Michael Chiarello, the Food Network star and chef who suffered an “acute allergic reaction” that resulted in anaphylactic shock, had “no known allergies” at the time of his death, Fox News Digital can confirm.
“Michael’s doctors don’t know what caused the allergic reaction, and neither does the family,” a representative for his restaurant group, Gruppo Chiarello, told Fox News Digital. “You may never know.”
Fox News Digital has asked the Napa County Sheriff Coroner’s Office about an autopsy, although the representative was not aware of any plans to conduct one.
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Food Network star Michael Chiarello died at the age of 61 after suffering anaphylactic shock due to an “acute allergic reaction.” (ZUMA Press Inc / Alamy Stock Photo)
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On October 7, Chiarello died at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, California, “surrounded by family and friends,” according to an original statement from the restaurant group. He had been treated there for a week before his death. The chef was just 61 years old.
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“We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael. His culinary brilliance, his limitless creativity and his unwavering commitment to his family formed the core of his being,” his family specifically added. “He brought people together through the joy of shared meals and created lasting memories around the table. As we process this difficult loss, we treasure the moments we cherished with him, both in his kitchen and in our hearts. His legacy will live on forever in the love he put into every dish and the passion he instilled in all of us to enjoy the flavors of life.”
Michael Chiarello was known for his show on the Food Network, “Easy Entertaining.” (Chiarello group)
Chiarello is best known for his time on Food Network and his show “Easy Entertaining,” which aired for ten seasons. He was a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.
“His love affair with Napa Valley began in 1987 with his critically acclaimed restaurant Tra Vigne, which created the spirit of what would become the Napa Valley culinary scene we know today,” the announcement continued. Chiarello also had the Coqueta and Ottimo restaurants in Napa Valley and the Bottega restaurant in San Francisco.
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“Chef Michael Chiarello’s passion for food and life will forever be embedded in our kitchens and our hearts,” said his partners at Gruppo Chiarello. “As we mourn Michael’s death, we also celebrate his legacy, which lives on in his restaurants… In remembrance, we ask you to join us in celebrating his remarkable journey and the incredible impact he had on the world of food, wine and… “You would like to share a meal with your family and friends to remind us all that the bonds formed over a meal are among life’s most precious treasures.”
Michael Chiarello owned several restaurants in California. (Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for NYCWFF)
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In addition to several shows on the Food Network, Chiarello has appeared on the Cooking Channel, PBS, and Fine Living, and even served as a judge on episodes of Bravo’s “Top Chef” and “Top Chef Masters.”