TRIBUTES have poured in for top Michelin star chef Paul Kitching who died suddenly at 61-years-old.
Kitching ran the five star 21212 restaurant with Edinburgh with his heartbroken partner Katie O’Brien.
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O’Brien broke the news in a post social media yesterday which read: “I’m sorry to say the love of my life has gone.”
Top stars from across the food industry have paid tribute to Kitching, who has been hailed as a “true inspiration”.
Fellow chef Dean Banks, of the Pompadour in Princes Street Waldorf Astoria said that Kitching will “live on” through his food and what he taught younger cooks.
In a moving post on Instagram, he wrote: “A true inspiration to thousands of chefs who passed through his doors and to many more.
“Paul taught me there are no rules in cooking. Lemon tart with Chicken, STP with venison are a few that I mention alot.
“Paul will live on through his cooking and teaching.
“Paul was my last Head chef before I went out on my own and was truly part of creating me and my style.
“My condolences to all who loved him and to all who look up to him as one of the greats. He will be missed dearly.”
The Michelin Guide also called him “a true maverick” in the industry in a post on Twitter.
The guide, which inspects hotels and restaurants worldwide, wrote: “Paul Kitching was kind, clever, hugely talented and infectiously enthusiastic.
“He was also a true maverick and his passion and creativity were evident in every dish he created.
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“Our heartfelt sympathies go to Katie and all his family.”
Michelin star chef Simon Rogan also said: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Paul Kitching – a great man and massive talent.
“There was no one like him. I’ll never forget the nuttiest but most memorable meals.
“A true inspiration to me. My thoughts are with Katie and the team at @21212Edinburgh”.
Fans also posted tributes to Kitching online with many sharing touching memories of the top chef.
One person said: “He was an extraordinary talent and a beautiful human being. I have a letter from him I’ll always treasure. I’ll be thinking about you both in the days ahead.”
Another added: “Extremely sad and shocked to hear. Always brought his ‘A’ game to the industry. We have lost a great chef and man. May he rest in peace. Condolences to all his team and especially to his close friends and family at this time.”
Someone else wrote: “Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this. What a huge culinary talent Paul was. Sending condolences and love”.
While a fourth posted: “Our deepest condolences. A great chef and amazing man! Had the pleasure of meeting him on numerous occasions. All our love”.
And a fifth chimed in: “An absolute legend, artist & creator. Full of personality and conversation. Hugely intelligent. The sort of person you meet once and has a lasting impression on you. So privileged to have known him. Thinking of you all. Rest in peace”.
Kitching opened up 21212 with O’Brien in Edinburgh’s Royal Terrace back in 2009 and went on to win numerous awards.
He was crowned best new restaurant in the UK and was also awarded the Prince Philip medal for his services in the food industry.
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