Michael Lomonaco

Chef Michael Lomonaco, a renowned figure in the culinary world, took on the role of Executive Chef/Director at Windows on the World in 1997, significantly boosting the profile of this iconic location. His tenure at New York's "21" before this appointment and his engaging presence as host on the Food Network's "Michael's Place" and the Travel Channel's "Epicurious" solidified his status in the industry.

In his role as Chef/Director, Lomonaco was pivotal in overseeing all culinary operations at the Windows on the World complex. His commitment extended to managing the kitchens and supervising the private dining menus and operations at Windows. Lomonaco's culinary philosophy emphasizes creativity and simplicity, supported by local produce from NYC area greenmarkets. Under his leadership, Windows on the World was celebrated as one of America’s most beloved venues and achieved record-breaking revenue for three consecutive years.

In addition to his culinary expertise, Lomonaco has been instrumental in humanitarian efforts. He is a co-founder of Windows of Hope, a charity aiding families of food service workers who were victims at the World Trade Center. His charitable engagements also include supporting organizations like Share our Strength, City Meals on Wheels, City Harvest, and the March of Dimes.

Shifting focus from his initial career in theater, Lomonaco pursued his culinary passion by graduating from NYC Technical College's Hotel and Restaurant Management program in 1984. His professional journey saw him honing his skills under eminent French and Swiss chefs, and his leadership roles in prestigious New York restaurants, including Le Cirque and the '21' Club, have been a testament to his prowess in the kitchen. Currently, he serves as the Chef & Partner of "Porter House Bar and Grill" and "Center Bar" in NYC.

Lomonaco has also made significant contributions to media and education. He is an original star of Food Network and hosted food and travel shows on Discovery and Travel Channels for eight years. In 2002, he was appointed as Distinguished Visiting Professor at New York’s CUNY. His speaking engagements focus on themes such as resilience, creativity, and compassionate leadership during crises. Lomonaco continues to engage audiences through various platforms, including the podcast "Beyond The Bio - The Podcast: Michael Lomonaco" and instructional videos like "Cook Like a Pro: Michael Lomonaco on Grilling". He is also working on a new cookbook that simplifies creative home cooking, adding to his co-authored bestseller, "The '21' Cookbook".