What Was Michael Chiarello's Net Worth?
Michael Chiarello was an American celebrity chef with a net worth of $3.5 million. Early in his career, he opened The Grand Bay Hotel and Toby's Bar and Grill in Florida. Later, he owned notable California restaurants such as Tra Vigne, Bottega, and Coqueta. Michael also owned the Chiarello Family Vineyards winery and the NapaStyle store in Yountville, California.
Michael hosted and executive produced several shows including "Season by Season" on PBS, "Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello" on the Food Network, and "NapaStyle" on the Fine Living Network. He appeared on television programs like "Top Chef," "Top Chef Masters," "The Next Iron Chef," "Unique Eats," "The Best Thing I Ever Made," "Restaurant: Impossible," and "Chopped." He also authored cookbooks such as "Flavored Oils and Flavored Vinegars" (1995), "Tra Vigne Cookbook" (1999), and "Michael Chiarello's Live Fire: 125 Recipes for Cooking Outdoors" (2013). In 1995, the Culinary Institute of America named Michael Chef of the Year.
Sadly, Michael Chiarello passed away on October 6, 2023, at the age of 61 due to anaphylactic shock.
Early Life
Born Michael Dominic Chiarello on January 26, 1962, in Red Bluff, California, Michael came from an Italian-American family. His early culinary aspirations were influenced by his family's background in food-related professions. He attended the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1982, and earned a bachelor's degree in hospitality management from Florida International University in 1984.
Career
In 1985, Chiarello launched his career by opening The Grand Bay Hotel and Toby's Bar and Grill in Florida. He was named Chef of the Year by "Food & Wine Magazine." Returning to California, he established Tra Vigne restaurant in Napa Valley. He also served as the executive chef at various restaurants such as Ajax Tavern in Aspen, Colorado, and Bistecca Italian Steakhouse in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Michael hosted the PBS show "Season by Season" and the Food Network's "Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello," which won three Daytime Emmys. He was a contestant on "Top Chef Masters," finishing in second place, and competed on "The Next Iron Chef" in 2011. In 2013, he opened the restaurant Coqueta in San Francisco, a James Beard award finalist. At the time of his death, he owned the Italian restaurants Bottega and Ottimo in Napa Valley.
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Personal Life
Michael had three daughters, Felicia, Margaux, and Giana, with his first wife, Ines Bartel. He later married Eileen Gordon in 2004 and had a son named Aidan. They filed for divorce in 2019. In 2016, Chiarello faced lawsuits for labor law violations and sexual harassment, which were settled later. In November 2016, he was arrested for DUI and possession of a controlled substance but was released after posting bail.
Death
Michael Chiarello passed away on October 6, 2023, at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa due to anaphylactic shock. Despite investigations, the cause of the allergic reaction remains unknown. His family expressed deep mourning in a statement, highlighting his culinary brilliance and commitment to family, urging donations to Meals on Wheels in lieu of flowers.
Awards
Michael Chiarello received numerous accolades throughout his career. In 2005, he won a Daytime Emmy for "Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello." He was named Chef of the Year by "Food & Wine Magazine" in 1985, the Culinary Institute of America in 1995, and "Esquire" magazine in 2013. The Culinary Institute also honored him as Alumni of the Year in 2010. Additionally, he won the International Fancy Food Show's Best Product Line award in 1994 and the Robert Mondavi Culinary Award in 1998. In 2002, his book "Michael Chiarello's Casual Cooking" earned the IACP Cookbook Award.
