Michael Chiarello, a celebrity chef and a former star of several food and cooking network shows passed away Saturday, according to media reports. He was 61 years of age.
The Wrap reports he died after being treated for the past week for an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock, according to a statement from his company, Gruppo Chiarello restaurant group.
Ilya S. Savenok
About Michael Chiarello:
Chiarello was known for several appearances on network food shows, including “Top Chef,” “Top Chef Masters, and “Next Iron Chef,” and hosted shows on Food Network, PBS, and the Cooking Channel, according to The Wrap.
He owned restaurants in California and wrote many cookbooks in addition to being named Chef of the Year in 1985 by Food & Wine Magazine.
Chiarello came from a southern Italian family in California’s Central Valley and began his cooking journey in his mother’s kitchen.
He passed away surrounded by friends and family at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, according to the statement.
“We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael,” his family said in a statement. “His culinary brilliance, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment to family were at the core of his being. He brought people together through the joy of shared meals, fostering lasting memories around the table. As we navigate this profound loss, we hold dear the moments we cherished with him, both in his kitchens and in our hearts. His legacy will forever live on in the love he poured into every dish and the passion he instilled in all of us to savor life’s flavors.”
Food & Wine Magazine named him Chef of the Year in 1985.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.