Chris L'Hommedieu, a key component of restaurants ranging from Per Se to Prospect, passed away on Wednesday night at age 44. As Inside Scoop reports, L'Hommedieu had been battling the same rare form of appendix cancer that took the life of Zuni Cafe chef Judy Rodgers last year. His wife Kendra Stanley confirmed that L'Hommedieu passed away at home surrounded by friends and family, including many of his industry friends.
Most recently the chef at Prospect, L'Hommedieu was jokingly known as the Kevin Bacon of the local chef community, having worked extensively with Michael Mina (including a stint as the executive chef of Mina's eponymous restaurant, where he earned four stars from the Chron), Thomas Keller (he was the opening executive sous chef of Per Se), and Alain Ducasse. No memorial for L'Hommedieu has been announced as of yet, but a tribute dinner and fundraiser is apparently in the works for September. We'll have more info as it's announced. Condolences to L'Hommedieu's friends and family.
Here are some reactions to L'Hommedieu's passing from Twitter:
Chris was a quiet observer & fine teacher to the next gen of chefs. We thank him for his years of dedicated service http://t.co/KYJe0AwfoO
— Thomas Keller (@Chef_Keller) July 24, 2014
A very sad day today!,My thoughts and preys go to chef Chris L'hommedieu 's Family. RIP Chef.
I love you. http://t.co/wadbLxfDtO
— dominique crenn (@dominiquecrenn) July 24, 2014
I remember chatting with Chris L'Hommedieu at Per Se when I was a 26-year old at @TimeOutNewYork. He was so so nice. http://t.co/5YBm6swSn5
— ryan sutton (@qualityrye) July 24, 2014
A grand salute to beloved Chef Chris L'Hommedieu who died today of cancer, he was 44 years old. Love & blessings to his wife Kendra Stanley.
— Stanlee Gatti (@StanleeGatti) July 24, 2014
So sad to hear Chris passed away today. San Francisco chef Chris L'Hommedieu dies: http://t.co/qE4oIOjfbR
— Mark Liberman (@M_Liberman) July 24, 2014
Great Chef. Great guy. Chris L'Hommedieu will be missed. http://t.co/xDMEpQByN2
— The Restaurant (@TheRestaurantMW) July 24, 2014
Far too young! San Francisco chef Chris L'Hommedieu dies: http://t.co/l7ebhOTVI3
— Liam Callahan (@BellwetherFarms) July 24, 2014
One of the very best cooks I ever knew "@SFGate: Beloved S.F. chef Chris L'Hommedieu dies: http://t.co/gzPAmU0FzL pic.twitter.com/hAHEopI1Lo"
— bradford mcdonald (@bradfordmc) July 24, 2014
So sad. Rest in Peace Chris L'Hommedieu - an incredible chef & more importantly an incredible person & friend to many http://t.co/pzXCdtSYkj
— Mika Takeuchi (@FoodFashionista) July 24, 2014
#foodiechap
San Francisco Chef Chris L'Hommedieu dies age 44.
Too soon. Heartbreaking news.
Thoughts with his... http://t.co/Q6EXqugxUi
— Liam Mayclem (@foodiechap) July 24, 2014
· San Francisco chef Chris L'Hommedieu dies [Inside Scoop]