- Australian chef Bill Granger has died
- Fans and friends were left devastated by the loss
- THIS is what we know so far
The kitchen won't be the same for a while. Bill Granger, the self-taught Melbourne maestro, who whisked up a global breakfast revolution, breathed his last in a London hospital on Christmas Day, surrounded by his loving wife and three daughters. And to fans, he was known by so many wonderful nicknames.
Bill leaves a giant culinary hole behind
Born in 1969 in Melbourne, Australia, Granger was a self-taught cook who launched a chef’s career over three decades after dropping out of art school. He opened his first restaurant in 1993 in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst, where he soon became known for his breakfasts served at a central communal table.
"King of Breakfast", "Pioneer of Modern Australian Food", "Great Guy" – the tributes are pouring in for Granger, who was not just a chef but a beacon of unpretentious, sunshine-filled food. His family's heartfelt Instagram post reminisces how he transformed simple dishes into something extraordinary, leaving a void in the hearts of foodies worldwide.
Granger's journey from art school dropout to celebrated restaurateur is nothing short of a culinary fairytale. His Sydney corner cafe, Bills, became a hotspot for food enthusiasts craving his signature avocado toast and ricotta pancakes. The cafe's success spawned a global empire, with Granger & Co. cafes delighting palates in Japan, Korea, and London.
"He will be remembered as the ‘King of Breakfast’, for making unpretentious food into something special filled with sunshine and for spurring the growth of Australian informal and communal eating around the world," the post said.
"He will be deeply missed by all, with his loss most profoundly felt by his adored family, who are grateful for all the love and support that has been given."
He was also the author of more than a dozen cookbooks and created five TV series, including 'Bill’s Tasty Weekends' and 'Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill.' The fact is, he had a knack for making people feel good about their food!
He was remembered online as a beloved and talented chef who helped develop Australia’s distinctive brunch culture and share it with the world, with some calling him the "godfather" of avocado toast.
The stars are grieving, too. Hugh Jackman, Matt Preston, Jamie Oliver, and the effervescent Nigella Lawson have all paid homage to Granger's kindness and charm. Lawson's Instagram tribute paints him as a man whose joy was as infectious as his food was delightful.
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Rest in peace
Despite the family's privacy on the cause of his untimely death, Granger's legacy is immortalized through his 14 cookbooks, TV shows, and the countless restaurants that bear his culinary signature. His influence was so profound that he was honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions to tourism and hospitality.
Granger's secret to the perfect avocado toast? A ripe avocado, scooped smoothly, chopped into chunks, and crushed onto sourdough with a spritz of citrus, a dash of sea salt, and a sprinkle of coriander for that fresh zing.
Bill Granger, survived by his wife Natalie Elliott and daughters Edie, Inès, and Bunny, will forever be remembered as the man who brought a taste of Australian sunshine to breakfast tables around the world.
