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After learning today that legendary Chicago chef Charlie Trotter has passed away at the age of 54, the food community has shared its memories and condolences over Twitter and Facebook. In Chicago, Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas' restaurant Alinea writes that "His impact on Chicago dining will long be remembered," while Graham Elliot tweets: "CHARLIE TROTTER: chef, mentor, trailblazer, philosopher, artist, teacher, leader. He now belongs to the ages." Below, chefs, writers, and others in the restaurant industry share their thoughts on Trotter's death:
Chef Trotter. Your influence and vision lives on.
Oui Chef!
— Linton Hopkins (@chefhopkins) November 5, 2013
Candlelight vigil planned in front of Trotter's restaurant at 4:30 p.m., his former right-hand person Sari Zernich Worsham says.
— Mark Caro (@MarkCaro) November 5, 2013
I still remember buying the first Charlie Trotter book and being totally enamored, amazed and enthralled. Heartfelt condolences.
— hugh acheson (@HughAcheson) November 5, 2013
CHARLIE TROTTER: chef, mentor, trailblazer, philosopher, artist, teacher, leader. He now belongs to the ages.
— GRAHAM ELLIOT (@grahamelliot) November 5, 2013
Another way to look at this is Trotter lived more in 54 years than most people do in a 100. There is little he didn't accomplish.
— Michael Nagrant (@MichaelNagrant) November 5, 2013
So sad ! lost a great friend and an inspiration for the Art of Cooking . Chef Charlie Trotter , condolences to the family
— JG Vongerichten (@jeangeorges) November 5, 2013
Sorry to hear of the passing of Chef Charlie Trotter. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Tom Colicchio (@tomcolicchio) November 5, 2013
the culinary world lost one of its best today? so sad to learn of Charlie Trotter's passing http://t.co/4qIz8dBkOw
— Michelin Guide (@MichelinGuideCH) November 5, 2013
trotter. You made a huge difference to me and lea that night in 2001.felt like I learned everything in one moment.Everything I didn't know.
— lula cafe (@lulacafe) November 5, 2013
Reeling over Charlie Trotter news. Saved up $ to dine there as a broke 22-y-o and it changed my life (and career). http://t.co/eB2rnNi8PR
— Allecia Vermillion (@alleciav) November 5, 2013
Feeling sorry for all the youngs who never experienced Charlie Trotter's at its peak. Luckily, he bequeathed them all those cookbooks.
— Regina Schrambling (@gastropoda) November 5, 2013
RIP Chef Trotter, you were my biggest supporter when I started working on the @BocusedOrUSA , so sad
— Gavin Kaysen (@gavinkaysen) November 5, 2013
Charlie. You were never satisfied. It was your strength and your weakness. I hope you found happiness.
— David Tamarkin (@DavidTamarkin) November 5, 2013
Sad day... We lost a great chef. Thoughts & prayers to Chef Trotter's family & friends. #Legend #Pioneer #RIP
— The French Laundry (@_TFL_) November 5, 2013
I never met him, but ate at Trotter's many times. Every chef in Chicago would credit him with starting the dining renaissance in this town.
— Peter Sagal (@petersagal) November 5, 2013
Our hearts are heavy with the passing of a friend and mentor, you'll be missed Charlie. No words, shocked.
— Tory Miller (@grazeletoile) November 5, 2013
RIP chef Charlie Trotter, age just 54. Great loss for culinary world
— Julia Moskin (@juliamoskin) November 5, 2013
http://t.co/otGyBOyE7Y
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Charlie Trotter. He will always be remembered for his talent and vision.
— Beard Foundation (@beardfoundation) November 5, 2013
sad day for Chicago restaurant heritage. RIP, Charlie Trotter
— Kate Leahy (@kateleahy) November 5, 2013
Say it ain't so one of the reasons I cook, Charlie Trotter R.I.P
— Dale Talde (@DaleTalde) November 5, 2013
saddened to hear that the world has lost Charlie Trotter chef and mentor to so many chefs.
