Benjamin Sargent facts for kids

Benjamin F. W. Sargent (born October 26, 1977) is an American chef, restaurant owner, TV star, and artist. He is sometimes called the "Brooklyn Chowder Surfer." Ben Sargent used to own two popular restaurants in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City: Hurricane Hopeful and Surf Bar.

Sargent has appeared on several TV shows. He was on the Food Network show Throwdown! with Bobby Flay and the "American Chefs" part of Martha Stewart on The Fine Living Network. He also competed in "Art Race," a TV series in the UK. In 2011, he was on the Food Network show Chopped in an episode called 'Chard & True'.

Early Life and Education

Ben Sargent was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He grew up there and went to high school. He attended the Commonwealth School in Boston, Massachusetts. Later, he studied Fine Arts at Skidmore College. Sargent earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Skidmore, focusing on studio art.

Starting Restaurants

In 2001, Ben Sargent opened his first restaurant, Hurricane Hopeful. It was a seafood place famous for his special chowders and lobster rolls. The restaurant was inspired by his childhood in Cape Cod and his love for fishing, surfing, and cold water. Just two years later, he opened another restaurant called Surf Bar. It also had a menu inspired by surfing.

Culinary Adventures and TV Shows

Before opening his restaurants, Sargent lived in Puerto Rico and St. John for a while. There, he worked in a Chinese restaurant and taught surfing to kids. In 2007, he studied Restaurant Management at the French Culinary Institute. Soon after, he launched Brooklynchowdersurfer.com to share his cooking adventures.

In 2009, Ben started the Brooklyn Fishing Derby. This is a fishing competition in Brooklyn, New York, that happens every October for about a month and a half. He also hosts a radio show called Catch IT, Cook IT, & Eat IT on Heritage Radio Network. Today, Ben hosts many food events, like the National Chowder Cook Off in Newport, Rhode Island.

In 2010, he hosted a show on Cooking Network called Hook, Line, and Dinner.

Art and Future Plans

Ben Sargent loves food and travel, and he shows this through his art. He has displayed many food-inspired pictures in galleries across New York. He even had his own show at the George Billis Gallery in 2008.

Currently, Sargent is working on a book. It will have pictures and chowder recipes inspired by his travels. The book will also share his "Catch It, Cook It, & Eat It" way of life. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, in his studio. Sometimes, you can even visit him there for a lobster roll!

Images for kids

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  A friendly robot