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Michael Lomonaco (born January 2, 1955) is an American chef, restaurateur, and television personality. He is known for being the chef and director for Windows on the World, the restaurant located atop the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The restaurant was destroyed in the September 11 attacks, and all of the staff members who were working in the restaurant at the time of the attack died. Lomonaco survived as he was in the tower's lobby during the attacks, and was then evacuated from the building. He later opened Porter House New York, which Esquire named one of America's Best New Restaurants in October 2006.[citation needed]
LeCirque and 21
An aspiring actor who cooked as a hobby, Lomonaco said that meeting Patrick Clark inspired him to become a chef.[1] Lomonaco started his culinary education at the New York City College of Technology (City Tech), graduating from the Hotel and Restaurant Management program in 1984.[citation needed] He gained recognition during the 1980s at New York's well known restaurant Le Cirque, working under renowned chefs Alain Sailhac and Daniel Boulud. Later that decade, Lomonaco moved on to another New York institution, 21 Club.[citation needed] Lomonaco remained at 21 Club until 1996. While at the restaurant, he published a book of recipes from the restaurant.[1]
In 1997, Lomonaco took on the task of Executive Chef/Director for Windows on the World,[2] located on the 106th and 107th floors of the North Tower of the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan.[citation needed] As executive director, Lomonaco oversaw the main dining room, the smaller Wild Blue restaurant, and the bar known as The Greatest Bar on Earth.[2][3]
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.[4] The first plane crashed and he was evacuated shortly afterwards.[5]
After September 11, 2001
After the September 11 attacks, the day on which many of his friends and coworkers died, Lomonaco became a consulting chef to Noche, a multi-story restaurant and nightclub in midtown Manhattan highlighting the cuisines of Latin America and the Caribbean.[6] Noche announced its closing in late 2004.[citation needed] He also served as a consultant for Guastavinos, a restaurant located under the Manhattan end of the Queensboro Bridge.
Before a culinary career, Lomonaco's goal was to be an actor,[1] which he pursued for eight years.[8] Lomonaco is the co-host of the Discovery Channel's program Epicurious.[citation needed] Previously he hosted Michael's Place on the Food Network for three years.[citation needed] He has also made appearances on talk shows and cooking programs such as In Julia's Kitchen with Master Chefs.[9] He also guest starred in season five's episode of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, titled Disappearing Manhattan.[citation needed]
Lomonaco has also been a featured chef on Great Chefs television.[10]
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".[11] He has written articles and recipes for many magazines, including the New YorkMagazine, Gourmet and Food & Wine.[citation needed]
He also makes appearances as a guest chef at the International Hotel Show, the Chicago Restaurant show and Festa Italiana Seattle.[12]
After September 11, Lomonaco co-founded the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund, in order to generate support for the families of all restaurant and food service workers lost in the attacks.[citation needed] He also participates in cooking events that benefit causes including the March of Dimes, City Harvest and Share Our Strength.[citation needed]
