Celebrity chef and Food Network host Michael Chiarello has died at the age of 61

Food, drink

by Jack Hobbs

Celebrity chef and Food Network icon Michael Chiarello died Friday after suffering an allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock, according to his restaurant group. He was 61 years old.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael,” the Chiarello family said in a statement. Obtained by The Wrap. “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 Post has reached out to Chiarello’s representatives for comment.

Chiarello was born on January 26, 1962, and has presented shows on PBS and the Food Network, as well as appearing on “Top Chef,” “Top Chef Masters” and “The Next Iron Chef.”

He won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2005 for Outstanding Service Presentation Host for “Easy Entertainment with Michael Chiarello” on the Food Network.

He died surrounded by his family and friends at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, California.

Restaurant group Gruppo Chiarello issued a statement remembering the California native’s “passion for food.”

“Chef Michael Chiarello’s passion for food and life will forever be etched in our kitchens and hearts,” the statement read. “While we mourn Michael’s passing, we also celebrate his legacy that continues with his restaurants, Bottega, Coquita (San Francisco and Napa Valley), and Ottimo.”

Known for his Italian-influenced California cuisine, Chiarello was honored as Chef of the Year in 1985 by Food & Wine magazine.

He opened his first restaurant, Tra Vigne, in Napa Valley in 1987.

He hosted “Season by Season” on PBS and “NapaStyle” on the Fine Living Network.

He placed second on the first season of “Top Chef Masters” in 2009 and third on the “super chefs” edition of “The Next Iron Chef” in 2011.

He was a judge on “Top Chef” in 2009 and “Chopped” in 2016.

He has written several cookbooks, including Bottega: Bold Italian Flavors from the Heart of California’s Wine Country, At Home with Michael Chiarello: Easy Entertaining, and Michael Chiarello’s Casual Cooking.

In 2016, it was Chiarello Accused of sexual harassment By two former servants.

They claimed that Chiarello once compared a martini to breasts and told managers to hire only those they found sexually attractive.

At the time, a representative for Chiarello called the allegations baseless and said the chef would defend himself vigorously.

Chiarello settled the lawsuit out of court in 2017.

Many of his fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their dismay at the chef’s unexpected death.

“It is a very sad day for me personally and for the culinary world.” to publish Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine. “My thoughts and prayers go out to my family and teammates… Rest in peace my dear friend, you will be greatly missed.”

“So sad to hear of the passing of one of my favorite chefs, Michael Chiarello,” chirp Second user. “He had a severe allergic reaction last week. Allergic reactions are not benign.”

“Michael Chiarello has passed away. shame on you” sadness Third person. “He was one of the first chefs I looked up to when I first started cooking 20 years ago. He seems like a great guy. Terrible stuff.”

Chiarello is survived by his ex-wife Eileen Gordon, who married Chiarello in 2003 before he filed for divorce in 2019, and his four children, Aidan, Margo, Felicia and Gianna.