Michael Chiarello, an iconic celebrity chef who often featured on the Food Network, has passed away aged 61.
The beloved chef reportedly died after he suffered an allergic reaction on Friday.
Chiarello's family expressed their grief and paid tribute to the culinary maestro in a statement obtained by The Wrap.
They said: "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."
The Gruppo Chiarello restaurant group paid tribute to the late California native, highlighting his enduring "passion for food."
Their statement read: "Chef Michael Chiarello's passion for food and life will forever be etched in our kitchens and our hearts. While we mourn Michael's passing, we also celebrate his legacy that continues with his restaurants, Bottega, Coqueta (San Francisco and Napa Valley), and Ottimo."
The statement also expressed that he died from "an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock".
The celebrated chef passed away surrounded by his family and close friends at the Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, California.
As per the New York Post, Chiarello hosted shows on PBS and the Food Network, and his talents graced hit series such as Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, and The Next Iron Chef.
In recognition of his exceptional hosting skills, Chiarello was honored with a Daytime Emmy in 2005 for Outstanding Service Show Host for his work on Food Network's Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello.
Chiarello was renowned for his fusion of Italian-inspired cuisine with the flavors of California. His culinary excellence earned him the title of Chef of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine in 1985.
In 1987, he marked a significant milestone by opening his first restaurant, Tra Vigne, in the Napa Valley.
Chiarello's television presence extended beyond his cooking shows, as he hosted Season by Season on PBS and NapaStyle on the Fine Living Network.
Colleagues and fans have flocked to social media to pay their respects, as celebrity chef Robert Irvine penned: "A very sad day for me personally and the culinary world. My thoughts and Prayers go out to family and team mates. RIP my Dear friend you will be sorely missed."
Michael Bauer, a former San Francisco Chronicle Restaurant Critic, tweeted: "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."
Michael Chiarello is survived by his ex-wife, Eileen Gordon, whom he married in 2003 before filing for divorce in 2019, and his four children, Aidan, Margaux, Felicia, and Giana.
Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and fans at this time.
