Matt Selby, Executive chef of Vesta for over 15 years and executive chef at ‘Gourmet for Good’, has died.
Matt Selby, the executive chef of Vesta for over fifteen years and executive chef of ‘Gourmet for Good’ passed away earlier this week. The Denver community mourns his favourite chef, who dazzled the city with his culinary talent for over 25 years.
Who was Matt Selby?
Matt Selby was a chef at Vesta, Denver, for over fifteen years. He started working at Vesta in 1997 and, without any formal training, within three months, amazed everyone with his talent that he was promoted to executive chef. His dedication and talent put the Denver culinary scene on the map. He appeared on Television with Rachel Ray, Jaques Pepin and Guy Fieri. Yet he was the most humble person you would ever meet. He always credited his team for his success.
He worked with the owner of Vesta and his friends and opened Stueben’s Uptown and Ace Eat Serve together. Together, they also published Vesta’s cookbook. Vesta’s owner Jen Hariton Wolkon and Josh have released a heartfelt statement, reminiscing their time together, honouring Matt’s memory and legacy.
He was a self-proclaimed food historian. He loved to explore the stories behind every dish. He loved practical jokes and spread laughter and joy with his sense of humour among his loved ones and friends.
He was a philanthropist and would be thrilled to give back to the community and volunteer services over fifteen years at Vesta and in any way he could. He had a kind and gentle heart that was filled with love and warmth. He had so much warmth to offer this world. Sadly, his time on earth was cut short. The world was deprived of his kindness too soon.
What happened to Chef Matt Selby?
The details of his death have not been shared with the public. Gina Gerstner, mother of his children, shared the news of his passing with the world in a post on social media that said,
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share that Matty passed away peacefully in his sleep earlier this week.
Matty was loved by so many, and we know this is a great loss to the Denver community.
Please keep us in your thoughts as we navigate the next chapter.
I will keep everyone posted as we plan to have a memorial and celebration of his life towards the end of the year.
Honour him by cooking something you love, do your own alphabet ingredient game, write some poetry or watch your favourite game with your people.
Love,
Gina, Olivia, Bella, and Audrey”
Tributes
Matt touched many lives with his kindness, philanthropic work and his leadership roles. He was the heart of Denver’s culinary world and loved by the community. The community has returned the favour in the shape of overwhelming support and love for the family.
Kate Van daele wrote,
“So heartbroken to read this. I will never forget Matty’s kindness and willingness to engage with Urban Peak kids and staff. He and Gina, and you and Josh, in addition to the whole Vesta and Steuben’s team, were such bright lights for so many. Thinking about his family and those who loved him like family. He will never be forgotten.”
Lute Tamney wrote,
“He inspired so many people as a teacher and someone who set a standard in an industry that has been such a large part of so many people’s lives. You’ll be missed, chef. So sorry, Gina.”
Meg batizy wrote,
“Heartbreaking news. I’m so sorry for your loss. Matt was such an amazing mentor and ally in our early years of restaurant ownership. He will be so missed.”
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