now. Fatima Ali, the New York City-based chef who was a breakout star on "Top Chef," has died after suffering from a rare bone cancer, according to a statement from Bravo. Lentswe Bhengu became a very successful personality during his entire career, which he created in his entire life as a chef was very successful and that directly helped him to create a lot of success, fame and worth for himself. Roy Horn, an entertainer and half of the famed magician duo Siegfried & Roy, died of complications due to COVID-19 at 75 on May 8. In a statement, the Michelin Guide described Paul as a 'true maverick'. Alexander wove in other of his own innovations and ingredients into classic Southern and Cajun dishes like gumbolaya with smothered fries, lobster mac and cheese, whiskey sauce chicken wings, and even a meatless jambalaya. Bhengu, who was raised in KwaZulu-Natal, has always had a passion for eating. Chef Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko died after a short illness, said the Bhengu and Mafoko families. All rights reserved. Play daily crosswords, sudoku, puzzles, and more. Wits protesters throw trash in JHB CBD, close businesses for third day, Wits students scuffle with security, destroy bus sign amid fees protests. Joseph "Chef Joe" Nader Jr., executive chef and former owner of a well-known chocolatier business and a meal prep business, has died. MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Jack Riebel, one of Minnesota's most acclaimed and beloved chefs, has died. He was described as a strong and brave man who bravely fought until he was declared deceased. He was also Phat Joes private chef on his Showmax Original talk show, Cheeky Palate. Sex workers protest outside court as man facing six murder cases make Funeral and memorial details for Tebello Tibz Motsoane announced, DJ Tira laments SA's high crime rate as tributes pour in for AKA and Tibz. Beginning in 2014, Alexander and Acosta began working together to sell food from Smhokin Pot at local South Bay events like jazz festivals and farmers markets. He was the chef that really revolutionised British food, because we're all trained the French classical way. He was 52. Celebrity chef and TV host Lentswe Bhengu has died, his family has confirmed. Former Top Chef contestant Aaron Grissom has died after a traffic accident, authorities said Friday night. #RIPChefLentswe, HayiRIP #ChefLentswe pic.twitter.com/x9sWeY904H. Child Tax Credit 2023: Will CTC Be There In Next Year? Editor's note: A previous version of this story should have stated Joe Nader graduated from Washtenaw Community College's culinary arts program. According to the statement, Chef Lentswe passed on Tuesday, 28 February, after a short illness. And, for his pure love of food. After graduating, he began filming and sharing cooking videos on YouTube. He was working on a new series for ITV with Rock Oyster Media, a subsidiary of Goldfinch. Shop our favorite Women's Shoes finds at great prices. These are the best Home Audio deals youll find online. As well as a Michelin star, the restaurant received numerous awards including best new restaurant in the UK, four AA rosettes and has been named Catering in Scotland's Restaurant of the Year. She wrote: 'Dear friends, it is with a heavy heart that I write to let you know that I've lost my love Paul who sadly passed away yesterday. But what a love x'. "M-Net is deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Chef Lentswe Bhengu, a pioneer in the culinary arts sector," said Nomsa Philiso, CEO: General Entertainment at MultiChoice in a statement to News24. "Sending my love and thoughts to his wife Jennie and their boys. Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now. Jaideep Bhatia, PR director of the Grosvenor House Dubai, said Rhodes was working "until the day he died". Carl Ruiz, Food Network star and celebrity chef, dies at 44 Celebrity chef Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko dies after short illness. In a moving statement posted on his Edinburgh restaurant Save up to 50% on Hair when you shop now. Chef Lentswe was born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal. According to The Caterer magazine, he returned to London in 1990 to become head chef at Greenhouse in Mayfair, which won its first Michelin star six years later. Were in a position to be able to keep going, she says. Rest in peace Chef.". His family were at his side at the family home TV chef Gary Rhodes has died at the age of 59. In a 2020 interview, Paul said despite all of his success, he spent a lot of time trying to build up confidence in himself and his own abilities. She was 29. xx.". Would you like to comment on this article? "True culinary king just passed away, I am sure Mise en place is already prepped in heaven for you Chef! There was no passion in it.. Shop our favorite Makeup finds at great prices. He went on to launch several restaurants bearing his name, including Rhodes & Co, Rhodes 24 and Rhodes W1. Mourning his death, BBC Lifestyle and Rapid Blue said in a statement to News24: "We are deeply saddened to hear of Lentswe Bhengu's passing. At the age of eight, he began his career as a