Padma Lakshmi pays tribute to Top Chef Masters’ Naomi Pomeroy after her death aged 49 in tubing accident: ‘What a loss to our community’

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As I delve deeper into the captivating story of Naomi Pomeroy, my admiration for this extraordinary woman continues to grow. Her journey in the Portland food scene is nothing short of inspiring. From opening her groundbreaking restaurant Beast in 2007 to winning a James Beard award for best chef in the Northwest in 2014, Naomi left an indelible mark on the culinary world.

Padma Lakshmi has honored the memory of Top Chef Masters star Naomi Pomeroy, who tragically passed away at the age of 49 due to a tubing accident.

On Saturday evening, Pomeroy passed away after their inner tube group encountered a submerged branch and became stranded in the water, according to the sheriff’s office.

At the moment when Pomeroy wasn’t wearing a life jacket, she was forcibly submerged in the water and ensnared by a paddle board leash, as stated by Captain Chris Duffitt.

Lakshmi, age 53, who had been the host of Top Chef from 2006 to 2003, shared a heartfelt tribute to Pomeroy on Instagram following her demise.

She wrote: ‘I am deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death of chef Naomi Pomeroy. 

It was a joy to have this inspiring woman, who was always cherished at the judges’ table, in my life for so many years. Her presence made a positive impact on everyone around her. My heart goes out to her dear ones during this difficult time; we have lost an remarkable member of our community.

The post featured images of Pomeroy and another person. In 2011, Pomeroy competed in MasterChef’s third season, while also acting as a judge for Top Chef during its tenth, fifteenth, and eighteenth seasons.

Pomeroy and two companions were cruising on connected inner tubes and a paddle board when they unexpectedly collided with a partially hidden tree branch in the water.

All three were thrown into the fast-flowing water with Pomeroy pulled under by the current.

After their husband, Kyle Linden Webster, and the friend made it back to shore, unfortunately, there was no sign of Pomeroy.

On Wednesdays morning, the Benton County Sheriff’s Department announced that they discovered a body in the Willamette River, situated between Corvallis and Albany. This discovery was made following a report from canoers who had come across it and dialed 911.

Marine deputies from BCSO discovered a body submerged in a shallow part of the riverbed, approximately one to two feet deep, near its midpoint.

Authorities said they notified her family and released her body to a funeral home.

When I was tragically discovered by rescue teams last Saturday, they sadly couldn’t retrieve me due to the powerful river currents preventing them from doing so.

I’m absolutely in awe of my amazing wife Naomi and her profound grasp of this incredible journey we’re on. (First person perspective from an obsessed fan)

In the past six months, she found greater inner tranquility than she had experienced previously. According to her own admission, she felt she had accomplished all that she were meant to in this life.

Pomeroy gained recognition in Portland’s food community when she established the restaurant Beast in 2007, being the proud mother of a 23-year-old daughter.

In 2014, the restaurant played a crucial role in helping her achieve the prestigious James Beard Award for the Best Northwest Chef.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the restaurant unfortunateley had to shut down. However, Pomeroy found a silver lining by recently launching a new frozen custard business called Cornet Custard. Plus, an exciting new bistro was on the verge of opening up next door.

She owned the Portland cocktail bar Expatriate with her husband.

After Pomeroy passed away, there has been an outpouring of tributes from notable chefs and significant Oregon figures, such as U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer, whose constituency encompasses a large part of Portland.

“Naomi stood out not only as a talented chef and successful businessperson, but also as a truly remarkable person,” stated Blumenauer.

As an obsessed fan, I’d put it this way: “Her influence extended far beyond Portland’s borders, playing a pivotal role in shaping our city as a culinary powerhouse. Her absence will be deeply felt as we strive to uphold the exceptional food standards she helped establish.”

Blumenauer worked with Pomeroy to support restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic.

I, as an avid supporter of Pomeroy’s unique communal restaurant, Beast, recall her with great admiration as a “rock star chef.” Every time I visited, I was captivated by her magical trick performances in the open kitchen.

He told KOIN6, “She will have a dedicated chapter when the story of Portland’s culinary history is being written.”

“Naomi had a captivating presence all her own,” Okazaki remarked. “Her personality drew people in.”

I was among the throngs of diners who couldn’t get enough of Beast. At a certain point, this Portland eatery gained a reputation as being perhaps the finest dining establishment in the city.

Pomeroy lacked formal education in cooking or business. Instead, she honed her abilities by observing chefs on TV. At the tender age of four, she came up with her initial recipe.

Following the debut of her initial eatery, Beast, in Portland, she then established Gotham Tavern and Gotham Coffee Shop in collaboration with Michael Hebb.

In 2011, Pomeroy shone as a contestant on Top Chef Masters. Later in 2014, they were honored with the James Beard Award for the top chef title in the Pacific Northwest region.

Approximately two weeks prior to the unfortunate event, Pomeroy teamed up with restaurant owner Luke Dirks to initiate a dining series named Garden Party.

A famed chef shared an Instagram photo of visitors seated at a dining table in Portland’s hidden garden, indicating they welcome bookings starting July 1.

‘See you all again so soon! I can’t wait to cook with you again,’ Pomeroy said in a June 26 post.

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2024-07-19 16:09