Michelin-starred restaurant pays tribute following death of young pastry chef

A fundraiser has been created following the sudden death of a young chef who worked at a Michelin Star restaurant in California.

Gianna Buzzetta was in Hawaii with her boyfriend on March 24 when she tragically passed away in a hiking accident.

Now, more than $72,000 has been raised towards the family to cover medical expenses, funeral arrangements and securing a resting place for Gianna.

Gianna worked as an executive pastry chef at Jeune et Jolie, a Michelin-starred restaurant in California.

In a post on social media from the restaurant, it read: “Jeune et Jolie is opening for dinner service on Monday, April 7th, to raise funds for the family of someone who was very dear to us, Gianna Buzzetta.

“Gianna was our former pastry chef, and our friend. She brought such joy, intensity, passion and love to this restaurant and to our team. Her sudden loss leaves all of us heartbroken, and searching for ways to be of help to her family.

“And so, we are doing the one thing we know how to do. We are coming together as a restaurant, and welcoming guests in to celebrate the relationships that give our lives meaning.

“Whether you knew Gianna or not, we hope you can join us to raise money for a truly wonderful family, in remembrance of a truly wonderful person.

“Our regular dinner menu and service will be offered, with proceeds from the evening going to the Buzzetta family."

In a fundraiser created by Gianna’s family, it read: “our world lost a treasure

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and the brightest of lights, Gianna Isabella Buzzetta. She was a precious daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, grand-daughter, girlfriend/soon-to-be fianće, friend, Christian, and gifted executive pastry chef.

“She tragically passed away in a hiking accident at Makaleha Falls Trail in the waterfall of her dreams with the forever love of her life, Connor Quinton, in Kapa‘a, Hawaii. She was just 26 years young.

“Gianna’s passion for life was evident in her love of family, friends, colleagues and those in need. She enjoyed volunteering at animal rescue shelters and desired happiness for others above herself. Recognising, listening and assisting them to get help was important. Her quiet and often “spicy” resilience, determination, tenacity, intuitive insight and gentleness left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her crazy sense of humour lit up a room of laughter that was infectious.

“As an executive pastry chef her dedication to perfection in artistry led her to master her talents at Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad. Together they received 3 Michelin stars over the years. She poured herself, her love and creativity into everything she brought to the table.

“Her sudden passing has left a paralyzing and unimaginable void in the lives and hearts of her family, friends, and the culinary community that adored her.”

Donations can be made to Gianna’s fundraiser here.

Written by ABi Kinsella

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