Police say Michael Maroni, the chef and owner of Maroni Cuisine in Northport Village, died Friday after suffering a medical condition in his indoor pool.

Authorities say the 57-year-old chef – known for his victory over Bobby Flay on his Food Network show, "Beat Bobby Flay" – was swimming Thursday night when the medical condition occurred.

He and his wife's Italian eatery on Woodbine Avenue has been known far and wide for its signature meatballs since it opened in 2001. Maroni also shared his family meatball recipe on the Martha Stewart Show.

Flowers and condolence cards were found placed outside Maroni's restaurant Friday. Those who knew him called him passionate, down-to-earth and spirited.

He and his wife were planning to open another restaurant in Southold this spring.

Maroni took part in News 12’s Tasty Tuesday segment in 2017.