Food Network Star Michael Chiarello Dead at Age 61
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Michael Chiarello, a celebrity chef and former Food Network star, has died. He was 61.
Chiarello passed away over the weekend at the Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, California. He was being treated there for the last week for an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock, his company Gruppo Chiarello shared in a statement obtained by The Wrap.
The late chef's family also confirmed the news per the publication, "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," wrote the family, concluding that "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.”
Instead of flowers, Chiarello's family asked people to donate to Meals on Wheels. They also announced his funeral would be private.
Chiarello opened his first restaurant, Tra Vigne, in Napa Valley in 1987. Over the years, he greatly expanded his reach, opening various restaurants across the state of California, generally focusing on Italian-style cuisine. He also ventured into winemaking in 1999, opening Chiarello Family Vineyards, followed shortly by his own brand, Napa Style.
His television career began with his first series, Season by Season, which ran on PBS in 2000. After hosting two more series with the network, Michael Chiarello's Napa and Michael Chiarello's Napa: Casual Cooking, he moved to Food Network for Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello, which premiered in 2003. The following year, he also premiered NapaStyle on the Food Network's sister network, Fine Living Network.
The late chef made many appearances on other popular shows as well, such as Chopped, Top Chef, Unique Eats, and more, and in 2011, he competed in season 4 of The Next Iron Chef.
Chiarello is survived by his ex-wife, Eileen Gordon, and four children, Aidan, Margaux, Felicia and Giana.
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