Naomi Pomeroy Accident, What Happened to Naomi Pomeroy?

Naomi Pomeroy Accident

Chef Naomi Pomeroy is believed to have drowned in a floating accident on the Willamette River near Corvallis this weekend. She was 49. As Portland Monthly reported, Pomeroy was inner tubing on the river with her husband, Kyle Linden Webster, when they flipped over in fast-moving currents. Webster made it to shore, but despite efforts by search-and-rescue crews, Pomeroy’s body has not been recovered.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office told Eugene television station KEZI 9 that the woman who went underwater Saturday evening was not wearing a life jacket. Reactions from the Portland dining scene and beyond are popping up on social media. U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) released a statement highlighting her impact on the food industry and expressing his condolences.

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What Happened to Naomi Pomeroy?

Naomi Pomeroy, an acclaimed chef, tragically went missing in a floating accident on the Willamette River near Corvallis. She and her husband, Kyle Linden Webster, were inner tubing when they encountered fast-moving currents that caused their tube to flip. Webster managed to reach the shore safely, but Pomeroy was swept away. Search-and-rescue crews have been unable to recover her body, and she was not wearing a life jacket at the time.

The strong currents in the river hindered recovery efforts, and marine deputies are continuing their search. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, while the Portland community mourns the loss of a beloved figure in the culinary world.

Who Was Naomi Pomeroy?

Naomi Pomeroy was a highly respected chef from Corvallis, Oregon, best known for her innovative approach to cuisine. She started an underground supper club called “Family Supper” in her Northeast Portland bungalow in the early 2000s. Pomeroy gained widespread recognition with her restaurant Beast, which offered six-course, prix fixe meals at communal tables and operated from 2007 to 2020. Her culinary prowess earned her a James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Pacific Northwest in 2014.

In addition to her achievements with Beast, she also opened Cornet Custard, a scoop shop, and was planning to launch a new restaurant in the former Woodsman Tavern space. Pomeroy's influence extended beyond Portland, making a significant impact on the food scene nationally.

Naomi Pomeroy Career

Naomi Pomeroy had no formal culinary or business training; she developed her skills by watching other professionals in the food industry. In 2007, she opened the restaurant Beast in Portland, Oregon, which became very popular. Before that, she started Gotham Tavern, Gotham Coffee Shop, and Clarklewis with Michael Hebb. Pomeroy also appeared on TV shows like Iron Chef in 2010 and was a guest judge on Knife Fight in 2014. She published her first cookbook, "Taste & Technique: Recipes to Elevate Your Home Cooking," in 2016.

Her restaurant, Beast, closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she started a new venture called Ripe Cooperative. In 2023, she was a guest judge on season 2 of Bobby's Triple Threat.

Naomi Pomeroy Beast

Naomi Pomeroy's restaurant, Beast, opened in 2007 in Portland, Oregon, with a unique concept of intimate, communal dining. Located in a 24-seat setting, Beast quickly became renowned for its six-course prix-fixe dinners and four-course brunches served on weekends. Despite initial challenges like operating without a full kitchen setup, Beast gained acclaim for its innovative approach to fine dining.

Pomeroy, who started her culinary journey with an underground supper club, transitioned to a legitimate restaurant setting with Beast, offering a dining experience where guests could interact freely at communal tables. Over the years, Beast received numerous accolades, including recognition from Gourmet and Elle magazines and being named Restaurant of the Year by the Oregonian in 2008.

Naomi Pomeroy's leadership and creativity at Beast earned her titles like Chef of the Year from Portland Monthly in 2008 and Best Chef Pacific Northwest at the prestigious James Beard Awards in 2014. Her influence extended beyond Portland, showcasing her commitment to culinary excellence and innovative dining experiences that continue to inspire the food industry.