Remembering Josh Ozersky

Since news of food writer Josh Ozersky's untimely death hit Twitter, those who knew him have called him the 'maharajah of meat', an 'epic food storyteller', a 'titan', and a 'mensch'. Josh wrote a biography of Colonel Sanders for us (Colonel Sanders and the American Dream, 2012) and his appetite for life could not be overlooked. He did a book signing at Austin's own Lucy's Fried Chicken and it was clear that his friends and fans alike drank up his energy, bravado, and clever insight on everything food and drink. 

Josh Ozersky talks with food blogger Ilana Sztaimberg during a book signing
at Lucy's Fried Chicken in Austin on April 27, 2012.

Josh was in Chicago for the restaurant portion of the James Beard Awards ceremony. He would have reveled in Aaron Franklin's win. Here are a few remembrances of his all too brief career as a celebrated food evangelist:

.@OzerskyTV has died at age 47 http://t.co/9xaNWhUZLN

— NYT Food (@nytfood) May 5, 2015

The food writing world lost one of its titans yesterday: Josh Ozersky has died. He was 47 http://t.co/ROzKjPjB6p pic.twitter.com/qk8DeXIMg4

— Eater (@Eater) May 5, 2015

Josh Ozersky was a great food writer because he was a great writer first and foremost.

— Tom Junod (@TomJunod) May 5, 2015

It didn't matter what Josh was writing about -- his father, or a leg of lamb. You never had to wonder why he was writing it.

— Tom Junod (@TomJunod) May 5, 2015

So sad to hear about the loss of food writer and pioneer Josh Ozersky. Gone far too soon. He will truly be missed. #RIP

— Marcus Samuelsson (@MarcusCooks) May 5, 2015

We're so sad and shocked to say RIP Josh Ozersky, brilliant writer and defining voice in modern food journalism.

— Food & Wine magazine (@foodandwine) May 5, 2015

Josh Ozersky was an epic food storyteller, widely accepted as king narrator of the Age of the Hamburger, and a friend. Eat in peace, Joshy.

— Ben Leventhal (@benleventhal) May 5, 2015

Josh Ozersky publicly challenged us to a duel about six years ago and we loved him for it. He'll be missed.

— The Braiser (@TheBraiser) May 5, 2015

More info

For those who have never read Josh Ozersky's writing, take the time today to read some of his best pieces. Ozersky also produced a series of web videos, appeared on TV, and created Meatopia.

'Solitary Man'
Saveur, November 2013
For one struggling artist, food was solace, and chefs the ultimate muse

'The Hidden Virtues of Tweezer Food'
Esquire, April 2013

'Gastrodamus Speaks! The Future of Food in America, Revealed!'
Time, January 2013
Pink slime shall rise, horned bulls shall wane and other culinary predictions for the 22nd century

'Found: The Incredible Restaurant in the Middle of Nowhere that Nobody Knows About'
Esquire, February 2014

'Ozersky's Rules for Dining Out'
Esquire, June 2013

www.utexaspress.com