SEATTLE - The culinary world has lost a beloved figure as James Beard award-winning Chef Tamara Murphy passed away on Saturday, surrounded by her loving family and friends. The news was confirmed by a spokesperson for her restaurant, Terra Plata, on Sunday.

Chef Tamara Murphy was not only known for her exceptional culinary skills but also for her dedication to community service and advocacy for various causes. Over the past decades, she led several popular Seattle restaurants including Campagne, Brasa, and Terra Plata, which she co-owned with her life and business partner, Linda Di Lello Morton. Their partnership was recognized in 2016 when they were awarded the Greater Seattle Business Association Community Leaders of the Year award.

In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chef Murphy and Morton launched the Food is Love project, providing over 38,000 meals to families in need. Their commitment to supporting their community extended beyond their culinary endeavors as they also championed LGBTQ+ rights and hosted fundraisers for small local farms. They were instrumental in uniting the community in support of Democratic and LGBTQ+ elected leaders.

The restaurant spokesperson highlighted the profound impact Chef Murphy had on those around her: "Together, Tamara and Linda epitomized the spirit of hospitality and community service. It is this civic commitment and dedication to service that Linda will continue to uphold in Tamara's memory."

Chef Tamara Murphy's legacy extends beyond her culinary achievements and her dedication to community service. Her passing has left a void in the food industry and the hearts of those who knew her. The details of a celebration of life for Chef Murphy will be announced at a later date, allowing her loved ones and the community to gather and honor her remarkable contributions.

In the meantime, Chef Murphy's spirit of hospitality and commitment to community service will continue to inspire those who knew her and the many who have been touched by her culinary creations. Her impact on the culinary world and the Seattle community will be remembered for years to come.