News of Michael Chiarello’s death has prompted tributes not only from Robert Irvine but others whose lives he touched in some way. Restaurateur and Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer also paid tribute to him by sharing an anecdote of how Chiarello inspired him. “One morning in the ’90’s, Michael Chiarello met me at his Aspen restaurant, Ajax Tavern, where we exchanged philosophies on hospitality. He described our way of leading as ‘constant, gentle, pressure.’ Those words became the centerpiece of how we teach the ‘Salt Shaker Theory,'” he tweeted. The County of Napa extended its condolences in a heartfelt tweet that also praised the chef’s talent and remembered his affection for Napa Valley.
Many fans mourned the loss of Chiarello by sharing personal anecdotes involving him. One fan wrote about meeting the chef nearly two decades ago and recalled Chiarello’s kindness. Another fan shared how Chiarello’s food interweaved with his life: “One of my first dates with my now wife was at Michael Chiarello’s Tra Vigne in Napa. It was one of those perfect meals that we still talk about. He opened our eyes to what a restaurant experience could be and set the standard for us for fine dining. Tragic loss.”