Top TV chef dies after allergic reaction aged 61

'His culinary brilliance, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment to family were at the core of his being'

Michael Chiarello died in hospital on Friday after being treated for an an acute allergic reaction, which led to anaphylactic shock.

The chef's family confirmed the news in a statement, saying: "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.

"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 savour life's flavours.”

Chiarello was a regular guest on the Today Show and The View and won an Emmy for his hit show, Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello.

He was named Food & Wine Magazine's Chef of the Year Award in 1985, just three years after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America. Esquire magazine awarded him the same title in 2013.

Before his death, Chiarello, who lived in his vineyards in Napa Valley with his wife and children, ran a number of restaurants and authored a series of cookbooks.