cook, continuing his mothers work in the kitchen. "We were best friends and worked seven days a week together. Contact Detroit Free Press food writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news to:[emailprotected] Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. The family would like to thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy during this time. Everybody loved him. You just say, man hes a cool dude and once you start talking to him you see he draws an energy that nobody can deny, she says. REVEALED: Security footage emerges of the moment Jackson Mahomes - younger brother of Super Bowl champion What will the next pandemic be? Something went wrong. FAMILY ANNOUNCES PASSING OF CHEF LENTSWE News of his passing was 'The meal he cooked for me at Juniper some 20 years ago was one of best dining experiences of my life. He was 34. Find the best deals on Women's Jewelry from your favorite brands. He was also a true maverick and his passion and creativity were evident in every dish he created. You'll be missed.". Most of all he was an astonishing restaurant chef.". Former Ready Steady Cook presenter Ainsley Harriott tweeted: "So sad to hear the news about Gary Rhodes. A pioneering and beloved New Orleans chef, Chase died June 1. This is really sad condolences to Chef Lentswe Bhengu's family and friends. Deals and discounts in Cookware you dont want to miss. At the age of eight, he Nader and Breazeale also launched and owned Hardcore Meals, a meal prep business. The chef's cause of death has yet to be revealed. An Orlando club promoter is identified as the victim of the deadly Casselberry shooting, 4 Factors That May Increase Chances of Long COVID-19, New Study Shows, COVID-19 Origin: American Scientists, Federal Health Officials Found Out Conflicting Root of the Virus, Surge of Omicron Variant Hampers Economic Recovery in the Country, 2 More $1,400 Stimulus Checks Could Be Released Anytime To Millions of Americans, Children Infected With COVID-19 Has Reached 1 Million, Wayne Brown Jr Died Read Now To Know More, $660 Monthly Stimulus Check Now Open For Application, $15,775 Can Now Be Claimed from IRS Open, $500 Million Child Care Assistance Remains Unclaim, Heres How To Apply. Shop the best selection of deals on Fitness now. He was described as a strong Acosta says Alexanders method for recipe development was you do a little dibble-dabble, a little sprinkle, and thats it. Calvin Alexander, also known as Chef C, has died due to complications from COVID-19 at the age of 50. Alexander opened Smhokin Pot as a Cajun-inspired catering and food truck operation in 2015, debuting a restaurant in Carson in April 2021. These are the best Kitchen Linens deals youll find online. But above all, we will miss his mischievous sense of fun, his huge, bottomless heart and generosity and kindness that knew no bounds. Details of his memorial and funeral will follow in due time., ALSO READ: RIP: Celebs weve lost to suicide in 2022 [photos]. He was just 17 years old. Michelin-starred chef Paul Kitching has tragically died aged 61, his partner Katie O'Brien announced. ?.Airing now on The Africa Channel.Follow @africachanneltv across social media for African films, culture, education and more! In a moving statement posted on his Edinburgh restaurant21212's social media platforms on Thursday, she wrote: 'My love has gone. Michel Roux had an insatiable appetite for life, his family said. It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the untimely passing of our beloved son and brother, Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko fondly known to the media and his culinary family as Chef Lentswe. ", Cook and Sunday Brunch host Simon Rimmer said Rhodes was "a lovely man who gave me great advice when I first started out", adding: "Love and thoughts to Jennie and the boys.". Grissom also appeared on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. A true culinary icon and a lovely man. The string of departures included legendary French chef Paul Bocuse, who died on January 20, the suicide of multi-hyphenate chef and television personality Lakeland, Florida, police report 11 wounded in a drive-by shooting. ', In the same interview, Paul revealed he never liked to cook at home, but described his restaurant's style as: 'Classic but cool. Famed Chicago chef Charlie Trotter has died. HostPadma Lakshmi also sent her condolences. He co-hosted seasons two and three of The Great South African Bake Off with comic Anne Hirsch. Announcing the news in a statement shared on his social media pages, his Lentswe was an investment banker turned chef and had an illustrious career. According to the statement, Chef Lentswe passed on Bhengu, who was raised in KwaZulu-Natal, has always had a passion for eating. The next day, he died after starting a brief illness that went down, causing him to die. Has Tension risen Between President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris? "With all our love to Jennie and the two boys Sam and George. Additionally, he participated in the semifinal of the second season of My Kitchen Rules South Africa as a celebrity special judge. By his culinaryfamily