James Kent (chef)

American chef (1979–2024)

James Kent

Born|

Jamal James Kent

(1979-05-02)May 2, 1979[1]

Lower Manhattan, New York City, U.S.[2]

Died| June 15, 2024(2024-06-15) (aged 45)

New York, U.S.

Education| Le Cordon Bleu, London, Paris
Johnson & Wales University[3]
Years active| 1993–2024[3]
Spouse| Kelly Kent[2]
Children| 2
Culinary career

Current restaurant(s)

* Saga
Crown Shy

Jamal James Kent (May 2, 1979 – June 15, 2024) was an American chef.[1][4][5] In 2010, he won the Bocuse d'Or USA.[6][7] Kent and his commis Tom Allan went on to represent the U.S. at the international finals of Bocuse d'Or the following year,[8][9][10][11][12] in Lyon, France, where they placed tenth.[13]

## Career

[edit]

### Early career

[edit]

He was trained at Le Cordon Bleu and Johnson & Wales University.[14] Kent started his culinary career at the age of 15 as a summer apprentice at Bouley.[14] After completing school, he worked in the New York kitchens of Babbo, Jean-Georges, and Gordon Ramsay.[15]

### Eleven Madison Park

[edit]

In 2007, Kent joined Eleven Madison Park originally as a line cook but soon became sous chef too,[16] and eventually chef de cuisine.[15][17][18] It was during this time Eleven Madison Park went to three Michelin stars, received four stars from the New York Times,[19] and a spot on the San Pellegrino list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants.[20][21]

### NoMad

[edit]

Kent joined The NoMad in the fall of 2013 as executive chef.[22][23] Later that year, the restaurant received its first Michelin star.[15] He departed in 2017 to pursue his first solo project.[24][25]

### Saga and Crown Shy

[edit]

Kent operated the restaurants Crown Shy and Saga, which are both located at 70 Pine St. in New York City.[4][5] As of 2023, Crown Shy held one star from the Michelin Guide, while Saga holds two stars.[26][27] He was also partner and executive chef at Overstory, a bar located one floor above Saga.[1][28]

On June 7, 2024, Kent opened five new food stalls on Pacific Park's boardwalk.[14]

## Death

[edit]

Kent died in New York on June 15, 2024, at the age of 45.[29] The cause of death was a heart attack.[2][30][31]

## Awards and distinctions

[edit]

In winning the Bocuse d'Or USA contest arranged at the Hyde Park campus of the Culinary Institute of America on February 6, 2010, Kent prepared for the fish dish Scottish "Label Rouge" salmon pavé with leeks, Osetra caviar and Sauce Fumet Blanc, garnished with roulade with Alaskan king crab, relish of cucumber and Meyer lemon, chilled mousse with tartare and roe, pickled heirloom beets with crème fraiche, dill and black pepper. For the meat dish Kent served spring lamb with bacon wrapped saddle with piquillo peppers and provençale herbes, vol-au-vent of braised gigot with sweetbreads and preserved lemon, zucchini with Lynnhaven chèvre frais and mint, tart of tomato confit with basil, niçoise olives and fromage blanc.[7][8][9][10][12]

## Personal life

[edit]

