“One of life’s quiet excitements is to stand somewhat apart from yourself and watch yourself softly becoming the author of something beautiful even if it is only a floating ash.” ― Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It
Have you ever had a profound, life-changing experience just by being exposed to the work of a magnificent artist? If your answer is yes, one might ask if you had ever had the pleasure of dining at moto or personally meeting Chef Homaro Cantu…
Chef “Omar” was one of the most brilliant, creative minds of our century. His innovative style concerning the culinary arts was game changing — and challenged standard conventions to rise to Disneyesque levels of imagination, creating the most magical dining experiences known to our generation.
April 14, 2015 will be marked as a tragic day in the hearts of family, friends — and the numerous raving fans who came to know him through his work. Omar’s influence, as evidenced in the tsunami of grief outpouring through social media channels, far suprassed his personal accomplishments and individual success. His own struggles in life encouraged others to try harder and overcome adverse circumstances. His personal passion was the spark that ignited those around him to live life to its fullest and venture out to boldly pursue their own dreams. Chef Omar was frequently the inspiration and single voice of belief that encouraged so many others to finally believe in themselves, and to bear down and commit to the hard work that would ultimately result in improving their own lives and advancing their careers.
Chef Omar made an indelible mark on this world. His precious life was cut short, and even as we mourn, the collective spirits of those who have been blessed by knowing him and experiencing his magic sing a song of legacy that we hope will bring comfort to the immediate family members and close friends left behind to deal with the aftermath of his untimely loss.
Thank you, Chef, for your courageous leadership and vision. You transformed the most ordinary things into extraordinary gifts, and did it with love. You made this world a better place, and you will be sorely missed.
Homaro Cantu (September 23, 1976 – April 14, 2015)