Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello has died at the age of 61.
Chiarello's passing as well as the cause of his passing has been revealed by his company, Gruppo Chiarello.
People magazine reports, "Chiarello died at the Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, California, where he had been treated over the past week for an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock . . ."
The company added that Chiarello "spent his final moments surrounded by family and friends, who respectfully asked for privacy during this immensely sad and difficult period."
From Red Bluff, California, Chiarello would go on to have great culinary success.
He attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York, and, within three years of graduating, he was named Food & Wine Magazine's chef of the year.
Chiarello opened up the Tra Vigne restaurant in Napa Valley, California, which would become critically acclaimed. Throughout his life, he opened up several other restaurants, including restaurants in Cogquetz, Bottega, and Ottimo.
Chances are, though, if you are familiar with Chiarello, it is because of his television presence. He hosted several shows on PBS, Food Network, and other channels. In addition to hosting, he appeared in other shows, such as Top Chef and Top Chef Masters.
In 2003, Chiarello won a Daytime Emmy award for his television show, Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello.
Chiarello's family has released a statement in which they called the chef's passing a "profound loss."
"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 family wrote.
It continued, "As we navigate this profound loss, we hold dear the moments we cherished with him, both in his kitchens and in our hearts," the family added. "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."
The New York Post reports that "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, Margaux, Felicia, and Giana."
The family is planning on holding a private service for Chiarello. It is asking for any donations to be made to Meals on Wheels.
