Antonio Carluccio was born on April 19, 1937 in Italy. Growing up, he developed a passion for food and cooking that would shape his entire life and career. After finishing school, Carluccio moved to Vienna, where he studied languages and worked as a technician for a photographer. However, it was during this time that he discovered his true calling - cooking.
Carluccio left Vienna and returned to Italy, where he began working in restaurants and honing his culinary skills. In the 1960s, he moved to Germany and worked as a wine merchant for over a decade. It was here that he gained valuable knowledge about wine, which would later come in handy in his career as a chef.
In the 1980s, Carluccio made the decision to pursue his dream of becoming a chef. He moved to London and took on the role of restaurant manager. It was during this time that he truly began to make a name for himself in the culinary world.
Carluccio's talent and passion for Italian cuisine quickly caught the attention of food enthusiasts and critics alike. In 1991, he opened the Neal Street Restaurant in London, which garnered rave reviews for its authentic Italian dishes.
Throughout his career, Carluccio penned nearly two dozen cookbooks, sharing his love for Italian cooking with the world. He also became the head of his own chain of Italian food shops, Carluccio's, which quickly became a favorite among foodies.
One of Carluccio's most notable achievements was co-hosting the BBC Two series Two Greedy Italians alongside Gennaro Contaldo. The show was a hit with viewers and further solidified Carluccio's status as a culinary legend.
Carluccio was married twice before he wed Priscilla Conran in 1980. The couple remained together until 2008, when Carluccio tragically passed away after a fall in his home. His death was a great loss to the culinary world, but his legacy continues to live on through his recipes, cookbooks, and the impact he had on Italian gastronomy.
In 2012, Carluccio was honored with the AA Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the food industry. He also released his autobiography, A Recipe for Life, in which he shared his journey from a young boy in Italy to a renowned chef and restauranteur.
Antonio Carluccio will always be remembered as "the godfather of Italian gastronomy" and a true pioneer in the world of food. His passion for cooking and dedication to preserving the traditions of Italian cuisine have left an indelible mark on the culinary world, inspiring generations of chefs to come.