Table of Contents
Michael Chiarello, a renowned chef, restaurateur, author, and TV personality, passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the age of 61. He died of an acute allergic reaction that resulted in anaphylactic shock, according to a statement from his family and company.
A Culinary Legend
Chiarello was born in California in 1962 and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in New York in 1982. He was named Chef of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine in 1985 and by his alma mater in 1995. He opened his first restaurant, Tra Vigne, in Napa Valley in 1986 and went on to establish over 10 more restaurants in the region, including Bottega and Coqueta.
He was also a successful wine-maker, launching the Chiarello Family Vineyards in the late 1990s. He authored eight cookbooks and won several awards for his culinary achievements.
A TV Star
Chiarello was best known to the public as the host of Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello, a Food Network show that ran for 10 seasons from 2003 to 2010 and won three Emmys. He also appeared on other cooking shows such as Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, The Next Iron Chef, Iron Chef America, and Supermarket Superstar. He was a guest chef on various talk shows such as The Today Show, The View, and Regis & Kathy.
A Loving Family Man
Chiarello is survived by his wife Eileen and their four children. His family issued a statement expressing their grief and gratitude for his life.
“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. He brought people together through the joy of shared meals, fostering lasting memories around the table,” the statement read.
“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.”
The cause of Chiarello’s allergic reaction is still unknown. His funeral arrangements are private.