Antonio Carluccio
Antonio Carluccio, OBE, OMRI (April 19, 1937 – November 8, 2017), distinguished himself as an Italian chef, restaurateur, and culinary authority, primarily based in London. Renowned as "the godfather of Italian gastronomy," Carluccio enjoyed a career spanning over half a century, leaving an enduring legacy in the culinary realm.
His most notable contributions include captivating television appearances, notably his collaboration with fellow Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo, which led to the creation of the acclaimed BBC Two television series "Two Greedy Italians." Carluccio's television presence not only showcased his culinary expertise but also celebrated the richness of Italian cuisine and culture.
Born in Vietri sul Mare, Salerno, in the Campania region, Carluccio was the fifth of six children born to Giovanni Carluccio, a stationmaster from a family of Benevento bookbinders, and Maria Carluccio (née Trivellone). His upbringing included relocations due to his father's job, leading to experiences in Castelnuovo Belbo and Borgofranco d'Ivrea, where he developed a passion for foraging mushrooms and fungi in the lush forests alongside his father.
After fulfilling his mandatory military service in the Italian Navy, Carluccio briefly pursued journalism with La Stampa in Turin before transitioning to a role with typewriter manufacturer Olivetti. At age 21, he embarked on language studies in Vienna, followed by a career in wine merchandising in Germany from 1962 to 1975. His journey eventually brought him to the United Kingdom in 1975, where he continued his work in wine importation.
Carluccio's pivotal moment arrived in 1981 when he assumed the management of Terence Conran's Neal Street Restaurant in London's Covent Garden, eventually becoming its proprietor in 1989. Notably, his tenure at the restaurant served as the launchpad for British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's professional career. Carluccio authored twenty books on Italian cuisine and graced BBC television screens, appearing on the Food and Drink Programme and hosting his own series, "Antonio Carluccio's Italian Feasts," in 1996.
In 2011, his culinary explorations with Gennaro Contaldo were documented in the BBC Two series "Two Greedy Italians," followed by a sequel titled "Two Greedy Italians: Still Hungry" the following year. Carluccio's contributions were further recognized in 2012 when he received the AA Lifetime Achievement Award and released his autobiography, "A Recipe For Life."
In a testament to his enduring impact, the Antonio Carluccio Library and Archive was established at Oxford Brookes University in September 2021, preserving his culinary legacy for future generations to cherish and learn from.
