Michael Dominic Chiarello (January 26, 1962 – October 6, 2023)[1] was an American celebrity chef, restauranteur, and businessperson, who was known for Italian-influenced California cuisine.

[1] After graduating in 1982 from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York,[3] he studied hospitality management at Florida International University, and received his bachelor's degree in 1984.

The next year, he opened the Grand Bay Hotel in Coconut Grove, Florida, and Toby's Bar and Grill.

He opened the Tra Vigne restaurant in 1987, creating a menu influenced by the cuisine of his family's native Calabria and rife with local seasonal ingredients.

[7] He has since served as executive chef in numerous American restaurants, including Caffe Museo in San Francisco; Ajax Tavern and Bump's in Aspen, Colorado; and Bistecca Italian Steakhouse in Scottsdale, Arizona.

[8] Chiarello also owned NapaStyle in Yountville, California, which sold a selection of exclusive drinkware, serverware, and designer tabletop pieces, which closed on January 4, 2016.