Gary Rhodes, the famous British chef, died in Dubai last night at the age of 59. Rhodes was best known for programs such as MasterChef, Hell's Kitchen and MasterChef USA. He was also involved as a presenter in some programs in Germany. According to a statement from the family to The Independent, the chef died on Tuesday evening. “The Rhodes family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of their beloved husband, father and brother, Gary Rhodes,” it said.
Gary Rhodes was also a family man
“Gary passed away last night, Tuesday November 26, 2019, aged 59, with his beloved wife Jennie by his side. The family would like to thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy during this time." In addition to four restaurants, two of which are in Dubai, the renowned chef had his own range of cooking items and bread mixes. He had a restaurant called Rhodes W1 at Grosvenor House Dubai as well as another called Rhodes Twenty10 at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort.
Upon learning of his death, the two hotels issued the following statement: “The team at Grosvenor House Dubai and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa are shocked by the tragic death of Chef Gary Rhodes. The industry has lost not only a true culinary legend, but also an inspirational human being and a very dear friend.”
A talented chef has passed away
Rhodes, born in South London, opened his first restaurant in 1997 called City Rhodes. A year later his second called Rhodes in the Square followed. Both were includedAwarded Michelin stars. By 1999 he had opened three Rhodes & Co beer pubs in Manchester, Edinburgh and West Sussex. Gary Rhodes opened his first restaurant abroad in 2004 at the Calabash Hotel in Grenada. He then enjoyed great success with restaurants in London, including Rhodes Twenty Four in Tower 42, which received its first Michelin star in 2005. He also ran restaurants on board cruise ships.
At the age of 27, he made his first television appearance on a show called Hot Chefs. He then went on to front his own programs including Rhodes Around Britain, before hosting as the original Masterchef USA for two seasons in 2000 and 2001. However, the chef moved to Dubai in 2011 after opening Rhodes Twenty10 the previous year. There he opened his first restaurant in Abu Dhabi in 2013. The star chef has published more than 20 cookbooks, including New British Classics and The Complete Cookery Year. In addition to his restaurants, books and television programs, Gary Rhodes was an established personal chef, working for everyone from Tom Hanks toPrincess Dianacooked. In 2006, Rhodes was awarded the Order of the British Kingdom for his services.
Following the news of his death, many celebrities and chefs expressed their condolences on social media. Jamie Oliver praised Rhodes as a "fantastic chef" on Instagram, while British Bake Off great Candace Brown tweeted: "So sad to hear this news. His banana and syrup bread was the first thing I baked myself. The sides are stuck together with syrup. “
However, the cause of death wasnot yet announced.
