Michael Chiarello, celebrity chef and former Food Network star, dies at 61 following allergic reaction

Michael Chiarello, the acclaimed restaurateur, celebrity chef and former Food Network star, has died. He was 61.

Chiarello died at the Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, Calif., where he was being treated after an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock. His company, Gruppo Chiarello, announced the news in a statement shared with EW, adding that Chiarello spent his final moments surrounded by family and friends.

"We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael," the Chiarello family said in a statement. "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."

Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images Michael Chiarello

They continued, "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."

For a decade, Chiarello hosted shows on PBS, Food Network, Fine Living, and The Cooking Channel. He most notably headlined his own TV series, Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello, from 2003 to 2010. He also served as a judge in Bravo's Top Chef franchise, participated in the Next Iron Chef competition, and appeared as a guest chef on the likes of the Today show and The View.

Steve Jennings/WireImage Michael Chiarello

Born in Red Bluff, California in 1962, Chiarello's passion for the culinary arts began in childhood, as he explored the traditions of his Southern Italian heritage. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in1 982, and just three years later, was honored as 1985's Chef of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine.

That decade saw Chiarello move back to his home state of California, making his home in the Napa Valley, where he would also open his critically acclaimed restaurant Tra Vigne. While the legendary spot closed in 2015, Chiarello later opened Bottega, Coqueta, and Ottimo with his partners at Gruppo Chiarello.

Chiarello faced controversy in 2016 when two former Coqueta employees accused him and other management level employees of creating a "sexually charged, hostile and abusive environment," according to an Eater report. He denied the claims against him, and the lawsuits were settled the following year.

Along with his TV career, Chiarello has penned several cookbooks that have garnered recognition from both IACP and the James Beard Foundation. He has also been praised for a culinary philosophy that revolved around sustainability and a culture of shared meals.

In lieu of flowers, his family has asked for donations to Meals on Wheels

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