– Jonathan Whitener chef death
– Here’s Looking at You chef dies.
Jonathan Whitener, Chef-Partner of Here’s Looking at You and All Day Baby, Passes Away at 36
In a sad turn of events, the culinary world mourns the loss of Jonathan Whitener, a talented chef and partner of popular Los Angeles restaurants Here’s Looking at You and All Day Baby. According to a report from the Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner, Whitener was found dead at his home on Wednesday night. He was only 36 years old.
The news of Whitener’s passing was confirmed by a representative at the L.A. County medical examiner’s office, who stated that he was pronounced dead on Wednesday at 7:38 p.m. The cause of his untimely death remains unknown, pending further investigation.
Whitener, known for his culinary prowess, had made a name for himself in the restaurant industry. He previously worked as the chef de cuisine at Animal and had gained experience at renowned establishments such as Le Louis XV in Monte Carlo and Mirazur in Menton, France. Growing up in unincorporated Midway City in Orange County, Whitener was influenced by the diverse food culture of Southern California.
According to Patric Kuh, the former restaurant critic for Los Angeles Magazine, Whitener’s love for Southern California’s variety of cuisine was evident in his cooking. Kuh, who wrote the book “Becoming a Restaurateur” based on Whitener’s experiences, described him as someone who appreciated everything from fast food to Vietnamese cuisine and classic diner fare. Whitener’s passion for culinary technique and flavors shone through in his dishes, whether he was working in a high-end kitchen or a humble diner.
Whitener’s partnership with managing partner Lien Ta resulted in the opening of Here’s Looking at You in Koreatown in 2016. The restaurant quickly gained acclaim for its innovative cocktails, delectable pies, and a menu that showcased a fusion of Mexican, Vietnamese, Japanese, French, and other cuisines. It was named a restaurant of the year by Food & Wine in 2017 and earned a spot on The Times’ 101 Best Restaurants in L.A. list. In late 2019, Whitener and Ta expanded their culinary empire with the opening of All Day Baby in Silver Lake.
Whitener’s culinary talents were highly regarded by his peers and critics alike. The late L.A. Times critic Jonathan Gold praised Whitener’s take on shishito peppers, describing them as the best in town. He commended the chef’s ability to perfectly sear the peppers and serve them alongside a flavorful sauce.
The news of Whitener’s passing has left the culinary community and loyal patrons in shock. At Here’s Looking at You, the restaurant he co-founded, a heartfelt Instagram post announced its closure for the evening due to “family reasons.” Meanwhile, at All Day Baby, where Whitener also left his mark, regulars showed their support and shared hugs with the staff as they arrived for the evening shift.
As the investigation into Jonathan Whitener’s death continues, the culinary world remembers him for his immense talent, passion, and contribution to the vibrant food scene in Los Angeles. His legacy will live on through the culinary experiences he created and the memories he left behind.
Rest in peace, Jonathan Whitener.
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– Jonathan Whitener death
– Chef Jonathan Whitener Here’s Looking at You.
