Bill Granger Obituary - On Christmas Day, 2023, the culinary world lost one of its brightest stars, Bill Granger, at the age of 54. The Australian restaurateur and food writer passed away in London, surrounded by his loving family, after a battle with cancer. Granger, known for his sunny disposition and innovative approach to cuisine, left an indelible mark on the food industry, transforming how we think about the first meal of the day.
Born in Melbourne and self-taught in the culinary arts, Granger opened his first restaurant, bills, in Sydney's Darlinghurst in 1993. With a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients and a relaxed dining atmosphere, he quickly became a household name. Perhaps best known for popularizing avocado toast—a dish now synonymous with modern breakfast menus—Granger's influence stretched far beyond Australian shores.
His empire expanded to include 19 restaurants worldwide, from Tokyo to London, where he made his home in 2014. Alongside his success as a restaurateur, Granger was a prolific author and television presenter, sharing his culinary philosophy with audiences in over 30 countries through 12 cookbooks and five TV series. His contributions to the culinary world were recognized with an appointment as an officer of the Order of Australia in January 2023, honoring his impact on tourism and hospitality.
Tributes from culinary giants like Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson, who described Granger as a "wonderful human" and "kind calm soul," underscore the respect and admiration he garnered from his peers. Australian chef Darren Robertson credited Granger with changing "the entire breakfast game," a sentiment echoed by chef Neil Perry, who remarked on Granger's deep understanding of flavor and his role in elevating breakfast to an art form.
Granger's approach to food was deeply influenced by his belief in simplicity and quality. He famously said, "People don’t get up in the morning and say they want to eat oysters with foam on them, they get up and say they want beautifully cooked eggs." This philosophy resonated globally, making him Australia's most successful culinary export.
Behind the scenes, Granger's partnership with his wife, Natalie Elliott, was a driving force in his business. While Bill was the creative genius, Natalie was the operational powerhouse, together building a brand that became beloved by millions. His mentorship of other chefs, including Kylie Kwong, helped shape the next generation of culinary talent, ensuring his legacy would live on through those he inspired.
Bill Granger's sudden passing is a profound loss, not only to his family—his wife Natalie and their three daughters, Edie, Inès, and Bunny—but also to the global culinary community. Yet, his influence on how we experience and enjoy food will undoubtedly endure. Granger's life and work exemplified the power of passion, creativity, and hard work, making him a true pioneer in the culinary world. As we remember Bill Granger, we celebrate a man who brought warmth, innovation, and a touch of Australian sunshine to tables around the world.
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