Charlie Trotter

[splinky]

at 54

[Sneakeater]

When I saw this, I thought, "that explains a lot."

 

But so far, it doesn't.

[Wilfrid]

Now that is definitely too young.

[foodie52]

That's a shock. I got to work with him once. Well, not really "work": he and his staff wouldn't let us touch any of the food.

[GordonCooks]

Shocking.

One of my first culinary road trips was to CT.

Such a shame.

[Rail Paul]

 

"I love what I do," he said at the street-sign unveiling. "I pinch myself every day that I get to do this for a living, but on the other hand, one must change their way."

Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Chicago-Chef-Charlie-Trotter-Dead-230680701.html#ixzz2jnowYGqf

 

It's a shame he didn't get to travel the world with his wife, as he planned.

[Sneakeater]

It's not shocking, really.

 

Clearly, something was up.

[LiquidNY]

"Fuck the young chefs," Trotter said. "They can read one of my 17 books."

Interview with Charlie Trotter.

[Suzanne F]

I think if you don't understand how Charlie Trotter influenced fine dining in this country, including New York, you are missing a really important perspective on the evolution of cuisine in America.

Very well said.

[Really Nice!]

It's not shocking, really.

 

Clearly, something was up.

Yes, his blood pressure, and his recent inclinations to strokes and siezures. Autopsy was inconclusive. More tests to follow.

[Rail Paul]

 

It's not shocking, really.

 

Clearly, something was up.

Yes, his blood pressure, and his recent inclinations to strokes and siezures. Autopsy was inconclusive. More tests to follow.

 

 

 

Yes.

 

The Sun-Times adds a little more detail to the situation. Several observers noted examples of bizarre interactions in recent months, and a perception by some people of depression after his shop was closed.

 

Following the stroke earlier this year, his doctors directed him not to fly. However, he chose to accept an invitation last weekend to speak at an industry event in Aspen, and flew there. Gave his speech, and flew home Sunday.

 

Died the next day.

 

http://www.suntimes.com/23562664-761/sneed-charlie-trotter-told-not-to-fly-after-stroke-but-jetted-to-wyoming-last-weekend.html

[bloviatrix]

I literally gasped upon seeing the news yesterday. There was a woman who posted on eGullet who worked FOH at his restaurant that I traded IMs with. It sounded like a challenging place to work.

[mitchells]

^{This was the first really upscale restaurant I took my then future wife to while we were both traveling on business in Chicago. The rest is history.}

[Adrian]

 

I think if you don't understand how Charlie Trotter influenced fine dining in this country, including New York, you are missing a really important perspective on the evolution of cuisine in America.

Very well said.

 

Good stuff by Gary Fine on Trotter: http://chicago.grubstreet.com/2012/01/gaf.html

 

I'd be interested on reading what either (or any) of you have to add about his influence on American dining.

[Sneakeater]

I think Gary Fine is terrific.