Andrew Zimmern

Andrew Zimmern Instagram – I just haven’t been able to express my sadness, grief and anger about the passing of my friend James Kent on Saturday. Still can’t. I met him when he was at EMP, liked him from the moment I saw him. Funny, smart, kind, polite, loved his family, his friends meant the world to him, he always reminded me to “take care of Gavin, man” referring to @gavinkaysen whom he loved dearly. I will always remember the visits to Crown Shy, the night we toured the 4 floors way above that restaurant where he laid out the dream that would become reality in a few short years. He had to have me see a certain view, eat a certain bite, listen to a certain song, and he was insatiably curious which is why I think he was so successful. A sponge of a learner. He was a generational talent as a chef and restaurateur, poised to grow his hospitality group as large as his dreams could handle. He was that good; bridging cultures and generations like no one else. And he was a true son of NYC, our hometown. These pictures are from the last time we got to actually hang out. A week in paradise @caymancookoutofficial last January. He loved that week so so much. We played pétanque together, the two of us on a team with @chefkwameonwuachi and as animated as KO and I were, he was calm and cool, hitting the winning shot to take us into the round of 16. The “bouillabaisse” riff was the last thing I ate that he cooked. So ridiculously perfect. Last week I got a note from him handwritten, telling me how we needed to “spend more time doing fun things” with our people. All the Zimmerns have nothing but love for James, Kelly, Gavin and Avery. This wound may heal over time but the scars will never fade. | Posted on 18/Jun/2024 02:21:40