Howard Kleinberg, the Season 3 winner of Top Chef, died on Tuesday, July 26. Bravo announced the 46-year-death old’s on their social media account, writing:
“The #TopChef family is heartbroken to learn about Howard Kleinberg’s untimely death from season three.” Howie’s love of cooking touched many people, and our hearts go out to his family and friends.”
Kleiberg finished eighth in season three of the famous program and went on to build his own restaurant in Miami. His father, mother, sister, and Skye, his rescue dog, survive him.
How did Howard Kleinberg pass away? The cause of death
According to Susan Kleinberg of the Miami Herald, Howard died of a heart attack. She also stated:
“I’m just now learning how many lives he affected.” He was wedded to his life’s love, which was cooking.”
It is unclear if he has had any previous health problems in the past, and his family members have yet to share any specifics. Kleinberg’s burial is set for Tuesday, and donations may be sent to Feeding South Florida or the animal charity Bullies-N-Beyond Rescue.
Who was Howard Kleinberg?
According to the Miami Herald, Howard Kleinberg enrolled in culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami. He began his culinary career in the kitchen of the Hotel Intercontinental in downtown Miami. Kleinberg rose to prominence after finishing seventh on Top Chef Season 3. Bulldog Barbecue, his second restaurant, debuted in Miami. According to Howard’s obituary, his enthusiasm for barbecue sprang from the summers he spent in North Carolina. He also became an executive chef at Peacock Garden Resto Bar + Grill this year. Every year, he was an avid participant in the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
Apart from being an excellent cook, he was also interested in raising donations for starving children and animal shelters. While paying respect to Kleinberg, one user disclosed that he taught Kleinberg in elementary school and that a waitress at Kleinberg’s Miami restaurant had greeted him with milk and cookies – a present from Howard. Another user said that Howard initially exposed him to the “magic of burned ends” when he forced him to sample a Luther burger for the first time.
In summary, Top Chef Season 3
Top Chef Season 3 debuted on June 13, 2007, under the title Top Chef: Miami, and finished on October 10, 2007. Hung Huynh took first place, followed by Dale Levitski and Casey Thompson. Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, and Ted Allen were among the judges. Kleiberg finished sixth on the program and got the nickname “Bulldog” while there. This term was eventually used to name his BBQ business.
Twitter users pay tribute
Howard Kleinberg had made quite a reputation for himself as a renowned chef. When word of his death spread, Twitter was inundated with tributes:
BREAKING REPORT: Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ alum Howard Kleinberg DIES UNEXPECTEDLY OF A HEART ATTACK at the age of 46..
WHY ARE SO MANY PEOPLE DYING YOUNG?
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) July 27, 2022
…and another. “Unexpectedly” passed away from a heart attack at age 46. Although such incidents aren’t totally unheard of, there seems to be a lot of this sort of thing lately.
@drnaomirwolf https://t.co/1bDf3xiiKE https://t.co/IXesoYHlVt— GigiRNC (@GigiRNC) July 27, 2022
