Celebrated Australian cook and restaurateur Bill Granger died on December 25, 2023, in London at the age of 54. Granger's family confirmed the news on Instagram. "It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Granger announce he has passed away on 25th December at the age of 54. A dedicated husband and father, Bill died peacefully in hospital with his wife Natalie Elliott and three daughters, Edie, Inès and Bunny, at his bedside in their adopted home of London."
Bill was a self-taught cook and a successful "global restaurateur and food writer with a career spanning over 30 years." It was in 1999 that he launched his restaurant business in partnership with his wife Natalie, "that today has 19 restaurants across Sydney, London, Greater Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Seoul."
"Bill authored 14 cookbooks, made 5 TV series and most recently was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2023."
The announcement concluded by mentioning Bill's mark in the culinary world for which he became widely known as the "Godfather of avocado toast". "He will be remembered as the 'King of Breakfast' for making unpretentious food into something special filled with sunshine and for spurring the growth of Australian informal and communal eating around the world."
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Several cooks, celebrities and fans mourned the loss of the incredible cook.
Australian actor Hugh Jackman and his former partner Deborra-Lee Furness said in a joint statement on Instagram, "His talent, his joie de vivre, the way he brought people together and his commitment to family were inspiring."
British celebrity chef and restaurateur Jamie Oliver wrote on Instagram, "Rest in peace dear wonderful Bill Granger. Shocking and deeply sad news to hear of his death today.... I loved @bill.granger so much, he was such a wonderful man, warm, charming, and had an extraordinary ease and style in cooking that could only come from Australia ....many moons ago I remember going to his first Sydney restaurant in Darlinghurst it was so cool, so relaxed, great food and coffee and years ahead of its time he was there in full effect so welcoming and just so Nice. Bless you, Bill love and respect brother! So much love to his family and friends."
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Food writer Nigella Lawson wrote on Instagram, "I find it impossible to find the right words, but then, there are no right words when what's happened is so wrong. Heartbroken to hear that @bill.granger has died. He was the loveliest man, and the joy he gave us - whether through his food, his books, the spaces he made for us, or in person - came from the kindness and generosity and sheer, shining exuberance of his very self. So devastated for his family. It's too cruel. May his memory be a blessing."
About Jigyasa KakwaniJigyasa finds her solace through writing, a medium she is exploring to make the world more informed and curious with every story published. She is always up for exploring new cuisines, but her heart comes back to the comforting ghar-ka-khana.