Michael Lomonaco facts for kids

Michael Lomonaco (born January 2, 1955) is a famous American chef, restaurateur, and television personality. He is best known for being the head chef and director at Windows on the World. This well-known restaurant was located at the very top of the North Tower of the original World Trade Center in New York City.

Sadly, the restaurant was destroyed during the September 11 attacks. All the staff working there at the time lost their lives. Michael Lomonaco survived because he was in the tower's lobby when the attacks happened. He was then safely evacuated from the building. After this, he opened a new restaurant called Porter House New York. In 2006, Esquire magazine named it one of America's Best New Restaurants.

Becoming a Chef

Michael Lomonaco first wanted to be an actor. Cooking was just a fun hobby for him. He shared that meeting another chef, Patrick Clark, made him want to become a chef himself.

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

Later, Michael moved to another famous New York spot, the 21 Club. This restaurant was known for its history as a secret bar during Prohibition. It also had many celebrity visitors. Michael made the restaurant popular again by updating its menu. He changed some old dishes to new American ones. He stayed at the 21 Club until 1996. While there, he even published a cookbook with recipes from the restaurant.

Leading Windows on the World

In 1997, Michael Lomonaco became the Executive Chef and Director for Windows on the World. This restaurant was on the 106th and 107th floors of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. It was located in lower Manhattan.

Again, he successfully updated the menu. He changed it from classic French food to modern American dishes. Because of his work, the restaurant became one of America's highest-earning restaurants for three years in a row. As the executive 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.

Surviving September 11

Michael Lomonaco was not hurt during the September 11 attacks. On that day, he was in the concourse area of the World Trade Center. He was getting his eyeglasses fixed at a store called LensCrafters. The first plane crashed into the tower. Michael was evacuated from the building shortly after.

Life After 9/11

After the September 11 attacks, many of Michael's friends and co-workers passed away. He then became a consulting chef for Noche. This was a large restaurant and nightclub in midtown Manhattan. It featured foods 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. Noche closed in late 2004. Michael also worked as a consultant for Guastavinos, a restaurant under the Queensboro Bridge.

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

Television and Media Work

Before becoming a chef, Michael Lomonaco wanted to be an actor for eight years. His acting training helped him combine his two passions in front of the camera. Michael is a co-host on the Discovery Channel show Epicurious. Before that, he hosted Michael's Place on the Food Network for three years.

He has also appeared on many talk shows and cooking programs. These include In Julia's Kitchen with Master Chefs. He also appeared in an episode of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations show. Michael has also been a featured chef on the Great Chefs television series.

Michael Lomonaco helped write The 21 Cookbook, published in 1995. This book shared recipes from his time at the 21 Club. 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

When Michael Lomonaco is not at his restaurant, he often teaches future chefs. 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, the Chicago Restaurant show, and Festa Italiana Seattle.

After September 11, Michael helped start the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund. This fund was created to help the families of all restaurant and food service workers who were lost in the attacks. He also takes part in cooking events that raise money for good causes. These include the March of Dimes, City Harvest, and Share Our Strength.