“Top Chef”Howard is the contestant “Howie”At 46 years old, Miami restaurateur Kleinberg died from a heart attack.
The chef’s mother, Susan, confirmed his death to theMiami Herald.
“I am just finding out how many lives he touched,”His mother spoke up. “He was married to his passion in life, which was his cooking.”
Kleinberg was killed in an automobile accident this weekend. On Tuesday, Kleinberg’s family and friends were buried.
Bravo’s “Top Chef”Kleinberg was honored on social media.
“The #TopChef family is saddened to learn about the unexpected passing of Howard Kleinberg from season three,”The post. “Howie’s passion for cooking filled so many and our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends.”
According to the Herald, Kleinberg was a Florida native, born and raised in South Florida, later attending culinary school at Johnson & Wales University. Kleinberg’s culinary career began at the InterContinental Miami hotel. From there, he went on to work at many other hotels and restaurants including Timo, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and the Food Gang.
Kleinberg joined “Top Chef: Miami,” finishing in seventh place during the series’ third season. Kleinberg was a winner on the competition show and opened Bulldog Barbecue. He also took part in the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
Kleinberg is survived his sister, his stepfather, and mother.
