This archive report was first published on 23 September 2019.
On September 22, 2019, the culinary world lost a beloved figure when celebrity chef and restaurateur Carl Ruiz passed away at the age of 44. Ruiz was the executive chef and owner of La Cubana, a Manhattan restaurant that served authentic Cuban food and paid tribute to his Cuban roots.
Ruiz made frequent appearances on the Food Network as a competitive chef and celebrity judge. He opened restaurants around the world, with his most recent being La Cubana, which opened in the Chelsea neighborhood in June. The restaurant promised to honor Ruiz's memory by establishing a scholarship foundation for aspiring chefs.
Friends, colleagues, and fans mourned Ruiz's death, with many sharing their condolences on social media. Guy Fieri, another Food Network restaurateur, said he was heartbroken by Ruiz's death, calling him a talented chef and a great friend. Matt Farah, who hosts a YouTube series about cars, said he first met Ruiz two years ago and they became instant friends.
Ruiz graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York and made his name interviewing chefs on Sirius XM Radio before building a successful television and radio career. He will be remembered for his talent, his sense of humor, and his ability to make people laugh.
