– Jonathan Whitener, chef of Here’s Looking at You, dies at a young age
– Chef Jonathan Whitener of Here’s Looking at You passes away unexpectedly.
JONATHAN WHITENER, NOTABLE LOS ANGELES CHEF, PASSES AWAY AT 36
Los Angeles is mourning the loss of a culinary talent as Jonathan Whitener, renowned chef-partner of Here’s Looking at You and All Day Baby, tragically passed away at the age of 36. The news of his untimely death was confirmed by the Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner’s office on Wednesday night.
A TALENTED CHEF WITH A PROMISING CAREER
Born with a passion for the culinary arts, Jonathan Whitener’s journey to success was marked by his dedication and creative flair. Before co-founding Here’s Looking at You in Koreatown in 2016, Whitener honed his skills as the chef de cuisine at Animal and gained valuable experience at esteemed establishments such as Le Louis XV in Monte Carlo and Mirazur in Menton, France.
Whitener’s upbringing in unincorporated Midway City, Orange County, played a significant role in shaping his culinary style. Inspired by the diverse food scene of Southern California, he drew influence from the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine and the comforting dishes found in local diners.
A VISIONARY IN THE LOS ANGELES FOOD SCENE
Whitener’s impact on the Los Angeles dining scene cannot be overstated. Here’s Looking at You, which he co-founded with managing partner Lien Ta, quickly became a culinary hotspot known for its innovative cocktails, delectable pies, and a menu that skillfully blended flavors from Mexico, Vietnam, Japan, France, and beyond.
The late Jonathan Gold, a renowned food critic, praised Whitener’s culinary prowess, particularly highlighting his exceptional version of shishito peppers. With its hard sear and accompanying sauce, the dish exemplified Whitener’s dedication to technique and his ability to elevate simple ingredients.
The success of Here’s Looking at You was further acknowledged when it was named a restaurant of the year by Food & Wine in 2017 and earned a spot on The Times’ prestigious 101 Best Restaurants in L.A. list. Undeterred by their triumph, Whitener and Ta opened their second venture, All Day Baby, in late 2019, further solidifying their status as culinary trailblazers.
REMEMBERING A CULINARY VISIONARY
Whitener’s sudden passing has left the culinary world in shock and mourning. The cause of his death remains unknown at this time, pending further investigation.
As news of his passing spread, Here’s Looking at You solemnly announced its closure for the day, citing “family reasons.” Meanwhile, at All Day Baby, patrons and regulars embraced the staff as they arrived for their evening shift, a poignant display of the impact Whitener had on those around him.
While we mourn the loss of a talented chef, it is important to remember Jonathan Whitener’s contributions to the culinary landscape of Los Angeles. His innovative approach to blending diverse flavors and his commitment to technique will forever be remembered as a testament to his exceptional talent.
Jonathan Whitener’s passing is a profound loss for the culinary community and all those who had the pleasure of experiencing his culinary creations. As the investigation into his untimely death continues, we can only hope that his legacy lives on as an inspiration for future chefs and food enthusiasts.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Jonathan Whitener’s family, friends, and the entire Los Angeles culinary community during this difficult time.
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– Jonathan Whitener chef Here’s Looking at You
– Jonathan Whitener chef death at 36.
