Michael Chiarello, a renowned chef and television host, known for his Italian-inspired Californian restaurants, has passed away at the age of 61. Chiarello was an Emmy Award-winning host for his show “Easy Entertaining With Michael Chiarello” and also appeared on popular cooking competition shows such as “Top Chef” and “Top Chef Masters.”
Chiarello tragically died at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa from an allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock. He had been receiving treatment for the allergic reaction at the hospital for the past week. The exact cause of the allergic reaction is currently unknown.
Chiarello’s restaurant group, Gruppo Chiarello, issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow over the loss of their beloved patriarch. They praised his culinary brilliance, creativity, and commitment to family, which were central to his character.
After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in New York, Chiarello opened his first restaurant, Toby’s, in Miami at the young age of 22. He went on to open several successful restaurants in Napa Valley and San Francisco, including Tra Vigne Restaurant, Coqueta, Ottimo, and Bottega. Chiarello also owned the Chiarello Family Vineyards in Yountville, California.
Bottega, one of Chiarello’s restaurants, received praise from Zagat, Forbes, and Esquire, and was named Best Newcomer in 2008. His other restaurants offered a variety of dishes, including Lasagnetta di Zucchine, Pesce alla Milanese, Pollo alla Diavola, and paninis.
Throughout his career, Chiarello received numerous accolades, including being named Food & Wine Magazine’s Chef of the Year in 1985 and Esquire magazine’s Chef of the Year in 2013. He also participated in various cooking competitions and television shows, such as Food Network’s “Next Iron Chef” and Lifetime’s “Supermarket Superstar.”
In 2016, Chiarello faced allegations of sexual harassment from two former employees of Coqueta. Lawsuits were filed, and they were settled in the subsequent year.
Aside from his culinary ventures, Chiarello was also a successful author, with several published books, including “LiveFire Cookbook,” “The Tra Vigne Cookbook,” “Michael Chiarello’s Bottega,” “Michael Chiarello’s Casual Cooking,” “Napa Stories,” and “Flavored Vinegars.”
Michael Chiarello is survived by his wife, Eileen, and four children. His restaurant group, Gruppo Chiarello, has invited people to celebrate his remarkable journey and impact on the world of food, wine, and family by sharing a meal with their loved ones.
