Antonio Carluccio

Antonio Carluccio signing books

Antonio Carluccio (19 April 1937 – 8 November 2017) was an Italian chef, restaurateur, and food expert, known for his significant contributions to the culinary world, particularly in the promotion of Italian cuisine. He was often referred to as the "godfather of Italian gastronomy."

Early Life

Antonio Carluccio was born in Vietri sul Mare, a town in the province of Salerno, in the Campania region of Italy. He grew up in the Piedmont region, where he developed a passion for food and cooking from a young age.

Career

Carluccio began his career in the food industry in the 1980s. He moved to London in 1975 and initially worked as a wine merchant. In 1981, he took over the Neal Street Restaurant in Covent Garden, which was owned by his then brother-in-law Terence Conran. Under Carluccio's leadership, the restaurant became one of the most celebrated Italian eateries in London.

Carluccio's Restaurant Chain

In 1999, Antonio Carluccio and his then-wife Priscilla founded the Carluccio's restaurant chain, which aimed to provide high-quality, authentic Italian food at reasonable prices. The chain quickly expanded, becoming a popular dining destination in the United Kingdom and beyond.

Television and Writing

Carluccio was also a prolific author and television personality. He wrote numerous cookbooks, including "An Invitation to Italian Cooking" and "Antonio Carluccio's Simple Cooking." He co-hosted the popular BBC television series "Two Greedy Italians" with fellow chef Gennaro Contaldo, which explored the culinary traditions of Italy.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Carluccio received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the culinary arts. In 1998, he was appointed a Commendatore of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for his services to Italian gastronomy. He was also awarded an honorary OBE in 2007 for his services to the catering industry.

Personal Life

Antonio Carluccio was married three times and had no children. He was known for his warm personality and his passion for mushrooms, which he often foraged himself. Carluccio passed away on 8 November 2017 at the age of 80.

Legacy

Antonio Carluccio's legacy lives on through his cookbooks, television shows, and the Carluccio's restaurant chain. He is remembered as a pioneer of Italian cuisine in the UK and a beloved figure in the culinary world.

Related Pages

• Italian cuisine
• Gennaro Contaldo
• Terence Conran
• Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
• Order of the British Empire