Late last week, a wave of sadness rippled through the local food and restaurant community as information leaked out via social media and scattered news outlets that chef/restaurateur Michel Mahe had died.
Mahe — known for his gracious hospitality and wild ambition as much as for his food — grew up in a New York restaurant family and cooked at landmark restaurants Gotham Bar & Grill and Michael’s on 50th before landing in Vermont in 1999. After opening Starry Night Café with a partner that year, the chef went solo and debuted the Black Sheep Bistro in Vergennes in 2002, which he followed with many other eateries, including the Bearded Frog, Bobcat Café & Brewery, Next Door Bakery, Park Squeeze, and, in early 2014, the Lobby. His culinary portfolio spanned from pub fare to upscale and fanciful, all delivered with friendly, easy charm and minimal pretense.
Via phone last Thursday, Mahe’s general manager, Dickie Austin, confirmed the restaurateur’s death on July 21 and, on behalf of his family, requested “a bit of privacy while they make arrangements.” Austin added that Mahe’s passing was sudden and unexpected. A death certificate obtained from the state’s office of the chief medical examiner confirmed that the chef died at home of natural causes resulting from coronary artery disease and hypertension. He was 50.
On Monday, Austin told Seven Days that a celebration of Mahe’s life will be held at the Old Lantern in Charlotte on Monday, August 3, at 11 a.m. In the meantime, fans of the late restaurateur can show their respect and appreciation by dining at any of his restaurants.
“All of [Mahe’s] restaurants are open for service,” Austin said. “And knowing him as well as I know him — I can say for a fact that that’s exactly what he would have wanted.” Long-term plans for the establishments have not yet been released.
Update 7/28/15: This post has been updated to include new information about the cause of Mahe’s death and dates of memorial services.
Silent Supper
The print version of this article was headlined “Silent Supper”
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I am proud to say that I knew this man very well, and had have the pleasure of going to both of his restaurants (The Black Sheep and The Bearded Frog) several times throughout my youths. To this day, the french fries that came out of there still rank as the all time best that I have tasted.
I did not know him; but I had met him at the Black Sheep. I have enjoyed his establishments and culinary preparations for many years. So sorry.
His work and passion is world class. I’ve eaten there so many times Just terrific cooking. Some of the best die young. RIP Michel.
We had so many conversions. He lived life with a passion and left way to quickly.
We loved his restaurant. We loved chatting with him on the sidelines at our kids’ soccer games and hearing his thoughts about France, food, and the restaurant business. What a tragedy – we are so terribly sorry. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues/employees.