Tributes are pouring in on social media for Food Network chef and 'California pioneer' Michael Chiarello.
The award winning chef, who developed over 10 restaurants, sadly passed away at the Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, California on Friday (6 October).
Chiarello was known and loved for appearing on shows on Food Network, PBS and Cooking Channel, as well as presenting his own award-winning show Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello.
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The 61-year-old's company, Gruppo Chiarello, confirmed his passing in a statement.
Chiarello - who was a chef and restaurateur for 25 years - is reported as having passed away as a result of having an allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock.
His family said in a statement, as reported by Variety: "We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael.
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"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.
"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."
Fans of the chef have also flooded to social media to share memories of the star and offer their condolences to his family.
Former San Francisco Chronicle Restaurant Critic and Editor, Michael Bauer, said in a post to X - formerly known as Twitter: "I just learned that chef, Michael Chiarello died last night from an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock.
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"He was a California pioneer in many things and his restaurants: Bottega and Coqueta continue to celebrate his legacy."
Another fan of the chef wrote: "One of my first dates with my now wife was at Michael Chiarello's Tra Vigne in Napa. It was one of those perfect meals that we still talk about. He opened our eyes to what a restaurant experience could be and set the standard for us for fine dining. Tragic loss."
"RIP Chef #MichaelChiarello. This is really sad. He was one of the first chefs that I watched on @FoodNetwork. I ate at his #TraVigne Restaurant in Saint Helena," a third commented.
And a fourth resolved: "Tragic and sad news. A legend is gone."
While keeping the chef's funeral arrangements private, Chiarello's family have asked for donations to be made to Meals on Wheels, instead of money being put towards flowers.
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Chiarello's longtime partners in Gruppo Chiarello said, according to Variety: "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.
"In remembrance, we ask that you join us in celebrating his remarkable journey and the incredible impact he had on the world of food, wine, and family by inviting you to share a meal with your family and friends to remind all of us that the bonds forged over a meal are among life’s most precious treasures."
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