and the public alike, he was known as Chef Lentswe. As he told You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed. Shop the best selection of deals on Tools & Utensils now. He went on to write books, appear on television programmes and found a prestigious competition for chefs. "It's such a loss," Breazeale said. ", Gordon Ramsay posted on Instagram: "We lost a fantastic chef today in Gary Rhodes. BNO News recently tweeted this footage from Al Jazeera, along with the description: "At least 3,500 sea lions in Peru have recently died of H5N1 bird flu, nearly 5 Answer these 2 simple questions & WIN R1000 in cash! He and his brother Albert adopted this country very much like their own. "He was so gentle, caring and giving of his time and money," Breazeale said. Who Is Ed Sheerans Wife? We created an atmosphere for a healthy work environment, we treat our employees with dignity and respect. Address: Regus Business Centre 1st Floor, Block B, North Park, Black River Park, 2 Fir Street, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa Postal: Blue Sky Publications (Pty) Ltd T/A TheSouthAfrican, PO Box 44354, Claremont, 7735, South Africa, United Kingdom Blue Sky Publications Ltd Company Registration Number: 04683692. Michel Roux Sr, the French chef and restaurateur whose work profoundly reshaped British cooking, has died aged 78. He lived and did exactly what he wanted to do before he had to go, says Acosta. Check Out Here, Will You Get Another Stimulus Payment in 2023? TV personality Chef Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko has passed away at the age of 37. Our heartfelt sympathies go to Katie and all his family.'. At Ford Field, Nader oversaw all the Levy food operations. ', Devastating loss: In a heartbreaking statement posted on his Edinburgh restaurant 21212's social media platforms, Katie wrote: 'My love has gone. Address: Riverbank House, 1 Putney Bridge Approach, London, SW6 4TJ. His first overseas eatery opened at the Calabash hotel in the Caribbean in 2004, which was followed by the cruise ship restaurant Arcadian Rhodes in 2005. The "Top Chef Masters" winner had posted an Instagram photo of himself at the hospital just a week ago. Tom Kerridge commented a crying face emoji, while Elite Bistros restaurant group owner Gary Usher said on Twitter: 'This is awful news I'm so so sorry. The exact reason for his death is not directly available right now. In 2009 the talented chef set up21212 in Edinburgh with his partner Katie, which also went on to be awarded a Michelin star. Lentswe Bhengu is a very famous and well-known chef and a renowned personality from South Africa who has greatly succeeded in his life but has recently died. Chef Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko died after a short illness, said the Bhengu and Mafoko families. Watanabe said her father was one to get heavily involved in everything he did, and though he lived in Plymouth, was proud to be from the city of Detroit. "It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our beloved son and brother, Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko, fondly known to the media and his culinary family as Chef Lentswe," the statement, shared on Instagram, reads. He recently died while he was 37 years old on the 28 of February 2023 while he was at the medical clinic and was admitted for a problem in his body. His legacy and influence will continue to live on in the work of his fellow chefs and cooks he inspired through his work on Mzansi Magic shows such as Mystery Celebrity Box, Cheeky Palate and We Start 2023 Stronger and M-Net's My Kitchen Rules South Africa (MKRSA). Gary Rhodes, the celebrity chef known for his spiky hair and passion for British cuisine, has died aged 59. Save up to 50% on Women's Clothing when you shop now. #RIPChefLentswe: The Bhengu and Mafoko families have announced the untimely passing of KFC Taste Chickens Chef Lentswe Bhengu. Rhodes, 59, collapsed at his home Tuesday in Dubai, w He even went to a Las Vegas Raiders game by himself. Later restaurants named after him included the Rhodes D7 in Dublin, the Rhodes Mezzanine in Dubai, and the now closed King Rhodes and Rhodes South in Dorset. Your handy guide on where to eat from the editors at Eater LA, By submitting your email, you agree to our, The freshest news from the local food world, Smhokin Pot Chef Calvin Alexander Has Died Due to Complications From COVID-19, Sign up for the Cardoz was 59. She was 29. In a statement, Goldfinch said: "Gary was in the middle of filming a wonderful new series with Rock Oyster Media for ITV from his base in Dubai. He passed away on October 28, 2021 after battling the disease for three weeks, according to his niece and business partner Dominique Acosta. ', In a 2020 interview, Paul said despite all of his success, he spent a lot of time trying to build up confidence in himself and his own abilities, Talented:Paul created Juniper restaurant in Manchester and was awarded a Michelin star in 1997, which he retained for 11 years. We asked the experts - and their answers will terrify you Are YOU guilty of these gym sins? "It's a really special thing about