Antonio Carluccio has died at the age of 80.
The celebrity chef – who founded the Italian restaurant chain Carluccio’s in 1999 – passed away this morning (08.11.17).
A statement released by his agent on his website said: "It is with great sadness that we announce that Commendatore Antonio Carluccio OBE sadly passed away this morning.at sadness that we announce that Commendatore Antonio Carluccio OBE sadly passed away this morning.
"Commendatore Antonio Carluccio was an OBE, OMRI and a much loved and respected Italian cookery writer, cook, restaurateur, food expert and loved TV personality, he was regarded as the Godfather of Italian cooking. Raised in the rural North West of Italy, Antonio had a rare and privileged breadth of culinary knowledge.
"Antonio was appointed Commendatore by the Italian Government in 1998 for services rendered to Italy, the equivalent of a British knighthood. He also received an OBE from The Queen in 2007 for services to the catering industry.
"In 1981 Antonio opened the Neal Street Restaurant in Covent Garden, London, which traded for 26 years. In the same year he also was runner up in the Sunday Times Cook of the Year. In 1999 Antonio co-founded Carluccio’s and it is his dedication and legacy which has made the restaurant group one of the UK’s most successful and well-known brands.
"Antonio was awarded the AA Hospitality Lifetime Achievement award in 2012. Winners of this award are congratulated for making significant contributions to their industry, which have had a notable impact, and have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to progress in their field. (sic)"
It’s not yet known where or how he died but his restaurant chain have taken to its official Twitter page to share a sweet tribute, in which they branded the culinary genius a "huge inspiration" and his "energy and sense of humour" will be missed.
The tweet said: "We are incredibly saddened by the news that Antonio Carluccio passed away today. He was a huge inspiration to us & his energy & sense of humour will be greatly missed. http://bit.ly/2zGrd4X (sic)"
Antonio Carluccio is dead at 80
