Howard Kleinberg, a cast member of Season 3 of Top Chef, passed away on Tuesday, July 26. The 46-year-passing old’s was announced by Bravo on their social media accounts, who wrote:
The sudden death of Howard Kleinberg from season three has shocked the #TopChef family. Howie’s love of cooking touched a lot of people, and we send his family and friends our sincere condolences.
The popular show’s third season included Kleiberg, who finished seventh and eventually launched his own restaurant in Miami.
Howard Kleinberg from season three unexpectedly passed away, which saddens the #TopChef family. Our hearts go out to Howie’s family and friends as his love of cooking touched so many. Visit BravoTV.com/The Daily Dish to learn more.
His mother, father, sister, and Skye, a rescue dog, all survived him.
How passed away Howard Kleinberg? examining the death’s cause
According to Kleinberg’s mother Susan, Howard passed away due to a heart attack, according to Miami Herald. She also stated:
“I just learned how many lives he affected. He was wed to his life’s love, which was cooking.
His family members have yet to provide specific information on his past medical history, thus it is uncertain if he had any other health problems. Donations can be made to the pet charity Bullies-N-Beyond Rescue or feeding South Florida on Tuesday, the day of Kleinberg’s burial.
Howard Kleinberg: Who was he?
According to the Miami Herald, Howard Kleinberg enrolled at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami’s culinary program. He began working as a chef in the Hotel Intercontinental’s restaurant in downtown Miami.
After participating in Top Chef Season 3 and placing seventh, Kleinberg became well-known. After that, he launched Bulldog Barbecue in Miami.
Because of his appearance on Season 3 of Top Chef, Howard rose to fame.
According to Howard’s obituary, his love of grilling began during the summers he spent in North Carolina. He also became an executive chef at Peacock Garden Resto Bar + Grill this year. Additionally, he regularly participated in the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
In addition to being a skilled cook, he also raised money for animal shelters and for feeding starving children.
A user who was paying respect to Kleinberg disclosed that he had taught Kleinberg in elementary school and that a waitress had once surprised him by bringing him milk and cookies at Kleinberg’s Miami restaurant a few years later as a gift from Howard.
Another user claimed that when Howard forced him to sample a Luther burger for the first time ever, he showed him the “wonder of charred ends.”
Twitter users pay tribute
Because of his years of success as a chef, Howard Kleinberg had established quite a reputation for himself. When news of his passing spread, Twitter was inundated with condolences:
Belonged to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival on a regular basis…
The third season of Top Chef, dubbed Top Chef: Miami, began on June 13 and ended on October 10, 2007. Dale Levitski and Casey Thompson finished second and third, respectively, behind champion Hung Huynh. Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, and Ted Allen made up the panel of judges.
During his time there, Kleiberg gained the nickname “Bulldog” and finished seventh on the competition. Later, he used this nickname as the name of his barbecue joint.