Latest news with #ScottConant
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Food Network Star's Heartbreaking Post on 30-Year Friendship With Anne Burrell
Food Network Star's Heartbreaking Post on 30-Year Friendship With Anne Burrell originally appeared on Parade. The culinary world was rocked by the news of sudden death on June 17 at the age of 55. Tributes have been pouring in from all of her colleagues across multiple networks and even celebrities who knew her, like former First Lady Michelle Obama. One of the Food Network stars that Burrell frequently shared a screen with was fellow Chopped judge Scott Conant, but their relationship very much predates the world of TV cooking, and he took to Instagram to share his thoughts on their 30-plus years of a photo of them on the set of the recent Food Network show House of Knives, for which Conant was the host and Burrell a competitor, plus many other photos of them together, Conant wrote that he is "heartbroken" by this loss. "This loss has deeply affected me. Anne and I shared a long, vibrant journey through the world of Italian restaurants in the '90s and 2000s," writes Conant. "We were friends for over 30 years, sharing countless laughs, navigating life's challenges, even swapping astrologers and fortune tellers. Her presence was truly remarkable, her competitive spirit unmatched. I'm heartbroken and will deeply miss my dear friend, peer and cherished colleague." In the comments, Burrell's BBQ Brawl co-star Carson Kressley wrote, "I know how you feel 💔." The rest of the comments are full of condolences for Conant and shock at Burrell's sudden death. She was truly loved by Food Network fans the world over. Burrell was found unconscious and unresponsive by EMTs at her Brooklyn home on Tuesday. According to The Today Show, the Fire Department of New York said they were responding to a cardiac arrest at her residence, though no official cause of death has been determined. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 Food Network Star's Heartbreaking Post on 30-Year Friendship With Anne Burrell first appeared on Parade on Jun 18, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Celebrity Chef Scott Conant To Open Swanky New Italian Restaurant At Baha Mar
Leola is set to open at Baha Mar this fall Scott Conant, the two-time James Beard Award-winning chef, celebrated cookbook author, and television personality is making his way to Baha Mar, one of the Caribbean's leading luxury resorts in The Bahamas, with an original culinary concept: Leola. Leola is the newest restaurant at the expansive Baha Mar resort, where it joins a slew of other celebrity chef hot spots including Marcus Samuelsson's Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House, Daniel Boulud's Cafe Boulud, and Dario Cecchini's Carna. Plus the recently opened casino floor concept — Jon Batiste's Jazz Club. 'Bringing Leola to life at Baha Mar is something I've dreamed about for a long time,' says Conant. 'I'm tremendously honored to have the opportunity to open a restaurant in such a special place. I really love the culture of the team at Baha Mar and it's inspiring to see everything they've accomplished over the last five or six years since its opening.' Scott Conant The name Leola is Conant's playful twist on leone, the Italian word for lion. 'I like the way it sounds coming off the tongue,' explains Conant. 'There's an elegance and an inherently Italian feel to it.' It also serves as a heartfelt nod to his grandfather who often used the word affectionately throughout Conant's childhood. 'When they asked what I envisioned for this concept, I told them I wanted a very swanky Italian joint,' says Conant. And swanky is exactly what he got as one step in and you're transported to a bygone era through rich velvet furnishings, gilded detailing, ornate chandeliers, and warm, ambient lighting, creating an atmosphere that combines timelessness and modern sophistication. Set within an expansive 8,800 square foot space, the restaurant will offer a refined culinary experience featuring a 106 seat main dining room, an intimate cocktail lounge, a private dining room, and a very spacious 130 seat outdoor terrace that will feature its own bar. Leola's outdoor bar The new outdoor bar will serve as a gathering place for those who want to grab a quick bite and a drink or two, and will be the perfect spot to hangout while waiting for a table. 