— Jonathon Sawyer (@chefsawyer) November 5, 2013
We lost a big one today. Thanks for the inspiration chef. http://t.co/UhobUZiVLJ
— Kelly English (@kelly_english) November 5, 2013
We have lost a pioneer in America's culinary world. @Ateranyc mourns the loss of @charlietrotter. Our thoughts are with his family & friends
— Atera Restaurant (@Ateranyc) November 5, 2013
Whoa! Sad to hear about CT, Trotter was a game-changer and influenced all of us. Shocked. Condolences to his family.
— matthew gaudet (@GaudetMatthew) November 5, 2013
So sad. A loss for the city. RT @ChiTribFood: Chef Charlie Trotter has died. Found unconscious at home this morning. http://t.co/WIGdlViyRr
— Steve Dolinsky (@stevedolinsky) November 5, 2013
Charlie trotter....sad.
— Dave Chang (@davidchang) November 5, 2013
Charlie Trotter has passed. Awful news. Rest in peace, chef. http://t.co/t01SswT3E4
— Francis Lam (@Francis_Lam) November 5, 2013
Charlie Trotter passes away. Kinda at a loss for words. Even without ever meeting him, he was a big inspiration.
— Justin Yu (@tetsujustin) November 5, 2013
Charlie Trotter dead at 54.... wow. Very sad.
— nick kokonas (@nickkokonas) November 5, 2013
Restaurant Icon Charlie Trotter Dead " CBS Chicago http://t.co/0Yfoy2YyM4
This is horrible news.
— Andrew Zimmern (@andrewzimmern) November 5, 2013
All our love and prayers to Rochelle...
— Andrew Zimmern (@andrewzimmern) November 5, 2013
Her husbands passing is heartbreaking.
#charlietrotter
Trotter had famous temperament, stern stubbornness but if you knew him he was all about vision and leadership and technique.
— Andrew Zimmern (@andrewzimmern) November 5, 2013
#sadday
Chef Charlie trotter rip. u were a true inspiration all over the world. A pioneer. Thankyou for everything.
— Ken Oringer (@kenoringer) November 5, 2013
RIP Charlie trotter. Because of you is why so many of us are where we are today. Truly a man ahead of his time.
— Scott Anderson (@monkchef) November 5, 2013
RIP Charlie trotter. Because of you is why so many of us are where we are today. Truly a man ahead of his time.
— Scott Anderson (@monkchef) November 5, 2013
Where was all this love and praise when he was actually alive??
— Meredith Erickson (@Mericksonbooks) November 5, 2013
RIP Charlie Trotter.
— Damon Wise (@damonwise1) November 5, 2013
It is a sad day for the culinary world, Chef Charlie Trotter we will miss you...
— dominique crenn (@dominiquecrenn) November 5, 2013
Towering loss. "@juliamoskin: RIP chef Charlie Trotter, age just 54. Great loss for culinary world
— Danny Meyer (@dhmeyer) November 5, 2013
http://t.co/Gy9VF49bso"
Chicago Chef Charlie Trotter Dead at 54: sad, sad news about a real pioneer, http://t.co/QrHM4tncZv via @nbcchicago
— Frank Bruni (@FrankBruni) November 5, 2013
So sad! iconic chef inspired so many of us. RT @qualityrye: Worth re-reading @CKummer's piece about Charlie Trotter's http://t.co/UO795Y0P0c
— marco canora (@MarcoCanora) November 5, 2013
Can't believe it, Charlie Trotter, RIP I had the great honour to cook there for his 20th year celebration. Very sad pic.twitter.com/I9xIp1NAEB
— james petrie (@chefjocky) November 5, 2013
Deepest condolences to friends and family of chef Charlie Trotter. A life well-lived, he will be much missed.
— Food Arts Magazine (@foodarts) November 5, 2013
How did Charlie Trotter leave his mark?
