After a brief illness, the award-winning author and founder of London eateries who spearheaded the “small plates” movement passed away.
The renowned novelist and restaurateur Russell Norman,57, passed away following a brief illness.
Norman, a former English teacher, cofounded Polpo and Spuntino in London and established the Italian eatery Brutto. In 2012, Polpo: a Venetian Cookbook (of Sorts), his debut cookbook, was named the first Waterstones book of the year.
He hosted the six-part primetime documentary The Restaurant Man for BBC Two in 2014. The Guild of Food Writers’ 2016 Best Food and Travel Book Award went to his second book, Spuntino: Comfort Food (New York Style).
For his third book, Venice: Four Seasons of Home Cooking, he claimed to have spent a year living in Italy, where he “learned to cook like a 90-year-old Venetian granny.” Brutto: a (Simple) Florentine Cookbook, his most recent book, was released this month.
Following the release of Brutto, Norman and his spouse, Dr. Genevieve Verdigel, an expert in Italian Renaissance art history, were scheduled to visit Venice on Tuesday as part of a celebration journey. He passed away on Thursday night.
According to Verdigel, Norman had packed a backpack with signed copies of his new book to deliver to his Italian friends because he was so thrilled about the trip and it.
She remarked, “It was the book he was most proud of.” Since it was released, he has been incredibly joyful and vibrant. The book bears witness to his immense love for Italy and its essence, which he and his photographer Jenny Zarins were able to capture.
“He adored seeking out unconventional places—spots cherished by locals, where you could escape the confines of the mainstream perspective.”
She added that Verdigel and Norman made at least one monthly trip to Italy. Particularly, Norman adored Venice.
She declared, “We would compete to see who knew the city best.” “We used to compete to see who could get to various locations the quickest—that is, the hidden, local shortcuts.”
She remarked that Italy, food, and architecture dominated their time together. “And chuckling,” she continued.
“We used to giggle all the time. He had this talent for befriending everyone. Whether it was the person he was purchasing food from at the market or the moodiest restaurateur on the planet, he could make them feel like the only person in his life. He was able to make everyone laugh and grin with his pure, genuine warmth.
A friend of Norman’s who edits Restaurant magazine, Stefan Chomka, also mentioned how friendly he was. “He expressed, ‘He adored restaurants that mirrored his personality: brimming with character and abundant charm.'”
In addition to his pleasure, intelligence, generosity, and attention to detail, he exuded a genuine sense of welcome. With a penchant toward magpiery, he would combine ideas from restaurants in Italy, New York, and London.
Leading the “small plates” and “no reservation” movements was Norman. “He decided not to accept any reservations at all when he opened Polpo because he realized they were having to turn people away because they were booked up,” Chomka added. “It made a lasting impression, prompting a swift emulation by other dining establishments.”
A friend, culinary writer, and critic named Tom Parker Bowles claimed that Norman was “always so much larger than life,” therefore his passing was a “particular shock.”
He described him as “a really good man, very beautiful, and highly intelligent.” “I have a ton of memories of sitting in little Venetian pubs with him and our friends, sipping Aperol spritzes and chatting with the bar owners after a satisfying lunch. He held the position of being the closest confidant to many.”
Parker-Bowles described Norman as a “consummate professional” as well. He was a chef and restaurateur, and he could write about it, execute it, and speak to you about it with passion. There was no falsehood about that. Not a trick. He was a decent individual.
On Friday evening, Norman was scheduled to dine at the River Café alongside his buddy, restaurateur Ruth Rogers. The lady affirmed, ‘Russell Norman was a cherished friend to everyone at the River Café the woman stated. By fostering a passion for Italian cuisine, he improved the quality of life in London. We will miss him.
Writer and restaurant reviewer Marina O’Loughlin stated: “Hospitality is in total shock.” Russell was one of the few individuals in the business who could truly be credited for revolutionizing restaurant dining.
Explore the entire nation, and you’ll find stylish tiny trattorias or osterias that are a tribute to Norman’s vision in practically every town.
“”It is nothing short of tragic to lose him at a time when Brutto is receiving accolade after accolade and has just released his most recent book.” We shall miss him greatly, as well as his priceless warmth and welcome.
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