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Rosie Gray, founder of the famous River Café, dies at 71.
Gray established the River Café in London in 1987 with her chef/business partner, Ruth Rogers. Specialising in country Italian fare, rather than the psuedo-Italian gunk traditionally served in British eateries, Gray and Rogers were a key component in revolutionising the quality of British food at the end of the twentieth century.
As well as helping change the image of British food internationally, and Italian food in Britain, by meticulous sourcing of raw materials and stylish presentation, the River Café became essential dining for a growing community of British foodies. It also served to inspire a new generation of professional chefs about the value of fresh, original ingredients and kitchen integrity.
She was instrumental in the development of similar enthusiasm for these values in many of Britain's current crop of leading chefs, including Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Gray is survived by her second husband sculptor David MacIlwaine, three children from her first marriage, a son by her second marriage and 11 grandchildren.
Cause of her early death was cancer. |
