PORTLAND, Oregon — The culinary world is mourning the loss of acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and television personality Naomi Pomeroy, who died on July 13, 2024, following a tragic tubing accident on Oregon’s Willamette River. She was 49.
Pomeroy was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Portland’s celebrated food scene, earning national recognition for her innovative approach to dining and her commitment to locally sourced ingredients. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow chefs, television personalities, and food enthusiasts across the country.
Born in 1974, Pomeroy’s journey to culinary prominence was unconventional. Unlike many celebrated chefs, she never attended culinary school. Instead, she developed her skills through hands-on experience and a lifelong passion for cooking. While studying history at Lewis & Clark College, she discovered that preparing meals for friends brought her a sense of purpose that ultimately shaped her career.
Together with her former husband, Michael Hebb, Pomeroy helped launch several notable Portland dining establishments, including Gotham Tavern and Clarklewis. However, it was the opening of her own restaurant, Beast, in 2006 that cemented her reputation as a culinary innovator. The intimate restaurant became known for its French-inspired menu, communal dining experience, and emphasis on responsibly sourced meats. Guests watched as Pomeroy and her team prepared meals just steps away from where they dined, creating a uniquely immersive experience.
Her talent quickly attracted national attention. In 2009, Food & Wine named her among America’s Best New Chefs, and she later received a prestigious James Beard Awards honor, one of the highest recognitions in the restaurant industry.
Beyond the kitchen, Pomeroy became a familiar face to television audiences. She competed on Iron Chef America in 2010 and later appeared on Top Chef Masters, where her refined technique and creative dishes earned praise from judges and viewers alike. She also served as a guest judge on cooking programs and authored the 2016 cookbook, Taste & Technique, which helped home cooks elevate their culinary skills.
Reflecting on her passion for food, Pomeroy once said, “Seeing the look on someone’s face when they eat my food … I feel joy in the entire process.”
Following news of her passing, prominent chef Tom Colicchio described the loss as “horrible news,” while the team behind Top Chef praised Pomeroy as a “powerhouse chef who made an indelible mark on the culinary industry.” Fellow chef Mary Sue Milliken also expressed her devastation, remembering Pomeroy’s talent, generosity, and friendship.
Naomi Pomeroy leaves behind a lasting legacy that extends far beyond television appearances and award-winning restaurants. Through her mentorship, creativity, and dedication to hospitality, she helped redefine modern American dining and inspired a new generation of chefs to pursue excellence on their own terms.
Her influence on Portland’s culinary identity and the broader food community will continue to be felt for years to come.