Portland chef Naomi Pomeroy remembered as ‘protector, food guide’
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Naomi Pomeroy never stopped working, always looked ahead to the next thing. She had plans to open yet another restaurant in a few months.
But on Monday night, friends, family and fans gathered at Cathedral Park to pay their respects to the legendary Portland chef one month after she drowned while tubing on the Willamette River. She was 49.
“She was our protector, our guide, our food guide,” said her father, Toby Pomeroy. “Everything was remarkably fulfilled.”
Award-winning Portland chef Naomi Pomeroy drowns in Willamette River
There were tears, laughs and all the other faces of grief at this celebration of life. And, of course, food. So much food.
The essence of Naomi was in every detail, like the vegetables straight from her garden. She had notoriously high standards, set food trends and mentored a lot of other chefs.
“Always take photos with your friends even if you’re the one looking bad in the photo.”
— Madeline Cook
One of those was Madeline Cook, whose chance meeting with Naomi forever changed Cook’s life.
“She took me under her wing and I worked with her at Ripe Cooperative,” Cook told KOIN 6 News.
Toby Pomeroy, right, at the celebration of life for his daughter, legendary Portland chef Naomi Pomeroy, at Cathedral Park, August 13, 2024 (KOIN) Family, friends and fans gathered at Portland's Cathedral Park in a celebration of life for legendary chef Naomi Pomeroy, August 13, 2024 (KOIN) Family, friends and fans gathered at Portland's Cathedral Park in a celebration of life for legendary chef Naomi Pomeroy, August 13, 2024 (KOIN) Family, friends and fans gathered at Portland's Cathedral Park in a celebration of life for legendary chef Naomi Pomeroy, August 13, 2024 (KOIN) Madeline Cook, who worked with and was inspired by Naomi Pomeroy, was at her celebration of life at Portland's Cathedral Park, August 13, 2024 (KOIN)
Naomi Pomeroy was best known for her daring, uncompromising style. She greatly shaped Portland’s food scene — and all the things Cook learned on the job in and out of the kitchen.
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“It’s of a spirit about her. The fierceness, dedication, times where she would make you laugh and insult you at the same time,” she said, laughing. “I learned how to be fiercely independent and honest, not just in food techniques, but in my personal life.”
Madeline Cook last saw Naomi on the 4th of July. Naomi was covered in sweat and grease from grilling. There was one last opportunity for a photo Cook said she didn’t take.
“Always take photos with your friends,” Cook said fighting back tears, “even if you’re the one looking bad in the photo.”
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