Renowned Chef Charles Phan, Pioneer of Modern Vietnamese Cuisine, Dies at 62
Phan, founder of San Francisco's acclaimed Slanted Door restaurant, passed away unexpectedly from cardiac arrest, leaving behind a transformative culinary legacy.
- Charles Phan, a Vietnamese refugee and self-taught chef, founded the Slanted Door in 1995, revolutionizing Vietnamese cuisine in the U.S. with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.
- Phan's innovative approach earned him multiple James Beard Awards, including Best Chef: California in 2004 and Outstanding Restaurant in 2014.
- Known for his generosity, Phan mentored young chefs, supported charitable causes, and fostered a family-oriented atmosphere in his restaurants.
- His flagship restaurant, the Slanted Door, was set to reopen in its original Mission District location this spring after being closed since 2020 due to the pandemic.
- Phan's influence extended beyond food, as he integrated thoughtful design into his restaurants and inspired a generation of chefs to elevate Asian cuisine in fine dining.
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