Anne Burrell’s New York Roots & Hudson Valley Connection

The culinary world was rocked this week when the news of Anne Burrell's sudden passing went public on Tuesday evening. First news outlets and publications, and in the less than 48 hours since, tribute after tribute from celebrity chefs, professional sports organizations, and average people like you and me who just enjoyed watching and learning from the talented and decorated chef.

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A Proud New Yorker...

Anne Burrell was a true New Yorker, born and raised in Cazenovia (not too far outside of Syracuse), and attended college in Buffalo before heading south a bit to attend Culinary School (more about that below).

Burrell also studied in Italy before returning stateside and taking on sous chef, chef, and executive chef roles at various restaurants, and even opened her own restaurant in 2010. In the meantime, she was recruited by Iron Chef Mario Batali for the Food Network show Iron Chef America, and went on to appear on/host several Food Network shows, but perhaps most notably, the two-dozen plus seasons of Worst Cooks in America.

In addition to her passion for the culinary world, Burrell was a massive fan of the New York Rangers, frequently attending games at Madison Square Garden, and heavily involved with their charity organization, Garden of Dreams. The Garden of Dreams Foundation works to positively impact the lives of children facing obstacles, and Burrell was a constant supporter of these initiatives. The Rangers expressed their sadness and shared their appreciation for Burrell's commitment to both the team, and the Garden of Dreams Foundation.

READ MORE: Martha Stewart Spotted at Hudson Valley Farmer's Market

Anne Burrell's Hudson Valley Ties

Anne Burrell spent time in the Hudson Valley, Hyde Park to be specific, during her training at the Culinary Institute of America during the late '90's. Quoted on her official bio page on the CIA website:

I loved every minute of being a student at CIA. I couldn’t learn fast enough, couldn’t do enough, couldn’t work hard enough.

Burrell graduated from the prestigious culinary school in1996 with an Associate in Occupational Studies Degree in Culinary Arts (A.O.S), then moving on to the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners.

The CIA also shared their condolences following the news of Burrell's passing, remembering her skill, passion, and even the times she returned to the area to speak to incoming CIA students.

Tributes continue to pour in for the lively and colorful chef who brought so much personality to the culinary world, while simultaneously details continue to emerge regarding her sudden and sad passing.