Renowned Chef James Kent Dies at 45 from Heart Attack

Renowned chef James Kent, known for his high-profile New York City restaurants such as Crown Shy, Saga, and Overstory, died on June 15 at the age of 45 due to a heart attack. Kent, who recently debuted a culinary project in Santa Monica, had a significant impact on the NYC dining scene, including a culinary revival in the Financial District. He trained at prestigious institutions and worked at elite restaurants like Eleven Madison Park and NoMad before starting his own ventures. His death has left the culinary community in mourning, with many chefs expressing their condolences and admiration for his contributions. Kent's passing comes as he was working on several new projects, including overseeing future restaurants at One Wall Street and a gourmet stall at Santa Monica Pier. The Saga Hospitality Group, which he founded, emphasized their support for his family and closed their restaurants in tribute.