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In a Hudson Yards at Home video making burgers. Recorded June 2020
Michael Lomonaco (born January 2, 1955) is an American chef, restaurateur, and television personality. He is best known as the former executive chef and director of Windows on the World, which was located at the top of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Although the restaurant was destroyed and all on-duty staff were killed during the September 11 attacks, Lomonaco survived because he was in the tower's lobby at the time and evacuated safely. He later opened Porter House New York, which Esquire named one of America's Best New Restaurants in October 2006.[1]
As an aspiring actor who cooked as a hobby, Lomonaco said that meeting Patrick Clark inspired him to become a chef.[2] Lomonaco started his culinary education at the New York City College of Technology, graduating from the Hotel and Restaurant Management program in 1984. He garnered attention during the 1980s at New York's restaurant Le Cirque, working under chefs Alain Sailhac and Daniel Boulud. Later that decade, Lomonaco moved on to another New York institution, 21 Club. He changed the restaurant, known for its storied history as a Prohibition-era speakeasy, by eliminating some older continental standbys in favor of updated American fare. Lomonaco remained at 21 Club until 1996. While at the restaurant, he co-published a book of recipes from the restaurant.[2]
In 1997, Lomonaco became the Executive Chef/Director for Windows on the World,[3] which was located on the 106th and 107th floors of the North Tower of the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan. During his tenure, he updated the menu from traditional French to modern American cuisine. In response, the restaurant became one of America's highest-grossing restaurants for three years in a row.[4] As executive director, Lomonaco was responsible for the main dining room, as well as the smaller Wild Blue restaurant, and the bar, The Greatest Bar on Earth.[3][5]
Lomonaco was uninjured during the September 11 attacks, as he was in the concourse of the World Trade Center having a pair of eyeglasses repaired at LensCrafters.[6] The first plane crashed and he was evacuated shortly afterwards.[7]
After September 11, 2001
After the September 11 attacks, Lomonaco became a consulting chef at Noche, a multi-story restaurant and nightclub in midtown Manhattan, known for it's South American cuisine and Latin dance music.[8] Many former employees of Windows on the World also worked at Noche alongside Lomonaco when it debuted in 2002. However, the restaurant is no longer open. He also served as a consultant for Guastavinos, a restaurant located under the Manhattan end of the Queensboro Bridge.
Before his culinary career, Lomonaco's goal was to be an actor, which he pursued for eight years.[14] He later combined his experience as a chef and actor in his work as a host and guest on various food TV programs. Lomonaco is the co-host of the Discovery Channel's program Epicurious. Previously, he hosted Michael's Place on the Food Network for three years. He has also made appearances on talk shows and cooking programs such as In Julia's Kitchen with Master Chefs.[4] He also guest starred season five, episode eight of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, titled "Disappearing Manhattan."
Lomonaco has also been a featured chef on Great Chefs television.[15]
Lomonaco is a co-author of The 21 Cookbook, published by Doubleday in 1995, commemorating his recipes at the famed restaurant. In 2004, he released "Nightly Specials: 125 Recipes for Spontaneous, Creative Cooking at Home."[16] He has written articles and recipes for many magazines, including the New YorkMagazine, Gourmet and Food & Wine.
Teaching and charity
Lomonaco teaches culinary students at the City University of New York and Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan, New York. He has also appeared as a guest chef at events such as the International Hotel Show, the Chicago Restaurant Show, and Festa Italiana Seattle.[17]
Following the September 11 attacks, Lomonaco co-founded the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund to support the families of restaurant and food service workers who were lost in the tragedy. He also regularly participates in charity cooking events benefiting organizations such as the March of Dimes, City Harvest and Share Our Strength.
Personal Life
Lomonaco married Diane Lomonaco in 1980, and the couple was living in Manhattan as of 2002.[18] Diane Lomonaco later passed away in 2021.[19]
↑Lomonaco, Michael (2 November 2004). Nightly Specials: 125 Recipes for Spontaneous, Creative Cooking at Home. William Morrow Cookbooks. ISBN0060555629.
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