Comments on: Restaurant Review: Michael Chiarello’s Bottega, Napa Valley

By: Michael Fox

Michael Fox — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:33:04 +0000

I have had a 3 or 4 brief encounters with Michael Chiarello when he was at Travigne’s and each time I was struck by his charm and graciousness. Unsolicited he would go out of his way to say hello and chat with incredible charm. The food at Travigne’s while he was there was robust. Since his departure the food has lost some of it’s punch though I still enjoy eating there. As for Top Chef Master the sous chef Dale is notorious for his little man complex and the behavior he displayed toward Chiarello is typical of him. One would have thought he would have been a bit more respectful but I guess he is under the illusion that he is on the same level of Chiarello. I know it made for good TV but I honestly wouldn’t have displayed the same level of restraint as Chiarello did. I’m looking forward to eating at Bottega. Like his chef Will stated eloquently above, I am convinced Chiarello is a passionate and loyal friend and teacher, beside being a great chef. You can’t fake his sincerity.
Michael Fox

By: sherim

sherim — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 07:53:20 +0000

I have to say, I have always been a big fan of Michael Chiarello…he seemed talented but also with a gentle demeanor… but his behaviour on Top Chef Masters was really difficult to watch. I think the sous chef was definetly out of line as well but I can see how Chef Chiarello’s behaviour throughout this challenge got some of the sous chef’s riled up. I certainly have changed my stance on Mr. Chiarello, and I am truly dissapointed because I always felt like he was a decent person. :/

By: Side of Poppadom

Side of Poppadom — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 04:34:25 +0000

Well, he is certainly acting like a pompous rump roast at the buffet challenge on TCM. Funny, all the rumors about him being gay from his demeanor on his TV show. Who would have thought he was just a jerk?

By: Loving Annie

Loving Annie — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:39:39 +0000

As a customer, my experience with him was one of the utmost charm and intelligent affability.

Plus, excuse my feminine flutterings, he is SERIOUSLY hot !!

And the cooking was so good. How can you not fall in love with a man who not only looks like that but can make food taste like that ???

Will’s comment above sounds like a reasonable perspective.

Loving Annie

By: Will

Will — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:48:00 +0000

Having worked for Michael Chiarello for a number of years, I suppose I am one who has never had an issue with his temperament. I have always regarded a sharply worded comment as a valid management technique, especially if you “let it go” literally moments after the “jab”, as Chiarello always does. It’s never personal, it’s about uncompromising excellence. The analogy I’ve settled on is the 19th century orchestra. In those days, it was much more common to have the composer of the piece also double as the conductor, and they were often very fierce with the players. But if you knew your part and weathered the occasional storm of the composer/conductor’s temper, you had the priviledge of being part of creating a really extraordinary experience for the audience based on the creative vision and high standards of someone you deeply respect. I think that captures why so many of us have remained so loyal to Michael for so long as a chef, a mentor and a friend.

By: thirstyreader

thirstyreader — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 07:16:59 +0000

Touché. Thin skin and cooking chops rarely go hand in hand.

By: John

John — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:02:13 +0000

Over the years I’ve heard several cooks (yes, cooks) say they wouldn’t work for Mr. Chiarello. In my experience, it isn’t anything they have to worry about.

By: M. Chiarello

M. Chiarello — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:02:20 +0000

I am thrilled you had a good experience at Bottega. We are all working hard to create a warm and tasty place.

You are quite right…I was a hard charging Chef in my earlier years. Expectations are high but the kitchen tension is quite mellow at Bottega. I plan to keep it that way. I am sure slips will be made but true intentions are now known.