chef-name: Michael Lomonaco

With everything he does, Chef Michael Lomonaco reaffirms his commitment to the elevation of American Cuisine.

Beginning with a stint at Le Cirque where he worked with revered Chefs Alain Sailhac and Daniel Boulud (Both “Great Chefs”), Chef Michael has always created bold and flavorful fare using the highest quality ingredients.

In 1989, Lomonaco took the helm at The 21 Club, a foundering institution from a bygone era of dining. Great Chefs caught up with him in 1993 for the Great Chefs of the East series, and later for their Great Chefs – Great Cities series.

After that, he moved up – literally. 1997 found Lomonaco on the 107th floor, as the executive chef of Windows on the World. He created an inspired menu reflecting and expanding on the best of American Cuisine. Critics and diners alike applauded his work and Windows quickly became one of the country’s highest grossing and most beloved restaurants. Wild Blue, an intimate sister concept to Windows, was also conceived and created by Lomonaco during this time. In the Spring of 2001, the Great Chefs team spent several mornings taping four dishes with Michael and his staff for the Great Chefs of America series on The Discovery Channel.

Michael Lomonaco is strongly dedicated to community support. He co-founded the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund which gathered support for restaurant workers’ families in the wake of September 11, 2001. In addition, he participates in cooking demonstrations and events that benefit good causes including the March of Dimes, City Harvest and Share Our Strength.

Michael’s influence is felt far beyond the New York restaurant sphere. In addition to the three Great Chefs series, Michael has hosted “Epicurious”on The Travel Channel, “Michael’s Place” on the Food Network, and has made many personal appearances including NBC’s “Today Show”, “The David Letterman Show” on CBS, “Good Morning America” on ABC and “In Julia’s Kitchen with Master Chefs” on PBS.
The opening of Porter House New York in October 2006 marked the return of Michael Lomonaco to the New York restaurant scene. The restaurant is located at the Time Warner Center, 59th and Broadway.