Michelin-starred chef Paul Kitching has tragically died aged 61, his accomplice Katie O’Brien introduced.
In a transferring assertion posted on his Edinburgh restaurant 21212’s social media platforms on Thursday, she wrote: ‘My love has gone. However what a love x’.
The chef’s explanation for demise has but to be revealed.
In an electronic mail despatched out to prospects of the restaurant, Katie described Paul’s demise as a ‘whole shock’.
She wrote: ‘Expensive buddies, it’s with a heavy coronary heart that I write to let you understand that I’ve misplaced my love – Paul – who sadly handed away yesterday.
RIP: Paul Kitching, a Michelin-starred chef, has tragically died aged 61, his devastated spouse Katie O’Brien has introduced
Paul was extremely acclaimed inside the trade and in addition recognized for his pleasant, cheerful nature
‘The demise has come as a complete shock to us at 21212 and we try to return to phrases with the passing of a legend inside our trade.
‘Paul was an inspirational determine to everybody who ever had the pleasure of assembly him or working with him and we’re all devastated.’
Raised in Gateshed, Paul’s profession started in a Latin American restaurant in Newcastle, the place he labored as a pot wash.
He later moved moved to York, the place he found his ardour for cooking.
He launched Juniper restaurant in Manchester and was awarded a Michelin star in 1997, which he retained for 11 years.
Reflecting on his first Michelin restaurant, he mentioned: ‘The meals was pure Marco Pierre White impressed, it had somewhat little bit of me in it but it surely was influenced by his type.
‘By the point we closed it every little thing from once we opened, as within the Marco meals type, was gone. It had turn into a mirror picture of who I believed I used to be.’
In 2009 the gifted chef arrange 21212 in Edinburgh together with his accomplice Katie, which additionally went on to be awarded a Michelin star.
In addition to a Michelin star, the restaurant acquired quite a few awards together with finest new restaurant within the UK, 4 AA rosettes and has been named Catering in Scotland’s Restaurant of the Yr.
Devastating loss: In a heartbreaking assertion posted on his Edinburgh restaurant 21212’s social media platforms, Katie wrote: ‘My love has gone. However what a love x’
In an announcement, the Michelin Information described Paul as a ‘true maverick’.
‘Paul Kitching was form, intelligent, massively gifted and infectiously enthusiastic. He was additionally a real maverick and his ardour and creativity had been evident in each dish he created. Our heartfelt sympathies go to Katie and all his household.’
Paul was additionally awarded the Prince Philip medal for providers to the catering trade.
He’d been within the service trade for 35 years, and previous to working in eating places, he had temporary stints as a baker and a labourer.
In a 2020 interview, Paul mentioned regardless of all of his success, he spent loads of time making an attempt to construct up confidence in himself and his personal talents.
‘I used to be a really nervous chef,’ he mentioned. ‘It was overcome by stepping again and believing in myself and the fame I had gained.’
In the identical interview, Paul revealed he by no means appreciated to prepare dinner at residence, however described his restaurant’s type as: ‘Basic however cool.’
Proficient: Paul created Juniper restaurant in Manchester and was awarded a Michelin star in 1997, which he retained for 11 years
Tributes have flooded in for the world-class chef from the culinary neighborhood.
Tom Kerridge commented a crying face emoji, whereas Elite Bistros restaurant group proprietor Gary Usher mentioned on Twitter: ‘That is terrible information I am so so sorry. He was so form to me after I wanted an arm round me greater than ever.’
Chef Shane Osborn added: ‘Such tragic information to listen to the sudden demise of the genius Paul Kitching. He was extremely form, beneficiant and very gifted.
‘The meal he cooked for me at Juniper some 20 years in the past was one among finest eating experiences of my life. His cooking and hospitality made individuals shine with pleasure.
‘Paul you can be missed by so many, thanks for all the good recollections . My ideas and deep condolences to Katie, his household and the crew at 21212’s’.