him," Jim Nader said. Deals and discounts in Pet Parents you dont want to miss. Cardoz was 59. Tomaso Maggiore, a chef who first opened Tomasos Italian Restaurant in 1977, is dead at 73. Celebrity chef Ross Burden who rose to fame after appearing on MasterChef and Ready Steady Cook has died aged 45. RIP, my friend. He was 52. ", "Bravo and theTop Cheffamily are saddened to learn about the passing of Chef Aaron Grissom from Season 12: Boston," Bravo said in a statement to USA TODAY. Michels star will shine forever, lighting the way for a generation of chefs to follow.. He was 89. Nader, Breazeale said, was respected in the community. "Gary was taken ill very suddenly at home during a break in filming and died a short time afterwards. ALSO READ: RIP: Westink releases statement on Mampintshas shock death. He was 37 at the time. News of his passing was announced by his family in a media statement released on Wednesday, 1 March. Details About Democratic US Senator Raphael Warnocks Children And His Win in Georgia Run-off Election, Check Who Is Hakeem Jeffries Wife And Know His Net Worth, Inflation Relief Checks Michigan: Grasp More Crisp Details, Stimulus Check-In January 2023: Find Out More Updates, Will SSI Get A Fourth Stimulus Check? Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko, a South African chef, died away on February 28, 2023, at the Sandton Medi-Clinic. When he died in February 2023, he had an entire net worth of 1 million US dollars that was directly created from a lot of hard work and that was heated from a lot of success in his career. She was 96. Chef Lentswe Bhengu has passed away after a short illness. He respected the craft and mentored some of New York Citys best chefs. In 2019, fan favorite Fatima Ali died after a bout witha rare form of bone cancer calledEwing's Sarcoma. He was a wonderful colleague and we offer our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time.". Lentswe had the misfortune of suffering a short illness and succumbed last night, 28th of February 2023 at Sandton Medi-Clinic, read the statement. At the time of his death, Rhodes ran restaurants at two hotels in Dubai, which also released a joint statement. Alexander left his job at Long Beach Memorial to pursue catering and operating Smhokin Pot full time, launching a food truck so that he could better reach potential customers wherever they were. He was 54. Deals and discounts in Tablets you dont want to miss. 845. Shop our favorite Dog Supplies finds at great prices. The family has established a GoFundMe to support funeral and memorial expenses for Alexander. Find the best deals on Home Gym from your favorite brands. Its made them cherish us and the business. What Happened To Ben Kwellers Son Dorian Zev Kweller? 'Paul was an inspirational figure to everyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him or working with him and we are all devastated. His death has sent shockwaves on social media. Calvin Alexander, also known as Chef C, has died due to complications from COVID-19 at the age of 50. "It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our beloved son and brother, Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko, fondly known to the media and his culinary family as Chef Lentswe," the statement, shared on Instagram, reads. Chef Lentswe also co-hosted seasons two and three of The Great South African Bake Off with comedian Anne Hirsch. People thought Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko had a pleasant disposition. Gary and I were terrified on Strictly together and became very close. 'I was a very nervous chef,' he said. Shop the best selection of deals on Cat Supplies now. By his. Iron Chef star Kerry Simon, affectionately known as the "Rock 'N' Roll Chef," has died after succumbing to MSA. The teams at Grosvenor House Dubai and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa said they were "devastated" to learn of his death and hailed him as a "true culinary legend" and "very dear friend". He was 37 at the time. The 59-year-old, who appeared on programmes including Rhodes Around Britain and MasterChef during his celebrated cookery career, passed away yesterday. Chef Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko died after a short illness, said the Bhengu and Mafoko families. All rights reserved. But what a love x', In 2009 the talented chef set up 21212 (pictured) in Edinburgh with his partner Katie, which also went on to be awarded a Michelin star. More:Bishop James H. Morton, Georgia pastor with ties to Detroit, Aretha Franklin, dies, More:Father Norman Thomas, longtime Detroit priest, dies at 92. He won one elimination challenge before finishing in 11th place. 