20 Chefs That Are More Famous For Their TV Personas Than Their Cooking
One Of The Oldest Professions Has Gotten A Facelift
Humans have cooked since discovering fire, making it one of the oldest professions. However, the advent of celebrity chef is a relatively new phenomenon. "Chef life" has been popularized through food-focused TV networks and programs, glamorizing the profession, and bringing back of house roles into the forefront. Certain chefs have garnered unprecedented publicity and popularity pertaining to much more than just thier cooking chops. Here are 20 chefs that are more famous for their TV personas than their cooking.
1. Anthony Bourdain
With books like Kitchen Confidential gracing the shelves of just about everyone who has ever worked in a kitchen, Anthony Bourdain would be the first to admit his writing is better than his cooking. While his restaurant career peaked with a chef stint at Brasserie Les Halles, his career as a writer and TV personality was just beginning. He soon blew up on shows like Parts Unknown and The Layover.
2. Gordon Ramsay
More people know the name of Gordon Ramsay's TV show than his restaurant. Although his restaurant is an extremely successful, three-Michelin-starred enterprise, his fame stems more from his fiery TV persona showcased on Hell's Kitchen than his cooking chops.
3. Guy Fieri
If you've ever tuned into the Food Network, chances are you've encountered Guy Fieri's spiked, peroxide-murdered hair. Apparently, he did own some restaurants in California, but no one knows him for that. We all know him as the host of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
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4. Gino D'Acampo
Gino D'Acampo does actually do some simple cooking on his show Gino's Italian Escape but he's more known for his lovable Italian charm. Apparently he's also a three Michelin-starred chef, but that's not what anyone cares about.
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5. David Chang
It's been 20 years since David Chang opened Momofuku. Since then, his life has been dominated by TV appearances on shows like Ugly Delicious and The Mind Of A Chef. Amidst all that, he also found time to write a best-selling memoir called Eat A Peach.
6. Duff Goldman
Duff Goldman is executive chef at Charm City Cakes but you more likely know him as the star of The Food Network'd Ace of Cakes. It's his infectious laugh and big heart that made him famous, not his chops as a pastry chef.
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7. Paula Deen
Paula Deen owns and operates The Lady & Sons restaurant, but we know her for her Southern charm as TV host on shows like At Home With Paula Deen. Her simple recipes and wholesome vibe made her an American icon.
8. Martha Stewart
Perhaps the most famous cook-turned-celebrity of all time is Martha Stewart. She went from owning and operating her own catering business to hanging with Snoop Dogg.
9. Sunny Anderson
You might know Sunny Anderson as the host of How'd That Get On My Plate? She was also Hip Hop Weekly Magazine's food and lifestyle editor, but did you know she also cooks? Before all that, she owned a catering company.
10. Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver does indeed cook on his show The Naked Chef. He's also put out countless cookbooks. However, most of us know him for his cheeky grin and his charming British accent moreso than his cooking skills.
11. Bobby Flay
Bobby Flay is the owner and head chef of several restaurant franchises. However, you probably know him better as the host of The Food Network gems Throwdown With Bobby Flay and Beat Bobby Flay.
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12. Rachael Ray
It was while Rachael Ray was working at a gourmet food shop that she came up with the idea for her 30 Minute Meals. She pitched it to the local TV network which immediately picked it up, not because she was a fabulous cook, but because of her bubbly, lovable, and goofy personality.
13. Alton Brown
You might know Alton Brown from his show Good Eats or maybe you know him as the host of Cutthroat Kitchen. He quickly became Food Network's golden boy, known for his dry humor and relatable nerdiness.
14. Ina Garten
You probably know Ina Garten as the host of the Food Network series Barefoot Contessa. However, she got her start when she opened a specialty food store in New York and pulished a series of successful cookbooks.
15. Emeril Lagasse
You probably know Emeril Lagasse for his signature "bam!" catchphrase as he puts the finishing touches on a dish. But did you know he's a real life chef as well? He graduated from Johnson & Wales University culinary school and was executive chef at the Dunfey's Hyannis Resort before fixing his gaze on television.
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16. Marcus Samuelsson
Before being a frequent judge on Chopped, starring in Chefs Vs. City, and writing his celebrated memoir Yes, Chef, Marcus Samuelsson was busy cooking his way to the top. He was the youngest chef to ever receive a three-star review in The New York Times and is still head chef of the Harlem restaurant Red Rooster.
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17. Anne Burrell
Anne Burrell is one of the original Food Network TV personalities. She hosted Worst Cooks in America among other shows; however, she has serious chef chops too. She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America before becoming an instructor there.
18. Cat Cora
Cat Cora is best-known as co-host of Around the World in 80 Plates as well as the first female "Iron Chef" on Iron Chef America. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America, but we know her more for her commanding screen presence.
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19. Julia Child
Julia Child is the chef most credited with bringing French food to an American audience. However, moreso than her cookbooks, she's remembered for her quirky TV presence on her show The French Chef With Julia Child.
20. Aarón Sánchez
Aarón Sánchez is a Mexican-American TV personality known for being a judge on MasterChef but yes, he's a real cook too. He's head chef and owner of Johnny Sánchez in New Orleans and creative director of Cocina, an online platform showcasing Latin cuisine.