'We want to make sure the experience is engaging as soon as guests walk through the door,' says Conant who explains he likes to consider thoughtfulness as a key factor in the concepts he creates. Conant has partnered with Lowder-Tascarella Hospitality to oversee the operations for all of his restaurants, including Leola. 'I'm over the moon to be working with these guys,' says Conant. 'I feel like I've leveled up in all aspects since working with them and it's very exciting to see what they are bringing to Leola.' Aiming to create a restaurant that will fulfill that expectation of the resort's clientele, Conant explains it makes sense for him to lean into the Italian style of food he's been known for over the span of his career. 'There will be a version of my Pomodoro that I'm excited to put on the menu,' says Conant. And fans of his famed polenta will be happy to know it will make its way to Leola in a new and delicious format as part of an 'Ossobucco' roasted pork shank served with saffron polenta. Additionally, Conant plans on using as much local product as possible and will feature some dishes that are inspired by the Caribbean. Leola The beverage program will offer an extensive selection of Old World wines with an emphasis on Italian Barolo vintages in addition to an exciting cocktail menu. "Baha Mar continues to define culinary excellence throughout the Caribbean, thanks to our outstanding restaurants and world-class chef partners," said Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar. "For many years, Scott Conant has been a passionate champion and valued friend of Baha Mar and we're honored to officially welcome him and his talented culinary team into our dining portfolio.' The restaurant aims to open early this fall, which is perfect timing for the fourth annual Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival that will take place from October 22nd to 26th. Conant will be present and hosting three different events — with a few of them taking place inside Leola — including Tasting Tuscany with Scott Conant, Signature Chef Hosted Dinner with Scott Conant & Amanda Freitag, and Coconuts & Cocktails with Marcus Samuelsson, Scott Conant & Marv '
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Anne Burrell's loved ones gathered at private wake after death
Anne Burrell's loved ones have gathered at a private wake on New York City's Upper East Side. The 55‑year‑old celebrity chef known for Worst Cooks in America and Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, was found "unconscious and unresponsive" in her Brooklyn home on Tuesday (17.06.25) morning, reportedly surrounded by up to 100 pills. It emerged on Saturday (21.06.25) the wake took place the day before at the Frank E Campbell Funeral Home, and was attended by over 100 guests, including her husband Stuart Claxton, celebrity chefs Scott Conant, Amanda Freitag and Marc Murphy, as well as television personalities Kelly Bensimon and Carson Kressley. A source told Page Six about the event: 'The mood was somber, though friends whispered… that Anne would want them to be smiling and laughing'. It's been reported a New York City Fire Department spokesperson reported the 911 caller believed she had suffered cardiac arrest. Stuart is though to have found Anne on the shower floor earlier this week, having last seen her alive at about 1 am, with emergency responders pronouncing her dead at the scene. Despite the location and presence of pills, authorities have not ruled out foul play but say it is "premature to speculate" about their role in her death. Anne's family released a statement saying: 'Anne's light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world… her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal'. Iron Chef America host Duff Goldman, 50, reflected on his 20‑year friendship with Anne, describing it as 'complex' and recalling a recent reunion at a charity gala that 'left (his) heart lifted and full of light'. Anne, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, built a high‑profile career on the Food Network with appearances on Iron Chef America, Chopped, Chef Wanted, and her shows Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America. Her improvisation performance at The Second City in Brooklyn the night before her death surprised friends who said she was 'in great spirits'. Along with her husband Stuart, who she married in October 2021, she is also survived by his 20‑year‑old son Javier, her mother Marlene, sister Jane and brother Ben. Investigations by the NYPD and medical examiner's office continue, with toxicology results still pending as the cause of death remains undetermined.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Anne Burrell's loved ones and fellow chefs gather for somber wake as cause of death remains unknown
