The culinary world mourns a tragic loss today after the shocking death of celebrity chef Yevgeny Prigozhin. The author of the raucous tell-all memoir, Kremlin Confidential, and host of the hit television show, Chopped Up, Mr. Prigozhin was known as a trailblazing pioneer of Russian-African fusion cuisine who turned his signature venue, “Le Kremlin,” into one of Russia’s most glamorous culinary attractions.
In vivid, entertaining prose liberally sprinkled with profanities, Prighozin’s book depicted the high-pressure life of the restaurateur in Moscow and the substance abuse, sexual escapades and downright criminality behind the scenes. While controversy sometimes blighted Prigozhin’s career, he will be remembered above all for his unrivaled passion for food, for reviving traditional Russian cooking techniques, and for his efforts to preserve African indigenous culture.
He will also be remembered for being eliminated in the second week of competition on Dancing with the Stars. The unfort…
