TORONTO – Anthony Sedlak was just 13 years old when he discovered a passion for food.
By the time he was 19, the British Columbia native had completed a Culinary Arts program and a four-year apprenticeship in Vancouver. There he earned the title of leader in Grouse Mountain’s flagship dining room; the restaurant which inspired him in his early teens.
Sedlak, who would go on to become a Food Network sensation, died abruptly on July 6 from an undiagnosed medical condition.
News of the Canadian chef’s death broke early Monday, as fans and those who worked with Sedlak spread messages of condolences throughout social media; many of which spoke to the tragic loss of a rising star in the culinary world.
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Early in his career Sedlak travelled to Europe and became the executive sous-chef at La Trompette, a Michelin Star restaurant in London.
At 23, Sedlak won silver representing Canada at the World Junior Chef Challenge in New Zealand, and just months later, won Food Network’s Superstar Chef Challenge, before going on to host his own show.
Sedlak hosted four seasons of The Main on Food Network Canada. His cookbook, based on the series, made him a bestselling author in just nine months.
Sedlak’s last project, reinventing the Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites’ restaurant menu, had him spending a lot of time in the Toronto area preparing for the hotel’s launch.
According to a statement released by the Sedlak family a private funeral service for the family will be held in Vancouver, where Sedlak had co-opened his latest restaurant, The American Cheesesteak Co.
The family has expressed their gratitude to fans and associates for their condolences and well wishes in remembering the talented young man.
With files from the Canadian Press
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