An award-winning chef, Naomi Pomeroy, tragically lost her life in an accident on an Oregon river. She was inner tubing with her husband and a friend when they got caught on a submerged branch.
Without a life jacket, Naomi was pulled under the water and trapped by a paddle board leash, according to Captain Chris Duffitt of the sheriff’s office. Her husband and their friend managed to swim to safety, but Naomi did not resurface.
On Wednesday, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office reported that Naomi’s body was found in the Willamette River between Corvallis and Albany.
Canoers spotted her and called 911.
Despite rescue teams locating her body on Saturday, they couldn’t recover it immediately due to strong currents. Naomi’s husband, Kyle Linden Webster, shared that she had recently found peace and felt she had fulfilled her life’s purpose.
A Celebrated Culinary Journey
Naomi Pomeroy, mother to a 23-year-old daughter, made her mark in the Portland food scene with the opening of Beast in 2007.
Her innovative restaurant earned her the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Northwest in 2014.
Although Beast closed during the pandemic, Naomi had recently launched a frozen custard shop, Cornet Custard, and was on the verge of opening a new bistro.
Remembering a Culinary Icon
Naomi was a familiar face on cooking shows like Top Chef Masters and co-owned the Portland cocktail bar Expatriate with her husband. Her passing has elicited heartfelt tributes from chefs and notable figures, including U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, who praised her impact on Portland’s culinary reputation.
Tributes and Memories
Gary Okazaki, a fan of Naomi’s restaurant Beast, remembered her as a “rock star chef” with a magnetic personality. Diners were drawn to her open kitchen, where she often performed magic tricks.
Despite having no formal culinary training, Naomi developed her skills by watching other chefs on television and creating her first recipe at just four years old.
Continuing Her Legacy
Two weeks before her death, Naomi, along with restaurateur Luke Dirks, launched a dining series called Garden Party. She excitedly shared her plans on Instagram, inviting guests to enjoy a menu inspired by her garden’s fresh, seasonal ingredients.
This series was held in a secret garden in Portland, offering a unique dining experience for up to 36 people.
Naomi Pomeroy’s legacy in the culinary world is indelible, and she will be remembered for her passion, creativity, and the joy she brought to those around her.
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