Food Network star Michael Chiarello has died at the age of 61 on NBC Bay Area

The death of famous chef Michael Chiarello.

The former Food Network star died at the age of 61 at a hospital in Napa, California, after being treated there over the past week for a severe allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock, his company Gruppo Chiarello announced in a statement on October 7. The group added that he spent his last moments surrounded by his family and friends.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael,” the company quoted his family as saying. “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 statement continued: “As we face this tremendous loss, we cherish the moments we have with him, whether in his kitchens or in our hearts. His legacy will forever live on in the love he poured into every dish and the passion he instilled.” It is in all of us to savor the flavors of life.”

Chiarello, a California native, opened his first restaurant in Napa, Tra Vision, in 1987 — two years after Food & Wine magazine named him Chef of the Year. He also founded Chiarello Family Vineyards in 1999 and released a slew of cookbooks before making his television debut in 2000 as host of the PBS cooking series “Season by Season.”

In 2003, Chiarello began hosting the Food Network show “Easy Entertainment with Michael Chiarello,” which aired for 10 seasons until 2008. He later competed on Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters” and also appeared in episodes of “The Best Thing I ” on Food Network. Ever Ate” and “The Next Iron Chef.” His last television appearance was in 2016, when he starred in a double episode of the recent cable channel’s “Chopped” series “Grill Masters: Napa.”

Funeral arrangements will remain private, and in lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to Meals on Wheels, “to ensure his continued commitment to culinary excellence and sustainability,” his company said in a statement.