Michael Chiarello died. He was the head of the Chiarello family.
The famous cook and TV host died on Friday, October 6, after being hospitalized for a week for anaphylactic shock caused by a severe allergic reaction. His restaurant group, Gruppo Chiarello, confirmed the death.
He was getting treatment at the Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, California, when he left at the age of 61. Friends and family were with him. Chiarello is known for being a great cook and for being able to bring people from different backgrounds together through his love of food.
“We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael,” his family said in a statement. “At the heart of who he was were his amazing cooking skills, limitless creativity, and unwavering devotion to his family.” Through the joy of shared meals, he brought people together and helped them make memories that will last a lifetime.
They promise to “hold dear the moments we cherished with him, both in the kitchens and in our hearts” as they deal with their grief. They know that the love he put into every dish and the desire he gave us to enjoy life’s flavors will “forever live on in the love he poured into every dish,” as will his legacy in life and in his work.
Many people have seen Michael Chiarello on TV, and his Italian-influenced Californian food is well known. He also hosted a popular cooking show on PBS, the Fine Living Network, and the Culinary Channel. For his Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello food show on the Food Network, he won an Emmy.
He was always a fan favorite on Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, and Next Iron Chef. At the end of the fourth season, he came in second place to Rick Bayless. He has also been the head chef at a number of restaurants, such as Caffe Museo in San Francisco, Ajax Tavern in Aspen, and Bisect in Scottsdale.
Chiarello died leaving behind four children: an 18-year-old son named Aidan that he had with his ex-wife Eileen Marie Gordon, three girls (Margaux, Felicia, and Giana) from a previous marriage, and a boy. Chiarello and Gordon got married in 2003, but in 2019 they chose to split up because of the COVID-19 virus.
The Chiarello Group Issues a Statement About Michael Chiarello
The restaurant chain Michael Chiarello built, Gruppo Chiarello, released a statement following his passing that was nothing but kind. His “passion for food and life” will “forever be etched in our kitchens and hearts,” they added, adding that they’ve decided to honour his legacy.
“In remembrance, we ask that you join us in celebrating his remarkable journey and the incredible impact he had on the world of food, wine, and family by inviting you to share a meal with your family and friends to remind all of us that the bonds forged over a meal are among life’s most precious treasures,” they said.
They also lauded his restaurants, which will continue to operate in his honour: Bottega, Coqueta (in San Francisco and the Napa Valley), and Ottimo. Everyone adored him for his ability to make Italian food enjoyable and delectable. For his family, his untimely demise is nothing short of a tragedy.
In lieu of flowers, the Chiarello family is requesting support from friends and followers to make donations to Meals on Wheels, a nationwide network of 5,000 community-based programmes that fights elder hunger and isolation. May he rest in peace at all times.
