‘WE ALL MISS YOU BROTHER’: Guy Fieri leaves fans in tears with emotional open letter to late Food Network legend Carl Ruiz on what would have been his 51st birthday
Guy Fieri has proved that while the cameras may stop rolling, the bonds of brotherhood in the culinary world never fade.
The Food Network icon, 58, has left his millions of followers overwhelmed with emotion after sharing a deeply personal, tearful tribute to his late best friend and colleague, Carl “The Cuban” Ruiz.
On what would have been Ruiz’s 51st birthday this month, the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives host took to Instagram to post a moving open letter that has sparked a viral wave of sympathy across the internet, melting hearts with its raw honesty and enduring love.
‘The Cuban’ Legacy Lives On
In a post that quickly racked up hundreds of thousands of likes, Fieri shared a poignant message alongside a throwback image of the two chefs laughing together—a sight that was once a staple of weekend television.
“We all miss you brother,” Fieri wrote in the heartfelt caption. “Happy Birthday. Thinking of you today and every day.”
The tribute comes nearly seven years after the culinary world was rocked by the sudden death of Ruiz in September 2019. The vibrant chef, known for his infectious laugh and “no-nonsense” approach to food, passed away in his sleep from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease at the age of 44.
A Friendship Forged in the Kitchen
The bond between the “Mayor of Flavortown” and “The Cuban” wasn’t just for the ratings; it was a genuine, deep-seated friendship that began in 2012.
The pair first crossed paths when Fieri rolled up to Marie’s Italian Specialties in New Jersey for an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Ruiz, who ran the deli with his then-wife Marie Riccio, immediately hit it off with Fieri.
The chemistry was undeniable, leading Fieri to bring Ruiz into his inner circle. Ruiz soon became a fixture on the Food Network, appearing as a judge on:
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Guy’s Grocery Games
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Guy’s Ranch Kitchen
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Tournament of Champions
Fieri, who is known for his boisterous personality, has often been credited with giving Ruiz the platform that turned him into a household name. However, as this latest tribute proves, it was Ruiz who left an indelible mark on Fieri’s heart.
‘Pinkies Out!’: Fans and Stars Pay Respects
The comment section of the tribute turned into a virtual wake, as fans and A-list chefs alike rushed to support Fieri and honor Ruiz’s memory.
Food Network heavyweights including Michael Symon, Tiffani Faison, and Stephanie Izard all dropped heart emojis, signaling the collective grief still felt by the network’s family.
Fans were quick to reminisce about Ruiz’s signature wit and his most famous catchphrases. One follower commented:
“He was the only one who could keep Guy on his toes. Pinkies out all day! We miss that energy so much.”
Another wrote: “I still can’t watch old episodes of GGG without getting a bit choked up. He was a legend in the making. Sending love to you, Guy.”
The phrase “Pinkies Out”—Ruiz’s satirical take on how one should judge “fancy” food—became a rallying cry in the comments, with thousands of users posting the emoji as a tribute to the chef’s unique brand of humor.
A Heartbreaking Loss
Carl Ruiz’s death in 2019 sent shockwaves through the industry. At the time, Fieri led the tributes, stating he was “heartbroken” and “lost for words.”
Medical examiners later confirmed that the chef suffered from significant plaque buildup in his arteries. Since his passing, Fieri has made it a point to keep Ruiz’s name alive, frequently mentioning him on his shows and ensuring that his “Cuban” spirit remains part of the Guy’s Grocery Games set.
Enduring Brotherhood
This latest emotional outpouring serves as a reminder of the human side of the high-pressure culinary industry. Amid the “dazzling spotlight” of fame, Fieri’s willingness to be vulnerable about his grief has resonated deeply with a public that often sees him only as the upbeat, “Flavor-town” enthusiast.
As the Food Network family continues to celebrate Ruiz’s life, it is clear that for Guy Fieri, the seat at the judge’s table next to him will always belong to his “brother.”
“The world is a little less funny without him,” one fan aptly summarized. “But thank God we have Guy to remind us of the spice Carl brought to the table.”
