BTN News: The culinary community is in mourning after the sudden death of Michelin star chef, James Kent, on June 15. Imaginative force in the dining scene, Kent leaves behind a significant legacy, including in his philanthropic work as well as his restaurants. He is survived by his wife Kelly and children Gavin and Avery.
The brainchild of Snackville was Kent, who is the Executive Chef of Pacific Park, located on the Santa Monica Pier. “Stephen Kent was an instrumental force in our culinary direction at Pacific Park,” said Jeff Klocke, General Manager, Pacific Park. James has been an important part of the success at Pacific Park, providing a world-class culinary experience to our guests. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and coworkers,” said Klocke.
In the culinary world, James Kent embarked upon an incredible journey. The executive chef and restaurateur of two highly lauded eponymous restaurants located in New York’s Financial District Art Deco building at 70 Pine Street, Crown Shy and Saga In fact, Crown Shy, which debuted last March, scored a Michelin star just six months later. Created in August 2021, Saga snagged two Michelin stars in October 2022. The World’s 50 Best Bars list included Overstory, a cocktail bar located upstairs from Saga.
But Kent’s impact wasn’t limited to the kitchen. He was active in a number of charitable efforts to end child hunger in New York City. He backed organizations such as No Kid Hungry and ReThink Food, for which he sat on the Chef’s Council. He also co-chaired Millennium Park’s annual Chef’s Benefit dinner for Cookies for Kids Cancer which benefits pediatric cancer research. By his mentoring the Mant’re organization was motivated to instruct the culinary brand in young professionals to preserved the excellent and tradition of American food.
Saga Hospitality Group confirmed his death on Instagram, writing: “We are so deeply saddened and our thoughts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time. View this post on Instagram We are heartbroken to share that James Kent has passed away unexpectedly earlier today. The statement from the Saga Hospitality Group family said it is banding together to be there for one another, but most of all for Kelly, Gavin, and Avery in this time of mourning for the loss of James.
The culinary community is a poorer one without Kent. He will be remembered and dearly missed by many, for his creativity, dedication, and philanthropy.
