Carl Ruiz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carl Ruiz
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| Born | April 4, 1975 Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Died | September 21, 2019 (aged 44) Bel Air North, Maryland, U.S.
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| Education | Institute of Culinary Education |
| Occupation | Chef, restaurant owner, television personality |
| Years active | 2002–2019 |
| Employer | Food Network |
| Spouse(s) | Marie Riccio (divorced) |
Carl Albert Ruiz (born April 4, 1975 – died September 21, 2019) was a well-known American chef and restaurant owner. Many people knew him as Carl "The Cuban" Ruiz. He became famous for being a judge on popular cooking shows on Food Network, like Guy's Grocery Games. Carl was known for his humor and his love for food.
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Growing Up and Learning to Cook
Carl Ruiz was born on April 4, 1975, in Passaic, New Jersey. His father was from Colombia, and his mother was from Cuba. Carl's brother, George, shared that their mom and grandmother's amazing cooking inspired Carl to become a chef.
Carl went to the Collegiate School. He then studied cooking at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. This school taught him classic cooking skills, making him a very talented chef.
From Kitchens to TV Screens
Starting His Culinary Journey
Carl began his cooking career as a sous chef at a restaurant called Dish in Clifton, New Jersey. A sous chef is like the second-in-command in a kitchen. Around 2002, he became the executive chef at Sabor in North Bergen, New Jersey. An executive chef is the head chef, in charge of everything in the kitchen.
Later, Carl moved to New York City. He worked as an executive chef at a Cuban restaurant called Son Cubano. This restaurant had live Cuban music and a fun, lively atmosphere.
Marie's Italian Specialties and Guy Fieri
By 2011, Carl was the executive chef at Brick Oven in Morristown, New Jersey. On October 10, 2011, Carl and his wife at the time, Marie Riccio, opened their own Italian deli and cafe. It was called Marie's Italian Specialties and was located in Chatham Township, New Jersey. People loved this cafe because it felt like a classic, old-fashioned deli.
It was through this special restaurant that Carl met the famous chef Guy Fieri. Guy Fieri's popular Food Network show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, visited Marie's Italian Specialties in October 2012. The episode first aired in January 2013. Guy Fieri featured the restaurant twice on his show. This made the small deli very popular and also helped Carl become more well-known.
Becoming a TV Star
Because of his connection with Guy Fieri, Carl was asked to be a judge on other TV shows. He appeared on Guy's Grocery Games and Guy's Ranch Kitchen. Carl was known for his funny comments and sharp wit. He quickly became a favorite among fans of the shows. He also won the most money as a competitor on Guy's Grocery Games when he played to raise money for charity.
La Cubana and Radio Fun
After some time, Carl and Marie decided to go their separate ways. Marie continued to run Marie's Italian Specialties. In June 2019, Carl opened a new restaurant in New York City. It was called La Cubana and specialized in real Cuban food. Carl was the Executive Chef at this new place.
Carl also became a regular guest on the Sirius XM radio show Opie and Anthony. He continued to appear on the Opie Radio podcast until he passed away.
Remembering Carl
Carl Ruiz passed away in his sleep on Saturday, September 21, 2019. He was 44 years old. He was visiting friends in Bel Air, Maryland, when he died. Carl is remembered for his big personality, his passion for food, and the joy he brought to many through his cooking and TV appearances.
