Gael Greene's Death Has The Food World Shaken

After decades of publishing insightful writing and leading steadfast service projects, The New York Times reports that legendary restaurant critic Gael Greene has died of cancer. And the culinary icon's death has sent shockwaves through the food world.

Although Greene told Restaurant Girl that she originally wanted to become an artist, it didn't take her long to realize that writing was her passion. But Greene wasn't just passionate about the written word, it was her life's calling and her natural talent. As Eater reports, Greene, who began working for New York Magazine when it was still in its infancy, wrote food columns filled with dynamic phrasing and clever quips. Her reviews' content spurred the likes of Ben & Jerry's to better their culinary craft and her daring writing style flawlessly translated to the five novels she successfully published throughout her career. An endearing figure with countless accomplishments, Greene is best summed up by the words she used to describe herself on Twitter, "sassy reports that tickle, the mouth that bites."

But now that the beloved food critic, who helped James Beard co-found Citymeals on Wheels, is gone, culinary professionals are reflecting on the astounding impact she left on the food industry.

Those who adored Gael Greene have already begun to express that the food world would not have been the same without her. As Citymeal on Wheels executive director Beth Shapiro told The Detroit News, "She built tremendous influence as a food critic, at a time when fewer doors were open to women." Meanwhile, London-based food writer Jay Rayner, who worked with Greene on "Top Chef Masters," bid his final goodbye to the critic in a touching message on Twitter, writing, "She was the joyous epitome of the sassy dame: sharp, brilliantly acerbic, suffered no one gladly, but hugely informed, witty and underneath the hat and all, a total delight." 

However, literary, not just culinary names, also recognized Greene's enduring charm and influence on the social media platform. Jason Diamond, author of "The Sprawl," toasted to Greene's impactful writing in a post of his own, stating "...she was one of a kind. So smart, bawdy, funny and fun to read. Absolute icon. Best of the best. RIP." 

In the culinary and literary communities and beyond, Greene is already dearly missed.