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Josh Ozersky Dies: ‘Esquire’ Food Writer Was 47 Years Old

By Jennifer Deutschmann
Published on: 06:52 PST, May 5, 2015

Josh Ozersky has died at the age of 47. Authorities confirmed the infamous Esquire food writer was found dead at the Conrad Chicago Hotel on Monday morning. Although his cause of death was yet not determined, authorities do not suspect foul play.

Known as Mr. Cutlets, Ozersky wrote for numerous publications, including Newsday, The New York Times, Saveur, and Time. In recent years he was also named Esquire’s Food Correspondent.

In addition to reviewing restaurants for major publications, Josh Ozersky founded and ran his own food blog. He also wrote several books about restaurants and food, including Meat Me in Manhattan: A Carnivore’s Guide to New York City and The Hamburger: A History.

As an unapologetic lover of everything containing meat, Ozersky founded Manhattan’s Meatopia festival — which is described as the “Woodstock of Edible Animals.”

In an interview with Chicago Tribune, Southern Foodways Alliance Director John T. Edge describes Ozersky as “an advocate for maximimalist food” who was also a talented writer.

“He loved meat, and he saw great meat-cookery as the ultimate expression of culinary culture… He was a really good writer. He bared his soul through writing about food and set a standard for that sort of writing… He wore his emotion and love of food on his sleeve.”

In a very personal article, which was published by Saveur, Ozersky revealed he and his father bonded over their love of food.

“… my father, thought about food a lot… we shared a deep common feeling on the subject… I believe he took more pleasure in talking about eating. He would talk about his last meal while eating the current one, and soon his talk would turn to the subject of where we ought to eat next.”

Josh Ozersky expressed his love of food through writing. However, his father David was a painter. As discussed in the Saveur article, David Ozersky’s paintings included historical events and infamous mobsters. However, his work also featured foods and famous chefs.

As reported by CNN, Josh Ozersky died fewer than 24 hours after posting one last Tweet. In the message, he revealed he was in Chicago and asked his followers for restaurant recommendations.

Ozersky traveled to Chicago to attend the James Beard Foundation Awards, as he was a former award recipient and current member of the award committee.

The circumstances surrounding the writer’s death are still unknown. However, authorities confirmed Josh Ozersky died inside his hotel room. An autopsy is planned for Tuesday.

[Image via Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for SOBEWFF]

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