Celebrity chef and former Food Network star Michael Chiarello has recently passed away at the age of 61. Chiarello, who is known for his culinary wisdom and numerous TV appearances, had been battling an acute allergic reaction that resulted in anaphylactic shock, ultimately leading to his death.
Born in Red Bluff, California, in 1962, Chiarello embarked on his culinary journey that left a lasting impact on the world of food and entertainment. In 1987, he opened his first restaurant, Tra Vigne, situated in the picturesque Napa Valley. This marked the beginning of several more restaurant openings, including Bottega and Ottimo, all located in Napa Valley, as well as Coqueta, a celebrated Spanish establishment with locations in Napa Valley and at San Francisco’s Pier 5.
Michael Chiarello’s talents extended beyond the kitchen. In 1999, he began to dabble in winemaking, and eventually established Chiarello Family Vineyards. Additionally, Chiarello introduced NapaStyle, a retail line offering artisanal foods, kitchenware, and home products, in 2000.
Throughout his career, Chiarello graced televisions nationwide. He hosted shows on prominent networks such as PBS, Food Network, Fine Living, and Cooking Channel. His appearances as a guest chef on shows like the Today show and The View earned him even more widespread recognition. In 2013, he was honored with the prestigious Chef of The Year award by Esquire, a testament to his culinary expertise.
Despite his numerous accomplishments, in 2016, Chiarello faced accusations of sexual harassment from two former employees of his restaurant, Coqueta. Lawsuits were filed against him even though he denied the allegations. The legal matters were eventually resolved, with both former workers reaching settlements in 2017.
Chiarello’s passing is a significant loss to the culinary world and the countless individuals who cherished his cooking. His family, who stood by his side during his final moments, expressed their profound sorrow in a statement.
“We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael. His culinary brilliance, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment to family were at the core of his being,” the statement read. “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,” the family added. “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.”
As a tribute to the culinary maestro, Chiarello’s family has opted for private funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, they, instead, requested that donations be made to Meals on Wheels, a cause close to his heart.
To learn more about his death, check out the video below.
