Dozens of prominent chefs, restaurateurs, and winemakers gathered to praise Ash for elevating local dining through his commitment to fresh, seasonal, and regionally sourced ingredients, often paired with local wines.
According to the Press Democrat, friends and colleagues, including Lisa Hemenway, called his artistry unforgettable, focusing on bringing depth and homage to the history of a dish. However, the most poignant theme of the day was Ash’s character. His son, Tyler, noted that his most lasting gift wasn’t his cooking, but how he made people feel—calling him kind and unpretentious.
Fellow chef Josh Silvers stated Ash was a “giant of the community” who “paved the roads” for the next generation of Sonoma County chefs. Even celebrity chef Guy Fieri, in a video tribute, recognized Ash as the pioneer of the region’s farm-to-table movement.
John Ash’s influence lives on through his cookbooks, his decades-long radio show, and the culinary culture he helped build.
