Superstar Louisiana chef Paul Prudhomme has passed away. The chef, who was known around the world for his Cajun and Creole cuisine, died on Thursday, according to Boston Globe. He was one of the first American restaurant chefs to achieve worldwide fame and will be forever missed in the kitchen. He was 75 years old.
A representative from his restaurant, K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen, said that the famed chef died after a brief illness, but no further details were given, according to WWLTV. He and his late wife, Kay Hinrichs Prudhomme, opened the restaurant in 1979, just a few short years after he started to become well known in New Orleans as the chef at Commander's Palace. Once he became the executive chef there in 1975, he turned the restaurant - which is considered a landmark in New Orleans - into somewhat of a national treasure. While cooking there, he worked with Ella and Dick Brennan as they changed and revolutionized Creole cuisine during a time where top restaurants only served European cuisine.
"Paul was a joy to work with and he's been an inspiration to all of us in the food world," the Brennan family said in a statement. "Cajun and Creole cuisines crashed in the kitchen of Commander's palace in the 1970s with Paul Prudhomme and Ella Brennan and the Brennan family. Prior to that, Cajun food had not been a part of New Orleans cooking. The result was an explosion of spectacular flavors and wonderful cooking that influenced the city, state, country and the world. There's been no better ambassador for New Orleans and Louisana than Paul Prudhomme and he will be greatly missed."
Even popular Food Network chef Emeril Lagasse had amazing things say about Prudhomme, who he considered a "visionary and true friend." "Paul was a true legend whose impact on New Orleans cuisine will never be forgotten," Lagasse said. "We have lost an amazing soul and incredible chef. My heart goes out to Paul's family."
In man credited with inventing the turducken, Prudhomme was responsible for bringing popular dishes like blackened redfish and gumbo - which are now staples on menus - to Louisiana, according to Fox News. These dishes can now be found in every state and in 37 different countries. He made guest appearances on several shows like "Today Show" and "Good Morning America." He had nine cookbooks, hosted five cooking shows for PBS and even had his own line of spices called Chef Paul Prudhomme Magic Seasoning Blends. He received several awards for his legendary skills in the kitchen, including one from the Culinary Institute of America and one from Bon Appetit.
He was the youngest of 13 children and is survived by his second wife Lori Bennett. They had been married for just five years.