Anne Burrell's loved ones attended a private wake for the celebrity chef in NYC three days after her shocking death. The small affair took place Friday afternoon on New York City's Upper East Side, with over 100 people in attendance, including her husband, Stuart Claxton. Celebrity chefs Scott Conant, Amanda Freitag, Marc Murphy and more came together to remember their beloved friend. 'Real Housewives of New York City' alum Kelly Bensimon and TV personality Carson Kressley were also in attendance. A source told the Post that the mood was somber, though friends whispered to one another that Burrell would want them to be smiling and laughing. The 55-year-old was found 'unconscious and unresponsive' in her Brooklyn home Tuesday morning. Despite the wake, a cause of death is still unknown. However, a New York City Fire Department spokesperson told Page Six that the 911 caller believed she had gone into cardiac arrest. Sources confirmed to The Post on Thursday that the 'Worst Cooks in America' alum was discovered on the shower floor by Claxton, surrounded by dozens of pills. The insiders noted that it is premature to speculate on whether the pills played any role in Burrell's tragic passing. Claxton has yet to speak out regarding the reality star's death. However, Burrell's family members, as a whole, did release a touching statement on Tuesday. 'Anne's light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,' they wrote, in part. 'Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.' The 'Secrets of a Restaurant Chef' star has since been honored with various social media tributes by Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay and more of her fellow chefs. Burrell is survived by Claxton, whom she wed in October 2021, and his 20-year-old son, Javier. Earlier this year, Burrell opened up to 'MisSpelling' podcast listeners about her stepmom role being 'the perfect amount of parenting time.' She described meeting Claxton on a dating app in her 40s, explaining it took 'so long' to get on Bumble because she was living a 'rock star chef life' and wanted to 'accomplish stuff' before settling down. 'I just started to feel like, 'All right, you're getting a little old to keep on doing this. What are we doing? Where are we going in life?'' Burrell added in the March episode.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Here's How Food Network Stars And Other Celebrities Reacted To Anne Burrell's Death
On Tuesday, the world was devastated to learn that beloved Food Network star Anne Burrell had died at age 55. While her cause of death is unknown, it's believed she suffered a cardiac event, just hours after returning home from an improv show. Soon after the news of her death broke, several celebrities took to the internet to mourn her loss. Rachael Ray said she and her husband, John Cusimano, were devastated. "The news about Anne has truly shaken us," she wrote alongside a series of photos with Anne, including at her 2021 wedding to executive Stuart Claxton, where Rachael served as a bridesmaid. "I can't quite believe it — such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon." Chopped's Scott Conant wrote that he was "deeply affected" by Anne's death: "Anne and I shared a long, vibrant journey through the world of Italian restaurants in the '90s and 2000s. We were friends for over 30 years, sharing countless laughs, navigating life's challenges, even swapping astrologers and fortune tellers. Her presence was truly remarkable, her competitive spirit unmatched. I'm heartbroken and will deeply miss my dear friend, peer and cherished colleague." Chef Tyler Florence called her one of the funniest and "brightest" people he's ever met. Carla Hall from Worst Cooks in America remembered Anne as "a fierce chef and instructor" with cool "custom skirts, mismatched socks, and that unforgettable big smile." "She had an electric presence in and out of the kitchen—an incredible chef, a joyful spirit, and a passionate philanthropist," said Food Network star Marcus Samuelsson. "I'll always cherish the time we spent together at events, on set, and supporting causes like City Harvest." Related: From Florence Pugh To Zoë Kravitz, Here's All The Celebrities Who Rocked Sheer Or Naked Dresses Chef Aarón Sánchez praised everything about his "dear friend," including "her spirit, her fire, her talent, her leadership, [and] her laugh." "So much respect and love for this amazing woman," he continued. "I'll carry her memory with me always. Rest easy, amiga. 