Rosario Monachino
Michael Chiarello’s cause of death has been confirmed.
The TV chef, 61, was a regular on The View and The Today Show – as well as hosting Easy Entertaining and NapaStyle.
The acclaimed chef was also named Food & Wine Magazine’s Chef of the Year Award in 1985, just three years after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America.
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In a statement shared by his family to Entertainment Weekly, his family confirmed the beloved chef’s passing.
The statement reads: “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.
“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 savour life’s flavours.”
Chiarello’s family told the outlet that he was treated at a medical centre in California after suffering an acute allergic reaction that caused anaphylactic shock – which ultimately led to his death.
According to WebMD, an anaphylactic shock is a ‘rare but severe’ reaction that can be deadly if not treated properly.
During the reaction, a person’s blood pressure drops so low that your cells and organs don’t get enough oxygen which can make breathing extremely difficult.
Michael Chiarello, a celebrity chef and former Food Network star, died at 61. @annenbcnews shares a look back at his life. pic.twitter.com/9dlXMAV72t
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 9, 2023
Chiarello was born on January 26, 1962, and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in New York at the age of 20.
In 1985, he was recognised as Chef of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine – an award he would win again in 2013.
The Top Chef judge set up Tra Vigne in 1986 where he served as executive chef and partner at the Napa Valley restaurant until 2000.
He would go on to establish a further other restaurants across California – including the Italian eateries Bottega and Coqueta.
Alongside his TV career, Chiarello wrote eight cookbooks and also branched into into wine-making industry and established the Chiarello Family Vineyard.
Tributes to the chef have been pouring in across social media.
One person writes: “I just learned that chef, Michael Chiarello died last night from an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock. He was a California pioneer in many things and his restaurants: Bottega and Coqueta continue to celebrate his legacy.”
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Someone else recalls: “One of my first dates with my now wife was at Michael Chiarello’s Tra Vigne in Napa. It was one of those perfect meals that we still talk about.
“He opened our eyes to what a restaurant experience could be and set the standard for us for fine dining. Tragic loss.”
“My God, how awful. My heart weeps for him and his family,” adds a third.
Another fan comments: “RIP Chef Michael Chiarello. This is really sad. He was one of the first chefs that I watched on [the] Food Network.”
Chiarello is survived by his ex-wife Eileen and their four children Aiden, Margaux, Felicia, and Giana.
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