(Portland, OR) -- A prominent Portland chef known for blazing a trail to set up the city's culinary scene has died. Lauro Romero opened the pop-up Clandestino, formerly of the Dame Collective, in December of 2022. The New York Times named his Whole Grilled Dorado one of their "23 of the Best American Dishes of 2023." Recently, Romero joined the Ritz-Carlton Portland as chef in the 20th floor restaurant Bellpine. Romero died in his sleep Friday at the age of 42. He leaves behind a wife and two daughters.