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On September 21, 2019, the culinary world lost one of its brightest personalities when Chef Carl Ruiz<\/strong> \u2014 known affectionately as \u201cThe Cuban\u201d on Guy’s Grocery Games<\/a><\/em> \u2014 died suddenly at just 44 years old. Six years later, his close friend Guy Fieri<\/a><\/strong> marked the anniversary with a moving Instagram tribute<\/a> that had fans and friends laughing through the tears.<\/p>\n Fieri wrote, “I miss you so much, my brother Chef Carl. You cooked, You laughed, You lit up the world, You are one of a kind. RIP the CUBAN #6thAnniversary.\u201d<\/p>\n Alongside the heartfelt caption, Fieri shared two photos. The first shows Ruiz in one of his signature looks: a wild fur coat, a trucker hat, and a cigarette hanging from his mouth. In the second, Fieri strikes the exact same pose \u2014 same outstretched arms, his own trucker hat, but this time with a cigar \u2014 wearing what appears to be Ruiz\u2019s actual fur coat.<\/p>\n RELATED: Food Network Fave Joe Sasto Honors Late Mom & Iconic \u2018Stache With Striking New Project<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The post quickly lit up the comments section. Chef Eric Greenspan<\/strong>, another Guy\u2019s Grocery Games<\/em> regular, cracked: \u201cOh s**t. You have the coat?\u201d Fans loved the revelation that Fieri has kept the statement piece alive as a way of honoring his late friend.<\/p>\n Tributes poured in from across the food world:<\/p>\n Food writer and Food Network<\/a> personality Simon Majumdar<\/strong> wrote, \u201cHe was, from the get-go, a superstar, a man with the most unassailable sense of fun and humor and a man of great loyalty. I only wish I had time to know him better.\u201d<\/p>\n RELATED: Beloved Star Launching Food Network Show in Historic First<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Friend Rutledge Wood<\/strong> wrote, “He was one in a million \u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0f miss him tons,” while Food Network Star<\/em> and Guy’s Grocery Games<\/em> contestant Martie Duncan<\/strong> wrote, “Broke the mold. \u2764\ufe0f.\u201d<\/p>\n A fan added, \u201cIt\u2019s so lovely that you celebrate him every year. \u2764\ufe0f.\u201d<\/p>\n Ruiz, who rose to Food Network fame after Fieri featured his Italian deli Marie\u2019s Italian Specialties on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives<\/em>, became a fan-favorite judge and competitor on Guy\u2019s Grocery Games<\/em>. His sharp wit, big laugh, and larger-than-life style made him unforgettable, especially when Fieri tricked him into judging the spicy foods episodes.<\/p>\n Earlier this year, on what would have been Ruiz\u2019s 50th birthday, Fieri also shared a tribute<\/a>: \u201cHappy 50th birthday to my brother\/friend\/chef Carl \u2018The Cuban\u2019 Ruiz. Miss you, my brutha RIP.\u201d<\/p>\n Fans say Fieri\u2019s annual remembrances \u2014 especially this year\u2019s surprise coat reveal \u2014 are proof that Chef Carl\u2019s spirit is still very much alive in the Food Network family.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfac\u00a0<\/strong>SIGN UP for Parade\u2019s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\ud83c\udfac<\/strong><\/p>\n This story was originally reported by Parade<\/a> on Sep 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the Celebs<\/a> section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n