In 1985, Chiarello was named the Chef of the Year by Food & Wine magazine, a testament to his culinary talents and achievements.
Celebrity chef and beloved Food Network personality Michael Chiarello died on Friday following a severe allergic reaction that resulted in anaphylactic shock, his restaurant group Gruppo Chiarello confirmed. He was 61. Chiarello was surrounded by family and friends at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa, California, at the time of his death.
His restaurant group also said that the chef had been in the hospital for the past week following the sudden allergic reaction. Born in 1962, Chiarello pursued his childhood dream of becoming an accomplished chef, dedicating himself to the culinary world. Over the course of a decade, he hosted numerous television shows showcasing his passion for cooking.
Death of a Legend
Chiarello’s death came as a shock to industry. “We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael,” Chiarello’s family said in a statement obtained by The Wrap. “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.”
The restaurant group, Gruppo Chiarello, released a statement in remembrance of the California native, highlighting his deep-seated “passion for food.”
“Chef Michael Chiarello’s passion for food and life will forever be etched in our kitchens and our hearts,” read the statement. “While we mourn Michael’s passing, we also celebrate his legacy that continues with his restaurants, Bottega, Coqueta (San Francisco and Napa Valley), and Ottimo.
