World renowned chef and Carson City community philanthropist Charlie Abowd dies
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 11/10/2024 - 11:28pm
Charle Abowd, a world renowned, award-winning chef and restaurateur but even more than that a philanthropist and community fixture for decades, died Saturday evening, according to longtime friends.
Abowd, 73, was a pioneer in farm to table dining, along with his wife Karen who co-owned Cafe at Adele's, he was a champion and supporter of music and the arts. He was a man who dedicated himself to lifting up others.
The James Beard Award winner noted his life ambition was that he looked forward to a day where he could cook for those who needed him rather than those who wanted him to cook, recalled longtime friend Karel Ancona.
In the last weeks of his life, Charlie Abowd was thinking of families and individuals in the community who might not be able to afford a Thanksgiving dinner and launched a community food drive with KNVC 95.1 FM Carson City community radio to collect non-perishable food for distribution to our community's food insecure.
The drive is now through Nov. 26. Donations sought are instant and fresh potatoes, canned green beans, corn and fruit, dried onions, cream of mushroom soup, cranberry sauce, chicken broth, stuffing and gravy mix are needed.
Donations can be left anytime at KNVC, located at 990 N. Minnesota St., Carson City.
In 2012, Charlie and Karen founded The Greenhouse Project, a nonprofit with a mission of providing healthy produce for the residents in our community who are food insecure. Green Central, which is its main site, is located at Carson High School, and offers work-based learning for the students. TGP also includes Foothill Garden, which is a collaborative project with, and located at, Carson Tahoe Medical campus.
In 2023, "Recipes and Rambles That Made Adele's a Nevada Hot Spot: Forty Years of Cuisine and History as Told by Chef Charlie Abowd" was released. In it, Abowd shared stories about Nevada politics, history, and fabulous recipes combine for an entertaining, informative memoir. Proceeds from book sales go to The Greenhouse Project.
The family has requested privacy at this time.
Editor's Note: The information for this story was provided by Karel Ancona, who was given permission by Karen Abowd to release information about Charlie's passing. Karel Ancona co-wrote the book with Charlie Abowd and handles media relations for Charlie and Karen.
We will update as information becomes available.
