https://pdx.eater.com/2022/10/11/23399024/portlands-restaurant-industry-mourns-chef-sarah-pliner Portland’s Restaurant Industry Mourns the Death of Chef Sarah Pliner The city’s chefs, diners, and industry professionals share their memories and thoughts One of the brightest stars in Portland’s culinary pantheon, chef Sarah Pliner, was tragically struck and killed by a truck on October 4 at the age of 50. Pliner’s career began in the ’90s, cooking under pioneering Portland chef Philippe Boulot at the Heathman Restaurant and Bar. Pliner, a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist, gained local and national acclaim at the French-Asian bistro Aviary, which she co-founded with Jasper Shen and Kat Whitehead; she eventually assumed sole ownership of the restaurant. In August 2020, Pliner closed Aviary partially due to the pandemic; she had most recently been lending her talents to Rick Gencarelli’s Greek restaurant Bluto’s, as well as offering multi-course dinners at Fullerton Wines. According to the Oregonian, she had been working toward opening another restaurant, which she planned to call Carte Postale. Beyond her culinary prowess, Pliner’s colleagues and Portland food and beverage workers remember her humility, passion, and creativity, which many shared in social media posts and public statements. We’ve compiled their memories of, and reflections on, the chef and her legacy below........
This actually happened right where I live. They had the road blocked off for most of the day. I saw her bike under the back wheel of the semi. I've been hit by a car before, but I can't even imagine. A makeshift shrine with flowers and her picture was installed on the corner. Apparently, it happened around lunch time and a bunch of students from the high school witnessed it. How traumatic that must have been. May she rest in peace.
