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The culinary world lost another star this week.
San Francisco chef Jan Birnbaum died on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. He was 61.
Birnbaum was the opening chef and co-owner of the restaurant Epic Roasthouse, which opened in 2008 in the Embarcadero, but was later rebranded as Epic Steak.
Opened in partnership with managing partner Pete Sittnick and partner Pat Kuleto, the waterfront restaurant is known for its stunning location, with views of the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island and the city skyline. There, Birnbaum created a menu known for its contemporary interpretations of steakhouse favorites.
“Every steak will have a handle,” Birnbaum said at the time, according to a company statement. “Everyone knows the best part is next to the bone.”
Birnbaum retired from day-to-day operations in 2013, but he left a legacy of good food that spanned three decades.
“It is with great sadness and tremendous love and respect that...