Get Well Soon, Chef !

...after reading bryanz's eg link on his meal at Alinea I was stunned to read....http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=66997&view=findpost&p=1442076.......

And from Sula at the Reader: http://blogs.chicagoreader.com/food/2007/07/23/get-well-soon-grant-achatz/

Incredibly sad.

HI,

It is a form of skin cancer.

Life can change on a dime sometimes.

Regards,

Just saw the upsetting news that Grant Achatz has announced he has squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth. Here's a link to the article: http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/ ... challenge/

I've eaten at Alinea - and was blown away by Chef Achatz's genius, and recently saw him speaking with Michael Ruhlman at Steppenwolf, and was impressed by his down-to-earth lack of ego and his sense of humor. I know "foodies" all over the country will be rooting for his complete recovery.

Oh, geez... the Times piece, for anybody who hasn't clicked through, mentions that it's on his tongue. My understanding is that advanced squamous cell on the tongue usually means significant excision, though just how much depends on the severity. Here's hoping and praying for minimal impact.

Ghastly news. I'm sure we all wish him the fastest possible recovery and many more years of astounding us with his cuisine.

There's now a blog entry (and comments) over at the Tribune as well. Seriously sad news. Good thoughts towards Chef Achatz and his family during these trying times.

Oh my goodness. Achatz is one of my heroes. I'll be cheering him on all the way.

This made my heart break...I haven't eaten at Alinea (yet) but I did get to meet him at his talk with Ruhlman at the Steppenwolf. He was terribly nice and you can tell he is a great, humble guy who hasn't let the fame get to his head. I sincerely hope that he gets well soon.

wow. crazy to think that he got cancer in the mouth. It's like a surgeon getting his fingers smashed in a car door.

Anyone know if he smokes/smoked ?

Anyone know if he smokes/smoked ?

Based on the comments in the blog in the NYTimes linked in Akatonbo's post, the answer is no:

#12. July 23rd, 2007 6:16 pm

Dan @ 5:06: No, Mr. Achatz says he has never smoked, not even one cigarette.

— Posted by Pete Wells

I just read the most unfortunate news in the Trib. I thought the LTH community would be interested in this story:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertain ... b01_layout

My thoughts are with Chef Achatz and his family.

Just remember, smoker or not... NOBODY deserves cancer.

leek wrote:Just remember, smoker or not... NOBODY deserves cancer.

leek, at first I also read that question to be possibly a "blaming the vicitm" inquiry, but I don't think that was intended. Actually, it's a question that arises in my mind (which I may or may not voice), when I hear that someone, anyone has cancer (of the mouth, lung, etc.). In this case, the question is, at least for me, more motivated by a desire to make sense of what seems such a horribly unfair, almost poetic injustice. I notice in today's Trib Achatz refers to deaf Beethoven composing symphonies and I must admit that this analogy occurred to me as well. This is the only other historical irony I can think of that is as inexplicably cruel.

David

Quite a story. The Chef's outlook in facing this situation is truly inspiring. There is a saying in medicine attributed to William Osler that in determining the outcome of an illness it is "more important to know what sort of patient has the disease than what sort of disease the patient has". This would seem particularly apt in this case. Best wishes indeed.

As was noted on the Alinea thread, the New York Times reported A Chef's Toughest Challenge that Chef Achatz is battling advanced squamous cell cancer of the mouth. See also Chicago Tribune article

As a member of our culinary community and one of the most important and brilliant chefs of the century, our collective heart is with him. Chef Achatz is changing the way that we think about the possibilities of food and dining. He is a Chicago jewel. We wish him many years of creativity and are with him in this sadly ironic fight. His optimism is contagious.

From Ruhlman's blog:

News for Grant Achatz Fans and Friends

I was able to have breakfast with Grant Achatz on Saturday and was delighted to see him looking strong and fit. You’d scarcely know he was battling anything at all, let alone going through chemo to treat squamous carcinoma of the mouth. He was at ease, confident and determined. As he always is. And he ate one of Nookie’s enormous omelets. Best news of all: doctors say treatment is exceeding expectations.

http://blog.ruhlman.com/

Here is the latest article on Chef Achatz's condition.

What Wonderful News, to hear he is doing so well. I am praying for his complete recovery. Such a talented chef! It sounds like he has what it takes to beat this beast!

Anita

Update. From Ruhlman's blog:

http://blog.ruhlman.com/ruhlmancom/2007 ... pdate.html

"For fans of Grant Achatz: I got an email from Grant, who was just in Manhattan for the Star Chefs conference, saying that doctors report that chemo had reduced the tumor in his tongue by 75%, which is really good news. Radiation, a serious body blow, begins soon. I can honestly say that I've never met a chef with more focus and drive in the kitchen. I know Grant will succeed here as he has succeeded in every endeavor he's set his mind do. All best wishes, Grant."

From Chef Achatz' most recent press release (bold text my emphasis):

"Most of all, I must make special mention of doctors Vokes, Blair, and Haraf at the University of Chicago Medical Center, as well as the countless number of medical professionals and support staff there who cared for me. Where other doctors at prominent institutions saw little hope of a normal life, let alone a cure, these doctors saw an opportunity to think differently, preserve my tongue and taste, and maintain a long term high quality of life. Through the use of a new and rigorous Chemotherapy and Radiation protocol, they were able achieve a full remission while ensuring that the use of invasive surgery on my tongue was not needed."

Congratulations to Chef Achatz, and Hooray for the University of Chicago Medical Center!

mepp wrote:From Chef Achatz' most recent press release (bold text my emphasis): . . .

Thanks for the post and the link -- great news to hear.

Fantastic news! Truly inspiring.

Didn't see this mentioned, & thought folks would like to know. There's an article in today's WSJ (sorry can't link, its a paid subscription), that reports he's been told his cancer is in remission. Hope everything continues well for him.

Yes! Achatz was on Nightline last week. I can't find a video of the segment, but here is a transcript(?)

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/CancerP ... 618&page=1

It's wonderful news that his cancer has responded so well to the treatment. It is true, however, that these kinds of cancers can recur, and recur, so this may not be remotely over. Still, it's a wonderful result.

To be released 3/3/11:

He's so hot.

NeroW wrote:He's so hot.

Really Good picture?

When the movie is made, the lead role should go, of course, to Ethan Hawke.

Nope, it should be Sam Trammell from True Blood...