'It was overcome by stepping back and believing in myself and the reputation I had gained. Smhokin Pot was part of a wave of Southern restaurants and cooking that had emerged in the South Bay and Long Beach area in recent years. Andrew Fairlie has tragically died age 55 after being diagnosed with cancer, his father Jim Fairlie confirmed today. "Gary passed away last evening, Tuesday 26 November, at the age of 59, with his beloved wife Jennie by his side. Naomi Osaka is expecting a baby. newsletter, 17944 South Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90744, 19 Essential Los Angeles Burgers, 2023 Edition, From pastrami-topped classics to the most talked about beef and bun options in town, where to go for a burger right this second, Trois Mec Vets to Open Santa MonicaSandwich Shop This Summer, Plus, Californias pandemic state of emergency ends, sushi lunch in Studio City, and more, The 15 Hottest New Restaurants in Los Angeles, March 2023, Where to eat right now around the City of Angels, Sign up for the Please enter a valid email and try again. "The classic fish and chips, the pies, the beautiful puddings we're well known for, Gary brought them to the forefront. RIP: Paul Kitching, a Michelin-starred chef, has tragically died aged 61, his devastated wife Katie O'Brien has announced, Paul was highly acclaimed within the industry and also known for his friendly, cheerful nature. Grissomcompeted on Bravo's "Top Chef: Boston" in 2014. While he was just 37 years old, he was admitted to a local medical clinic the day before. "Production was obviously halted as soon as Gary was taken ill and members of the Rock Oyster Team remain in Dubai to support the family as best they can.". Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24. Phil Rogers (@nbcphilrogers) November 5, 2013. News of his passing was announced by his family in a media statement released on Wednesday, 1 March. Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko, a South African chef, died away on February 28, 2023, at the Sandton Medi-Clinic. Additionally, he recently made a special appearance on the Metropolitan show We Start 2023 Stronger. Chef Lentswe has died. Who is Andrew Tate Girlfriend? South Africa Blue Sky Publications (Pty) Ltd T/A TheSouthAfrican Number: 2005/028472/07. What was the sonic boom heard across central England? Chef Lentswe spent five years in the investment finance industry before he enrolled at the prestigious Culinary Academy in the Cape Winelands in 2010, per Travel Essence magazine. Tributes have been paid from famous chefs in the UK and abroad, with Rhodes having built up a strong international reputation thanks to his restaurants overseas. Lentswe Bhengu recently died on the 28 of February, 2023. Chef Aaron Grissom, who competed on the 12th season of "Top Chef," has died. They described him on Thursday as a humble genius who had an insatiable appetite for life. Celebrity chef and TV host Lentswe Bhengu has died, his family has confirmed. Death has also been a very sad thing for the family. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. 2023 Arena Holdings (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved. He added: "Gary really took the old style recipes that were British recipes that mums and grans used to cook, and did them very well, and put them in front of restaurateurs and our customers. Rhodes was also filming a new TV series in Dubai, according to his friend and fellow chef Vineet Bhatia. Chef Lentswe spent about five years working in the finance sector in KwaZulu Natal, where he was also born, educated, and where he began his professional career. Alexander is survived by his daughter Cailey. Im gonna make sure the Smhokin Pot is forever, says Acosta. The exact disease he got is unknown, but a proper report will be provided about the exact cause of death. London-born Rhodes grew up in Kent before embarking on his career, which took off soon after he completed his cookery training at a college in Thanet. Thats the one. His mantra was that he wanted to make food so good that it makes you wanna slap yo mommabut dont slap yo momma.. Find the best deals on HDTVs, UHD TVs, & 4KTVs from your favorite brands. Tributes paid to humble genius whose restaurant was first in UK to win three Michelin stars. Find the best deals on Fragrance from your favorite brands. English Michelin-starred chef,Thomas Kerridge, was one of the first to pay tribute after the news was released. "Gary was a classically trained chef in the style of French cuisine, but decided to talk and cook just about English cookery so really did revolutionise our thinking about the way we cook things here. Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko, best known as the chef on The Great South African Bake Off, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 28 after a short illness, according to a statement released by his family. Find the best deals on Small Appliances from your favorite brands. In an email sent out to customers of the restaurant, Katie described Paul's death as a 'total shock'. He left Levy to devote more time to the premium chocolate bonbon company he started with partners Scott Breazeale, a pastry chef, and Jennifer Gratz. ", 'Top Chef' star Fatima Ali dies at 29; Padma Lakshmi shares emotional tribute, According to his "Top Chef" bio, Grissom believed "cooking is something that all people share" regardless of "ethnicity, culture or heritage." If he comes into a room, hes so handsome, youre gonna notice when he walks in. For many, he was a father figure inspiring all with his insatiable appetite for life and irresistible enthusiasm.