Kent is survived by wife, Kelly, and two children, son Gavin and daughter Avery.[2]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c Traub, Alex (June 16, 2024). "James Kent, Chef Who Was Building a Restaurant Empire, Dies at 45". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on June 17, 2024. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
2. ^ a b c d Walcott, Escher (June 16, 2024). "James Kent N.Y.C. Chef of Saga and Crown Shy, Dead at 45: 'Heartbroken'". People. Archived from the original on June 17, 2024. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
3. ^ a b "Hospitality Career Paths – James Kent". CulinaryAgents.com. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
4. ^ a b "How a Master Chef Runs a Critically-Acclaimed Restaurant on Top of a NYC Skyscraper — Mise En Place". March 26, 2022. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved January 17, 2023 - via YouTube.
5. ^ a b Dalal, Avery (March 26, 2022). "At NYC's Saga, Chef James Kent's Tasting Menu Features Seven Courses and Inspiration from His Heritage". Eater. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
6. ^ Morabito, Greg (February 8, 2010). "NYC Chef Picked To Represent America In Bocuse d'Or 2011". Eater. Archived from the original on October 24, 2021.
7. ^ a b Weiss, Jan (February 6, 2010). "James Kent Wins Bocuse d'Or USA". Dine Magazine. Archived from the original on February 11, 2010.
8. ^ a b Fox, Nick (February 6, 2010). "Eleven Madison Park Chef Will Compete at Bocuse d'Or". The New York Times Diner's Journal. Archived from the original on February 10, 2010.
9. ^ a b Gallagher, Aileen (February 7, 2010). "New Yorker Will Represent U.S. at Bocuse d'Or". Grub Street.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2010.
10. ^ a b Thorn, Bret (February 7, 2010). "James Kent to lead U.S. Bocuse d'Or team". Nation's Restaurant News. Archived from the original on February 10, 2010.
11. ^ Leventhal, Ben (February 8, 2010). "Eleven Madison Park Chef Tapped to Represent USA at Bocuse d'Or". WNBC. Archived from the original on June 17, 2024.
12. ^ a b Lawinski, Jennifer (February 8, 2010). "James Kent to Head Team U.S.A. at Bocuse d'Or". Slashfood.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2010.
13. ^ "Scandinavian Sweep At Bocuse d'Or, Team USA Uses White House Honey". The Huffington Post. January 26, 2011. Archived from the original on January 28, 2011.
14. ^ a b c Breijo, Stephanie (June 17, 2024). "James Kent, prominent chef behind Santa Monica Pier's culinary overhaul, dies at 45". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
15. ^ a b c "James Kent". The 12th Annual New Jersey Wine and Food Festival. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
16. ^ "Slide Show: Bocuse d'Or event draws big names". Nation's Restaurant News. February 9, 2010. Archived from the original on June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
17. ^ Fabricant, Florence (March 19, 2019). "Crown Shy Opens, With an Eleven Madison Park Chef in the Kitchen". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
18. ^ "The Culinary Community Remembers Chef James Kent". Food & Wine. Archived from the original on June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
19. ^ Bruni, Frank (August 12, 2009). "A Daring Rise to the Top". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
20. ^ "World's 50 best restaurants 2010: the full list". The Guardian. April 26, 2010. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on October 15, 2018. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
21. ^ Colapinto, John (September 3, 2012). "Check, Please". The New Yorker. ISSN 0028-792X. Archived from the original on June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
22. ^ Morabito, Greg (October 15, 2013). "James Kent Named Executive Chef of The Nomad". Eater NY. Archived from the original on June 17, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
23. ^ NomadAdmin (October 22, 2013). "James Kent Is The New Executive Chef at The NoMad". ExperienceNoMad.com. Archived from the original on June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
24. ^ Tishgart, Sierra (March 14, 2017). "Two of New York's Most Notable Chefs Are Leaving Their Restaurants". GrubStreet.com. Archived from the original on June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
25. ^ Dai, Serena (March 14, 2017). "The Nomad's Executive Chef James Kent Leaves For 'Solo Adventure'". Eater NY. Archived from the original on June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
26. ^ "Michelin Guide Honors the Finest Dining in New York". MichelinMedia.com. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
27. ^ Fortunes, Luke; Sutton, Ryan (October 6, 2022). "Michelin Announces 2022 Stars for New York City". Eater NY. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
28. ^ "World's 50 Best Bars | Overstory, New York". TheWorlds50Best.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
29. ^ McCart, Melissa (June 15, 2024). "James Kent, One of New York's Most Celebrated Chefs, Has Died". Eater NY. Archived from the original on June 17, 2024. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
30. ^ Vaidyanathan, Vaishnavi (June 16, 2024). "James Kent, NYC Chef And Crown Shy Owner, Dies". Times Now. Archived from the original on June 17, 2024. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
31. ^ Leib, Mason; McCarthy, Kelly. "Famed New York City chef James Kent dies at 45". ABC News. Archived from the original on June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.

## External links

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* Saga
* Crown Shy
* Overstory