— Kevin Pang (@pang) November 5, 2013
+ Vegetarian tasting menus
+ Cookbooks for professional chefs
+ Idea of chef-owned restaurants
Sad news about the death of Charlie Trotter. A great chef and restaurateur with exacting standards and a far-reaching vision/influence
— Restaurant magazine (@RestaurantMagUK) November 5, 2013
Sad news today. Find myself going back to my friend @MrKamp's fine profile of the late Charlie Trotter. http://t.co/6vPEwyNN3x
— Jeff Gordinier (@JeffGordinier) November 5, 2013
Very sad day in the chef community #charlietrotter influence on young American chef was tremendous and inspiring .he will be missed greatly
— Daniel Boulud (@DanielBoulud) November 5, 2013
Here's my favorite Charlie Trotter quote. It's particularly apt in our long tasting menu era that he helped launch: pic.twitter.com/tdPcEZmxtR
— ryan sutton (@qualityrye) November 5, 2013
Charlie Trotter was very, very nice to me in 1992. A true force in the early American chef scene #RIP
— Andrew Carmellini (@andrecarmellini) November 5, 2013
So sad...a legend has passed Charlie Trotter gone
— Dale Talde (@DaleTalde) November 5, 2013
Rest In Peace Chef Trotter.
— alex stupak (@alexstupak) November 5, 2013
Reeling at news of Charlie Trotter's death. A brilliant, complicated but incredibly generous guy, a good friend and a great American chef.
— Jay McInerney (@JayMcInerney) November 5, 2013
#CharlieTrotter lets celebrate his amazing contribution to America and the world. He was a genuine person.Today heaven will eat better....
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) November 5, 2013
Condolences to the family of Chef Charlie Trotter. It is a great loss for the culinary community.
— Jacques Torres (@jacquestorres) November 5, 2013
Charlie Trotter
— Roy Choi (@RidingShotgunLA) November 5, 2013
RIP my G
Nvr 4get I met Chef Trotter 1 summer in ACK. Afraid, I finally blurted "Vegetables" changed my life!"
— Matthew Jennings (@matthewjennings) November 5, 2013
"You're holding knife wrong" he said.
RIP Chef Charlie Trotter and God Bless the Trotter family. Chicago and the World have lost a great Chef...
— Rick Tramonto (@cheftramonto) November 5, 2013
Charlie Trotter changed american fine dining in more ways than people realize. Repeated best wishes and prayers to his family and friends
— ruhlman (@ruhlman) November 5, 2013
Heartfelt condolences to Chef Charlie Trotter's family.He was a true culinary pioneer & will 4ever be missed & 4ever serve as an inspiration
— Bocuse d'Or USA (@BocusedOrUSA) November 5, 2013
Rest In Peace Charlie Trotter. A giant. A legend. Treated shabbily by a world he helped create. My thoughts go out to those who loved him.
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) November 5, 2013
The Charlie Trotter I'd like to remember:
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) November 5, 2013
Happy. And in love. pic.twitter.com/Ikx91ncREn
Deeply saddened by the loss of my great friend and mentor, Chef Charlie Trotter. Forever missed yet not forgotten. pic.twitter.com/EFTWQYbCsu
— Farmer Lee Jones (@farmerleejones) November 5, 2013
Trotter alumnus @matthiasmerges opens his new restaurant A10 tonight. "Nothing will honor the man more than have great service tonight."
— Kevin Pang (@pang) November 5, 2013
Charlie Trotter was a visionary; one who exemplified what a young American chef could do to influence a generation. He'll be greatly missed
— Thomas Keller (@Chef_Keller) November 5, 2013
Remembering great meals @Charlie Trotter's.The wonderful lunch he gave for my memoir Insatiable using my recipes.His generosity to Girardet.
— Gael Greene (@GaelGreene) November 5, 2013
Very sad to lose Charlie Trotter, of course. Major force in American cuisine. Sad too that he never was able to open in NYC.
— Steve Cuozzo (@stevecuozzo) November 5, 2013
Shocked and saddened by the passing of fellow chef and friend, Charlie Trotter. May he rest in peace. Thoughts are with his family.
— Charlie Palmer (@CharliePalmerGP) November 5, 2013
Just heard the tragic news of Charlie Trotter's passing. The food world has lost someone truly special.
— Alice Waters (@AliceWaters) November 5, 2013
My deepest condolences go out to Charlie Trotter's family and colleagues around the world.
— Alice Waters (@AliceWaters) November 5, 2013
Charlie was a legend in the world of cooking, and a great friend to me. He will go down as one of the greats next to Julia Child. RIP
— Sandra Lee (@SandraLee) November 5, 2013
· Chicago Chef Charlie Trotter Dead at 54 [-E-]
· All Charlie Trotter Coverage on Eater [-E-]
