Antonio Carluccio, the Italian chef and restaurateur widely credited with introducing a wider audience to authentic Italian cuisine passed away on Wednesday November 8.
Carluccio wrote 22 books and was a TV personality starring in several shows including the BBC2 series Two Greedy Italians, alongside the chef Gennaro Contaldo.
The chef received several distinctions during his career both in Italy and the UK. He was appointed commendatore by the Italian government in 1998 (the equivalent of a British knighthood). Carluccio also received an OBE from the Queen in 2007 for services to the catering industry, and in 2012 he received the AA Hospitality Lifetime Achievement award, given to people who have made significant contributions to their industry.
A Carluccio’s representative said in a statement: “We are incredibly saddened by the news that Antonio Carluccio, our founder, passed away on Wednesday. Antonio built Carluccio’s from one restaurant to the fantastic brand it is today. It isn’t just Antonio’s name above our doors, but his heart and soul lives and breathes throughout our restaurants.
“Antonio was an OBE, OMRI and a much-loved and respected Italian cookery writer, cook, restaurateur, food expert and TV personality. He was regarded as the godfather of Italian cooking. Antonio has been a huge inspiration to many of us and his energy, zest for life and sense of humour will be greatly missed.”
Fellow chefs took to social media to express their sadness upon hearing the news.
Hi guys with great sadness I’ve heard that Antonio Carluccio passed away this morning. He was my… https://t.co/0yInG1m2gx
— Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) November 8, 2017
Rest in peace Antonio Carluccio, a wonderful character and a truly great man. X
— Jean-Christophe (@jc_novelli) November 8, 2017
Very sorry to learn of Antonio Carluccio’s death I was very fond of him, loved his Italian enthusiasm for food and his avuncular style of cooking on TV ; so relaxed, so friendly Will miss him
— Rick Stein (@Rick_Stein) November 8, 2017
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