💔" Maneet Chauhan from Chopped thanked Anne for "making cooking fearless, fun and inspiring the next generation of young girls/ kids to dare to follow their dreams and to feel that they belong." Chef Robert Irvine remembered Anne's "radiant spirit" in a post shared on X. "From the very beginning on Worst Cooks in America, our friendly rivalry was fueled by mutual respect," he wrote. "I'd risk bleaching my hair; she'd risk losing hers. ... It was a wager I ultimately lost, but I couldn't imagine losing to a more fierce competitor." He also said, outside of the show, he "came to know her as a generous and supportive colleague and an even better friend." Twitter: @RobertIrvine Eric Adjepong, who appeared alongside Anne on Wildcard Kitchen, reportedly reacted to the "incredibly sad" news of her death on Instagram. "My heart to Chef Anne's family and friends," he wrote. "What a loss. RIP Chef." Related: Here Are 10 Celebs Who've Publicly Admitted The Reasons Why They Regret Ending Their Marriages Chris Santos said the news of Anne's death left him speechless. "I'm not usually lost for words but are just no words," he wrote. "All I can muster is to say that I'll miss you very much my friend, and I will never forget our days working and hanging out together, always having so much fun." Bizarre Foods host Andrew Zimmern posted a throwback photo on Instagram alongside a beaming Anne. "How I choose to remember people. Happy and laughing and believing that anything in life is possible," he said. "Sending all our love to her family, friends, and fans. An unnecessary loss is just the hardest to handle and this one really hurts. Nothing but love for all right now, especially Anne." Chef and host Alex Guarnaschelli encouraged fans to celebrate Anne like she would have wanted. "Make this moment about her," she said. "She'd want you to go out, raise a glass, sing karaoke (including this Sia song--one of her favorite 'Worst Cooks' warm up songs) and be able to say, like she does, #ilovewhatido --so do it for her. In her honor." Vivica A. Fox, who appeared on Worst Cooks and Beat Bobby Flay, remembered working with Anne in a moving statement to People. She said, "Anne taught me all about good food! I had a BLAST working with her and going to her restaurant for a good meal. I'll miss her kindness, smile and great hair! May she rest in paradise." In an X post, Aarti Sequeira from The Next Food Network Star reflected on Anne's realness. "The first time I met Anne Burrell, she gave me tough love I didn't want—but needed," she wrote. "She was bold, warm, and real. I still hear her in my kitchen: 'Brown food tastes good!' Anne, you'll be missed. Thank you for teaching us all. #luckygirl 💔" @aartipaarti / Food Network / Via Twitter: @aartipaarti Chopped judge Tiffani Faison shared a picture of Anne on Instagram and wrote, "Rest easy, Chef." Kardea Brown from Delicious Miss Brown said she was in "utter disbelief." "I was always impressed with how fierce she was in competitions and how she supported her friends & family," tweeted Simon Majumdar, who appeared on shows like Cutthroat Kitchen and Iron Chef America. "Rest in Peace. Rise in Glory." Gigi Hadid paid tribute to the chef while remembering when they worked together on Beat Bobby Flay, an experience she called "a dream come true." "I wish we could have done it again," she added. "She was awesome. Rest in Peace Legend." Chopped judge Amanda Freitag wrote on Instagram, "Rest in peace chef," alongside a black and white photo of Anne. "I am so incredibly sad to hear of the passing of my friend @AnneBurrell today!" tweeted RuPaul's Drag Race star Ginger Minj. "I hope you are rocking out and cooking up a feast tonight!" Finally, Loni Love, who appeared on Worst Cooks, said Anne's death left her in "shock and sorrow." She continued, "She was a gifted chef, and an extraordinary person. Chef Anne was the same on and off camera. She would just check on me out the blue. I will miss her tremendously. My condolences to her husband, family, & fans. Rest Chef." Also in Celebrity: If You Get 20/30 On This Difficult '90s Music Quiz, Then You Honestly Know Your Stuff!!! Also in Celebrity: 17 Actors Who Said "No" To Nudity And Sex Scenes Out Of Respect For Their Partners, Families, Religion, And More Also in Celebrity: 22 Absolutely Bonkers Things I've Learned About Old Hollywood Celebs That Made My Jaw Hit The Floor
