Michael Lomonaco facts for kids

Michael Lomonaco (born January 2, 1955) is a famous American chef. He also owns restaurants and has been on TV shows. He was the head chef at Windows on the World. This restaurant was at the very top of the North Tower in New York City.

Sadly, the restaurant was destroyed during the September 11 attacks. All the staff working there at that time passed away. Michael Lomonaco was lucky. He was in the building's lobby during the attacks and was able to get out safely. Later, he opened a new restaurant called Porter House New York. A magazine called Esquire said it was one of America's best new restaurants in 2006.

Becoming a Chef

Michael Lomonaco first wanted to be an actor. He cooked as a hobby. But then he met another chef, Patrick Clark. This meeting inspired Michael to become a chef instead.

He started learning about cooking at the New York City College of Technology. He finished his studies in Hotel and Restaurant Management in 1984. Michael became well-known in the 1980s. He worked at a famous New York restaurant called Le Cirque. There, he learned from great chefs like Alain Sailhac and Daniel Boulud.

Later, Michael moved to another famous New York place, the 21 Club. This restaurant had a long history. It was a secret bar during the Prohibition era. Michael made the restaurant exciting again. He changed the menu, adding new American dishes. He stayed at the 21 Club until 1996. While he was there, he even published a cookbook with recipes from the restaurant.

Leading Windows on the World

In 1997, Michael Lomonaco became the main chef and director for Windows on the World. This restaurant was on the 106th and 107th floors. It was located in the North Tower in Manhattan.

Once again, he updated the menu. He changed it from traditional French food to modern American dishes. This was a big success! The restaurant became one of America's highest-earning restaurants for three years in a row. As the director, Michael was in charge of the main dining room. He also managed the smaller Wild Blue restaurant and a bar called The Greatest Bar on Earth.

Michael Lomonaco was not hurt during the September 11 attacks. He was in the World Trade Center's concourse. He was getting his eyeglasses fixed at LensCrafters. The first plane hit the tower, and he was able to leave the building soon after.

After September 11

After the September 11 attacks, Michael Lomonaco worked as a consulting chef. He helped Noche, a large restaurant and nightclub in midtown Manhattan. Noche featured food from Latin America and the Caribbean. Many former employees from Windows on the World also worked with Michael at Noche when it opened in 2002. However, Noche closed in late 2004. He also advised another restaurant called Guastavinos. This restaurant was located under the Queensboro Bridge in Manhattan.

In 2006, Michael Lomonaco opened his own restaurant. It was called Porter House New York. This American grill is in the newer Time Warner Center near Columbus Circle. The restaurant has 250 seats and offers views of Central Park South. It has received good reviews for its modern American food.

TV and Books

Before becoming a chef, Michael Lomonaco wanted to be an actor. He worked on acting for eight years. This training helped him combine his cooking skills with being on camera.

Michael is a co-host on the Discovery Channel show Epicurious. He also hosted Michael's Place on the Food Network for three years. He has appeared on many talk shows and cooking programs. One show was In Julia's Kitchen with Master Chefs. He also appeared in an episode of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, called "Disappearing Manhattan".

Michael Lomonaco has also been a featured chef on the Great Chefs TV show.

He helped write The 21 Cookbook, which came out in 1995. This book shared recipes from the famous 21 Club restaurant. In 2004, he released another cookbook called "Nightly Specials: 125 Recipes for Spontaneous, Creative Cooking at Home". He has also written articles and recipes for many magazines. These include New York Magazine, Gourmet, and Food & Wine.

Teaching and Helping Others

Michael Lomonaco teaches cooking to students. He teaches at the City University of New York and the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan. He also appears as a guest chef at big events. These include the International Hotel Show and the Chicago Restaurant Show.

After the September 11 attacks, Michael Lomonaco helped start the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund. This fund helps the families of restaurant workers who were lost in the tragedy. He also often takes part in charity cooking events. These events help organizations like the March of Dimes, City Harvest, and Share Our Strength.