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Aspen, CO – The Food & Wine Classic in Aspen opened on a somber note Monday night as the culinary world continues to mourn the loss of Chef Anne Burrell. Celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern delivered a moving tribute to Burrell, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this week.
Zimmern, visibly emotional, spoke of the shock and grief felt by the community. He recalled other recent losses in the culinary world, including chefs Tony Bourdain, Michael Chiarello, and Jamal James Kent, highlighting the profound impact of these sudden departures.
He remembered Burrell’s infectious laugh, immense talent, and “tremendous capacity for love,” calling her a “beautiful soul” and a “trailblazer.” Zimmern shared that he and Burrell had been cooking together in Puerto Rico just weeks before her death, underscoring the deep bond they shared.
Fighting back tears, Zimmern urged attendees to celebrate Burrell’s life, echoing her vibrant spirit. He encouraged them to laugh, sing karaoke, dance, and enjoy food and drink in her honor. “While taken from us long before we would ever want to let her go,” Zimmern said, “she is gone.”
Burrell, known for her appearances on shows like Worst Cooks in America, Iron Chef America, and Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home. While the official cause of death is still pending, reports suggest it may have been cardiac arrest.