Bryan Voltaggio facts for kids
| Born | 1976 (age 48–49) Frederick, Maryland, U.S. |
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| Cooking style | Modern American |
| Education | Culinary Institute of America |
| Spouse | Jennifer Covell |
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Bryan Voltaggio (born in 1976) is a famous American chef, restaurant owner, and author. He is well-known for appearing on the TV show Top Chef. He was also a semi-finalist for the James Beard award, which is a big honor for chefs. Bryan lives in Frederick, Maryland, and is known for cooking Mid-Atlantic cuisine. His brother, Michael Voltaggio, is also a celebrity chef.
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Early Life and Learning
Bryan Voltaggio was the oldest of three children. His parents, Sharon and John Voltaggio, divorced when he was seven. Bryan and his brother Michael were very close growing up. He went to Governor Thomas Johnson High School. He is married to Jennifer Covell, whom he met in high school, and they have three children together.
Bryan's first job was as a busboy at a Holiday Inn in Frederick, Maryland. While still in high school, he took a cooking program at Frederick Community College. By the time he was 15, he was already working as a cook!
In 1999, Bryan earned a degree in culinary arts from The Culinary Institute of America. He learned a lot from famous chefs like Charlie Palmer and Gerry Hayden while working at a restaurant called Aureole.
Restaurant Adventures
In 2003, Bryan Voltaggio became the head chef at a restaurant called Charlie Palmer Steak.
Bryan and his brother Michael opened STRFSH together. It was a casual restaurant in Santa Monica that sold fish sandwiches. It was open from October 2017 to 2021. The Voltaggio brothers also owned Estuary in Washington D.C., which they ran from 2019 until March 2022.
Bryan's Restaurants
Bryan Voltaggio has opened many restaurants throughout his career. Some are still open today, and others have closed.
Open Now
- Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, MGM National Harbor, Oxon Hill (opened December 2016)
- Showroom, Frederick (opened 2020)
- Wye Oak Tavern at Visitation Hotel, Frederick (opened 2024)
Past Restaurants
- Thacher & Rye, Frederick (2020–2024)
- VOLT, Frederick (2008–2020)
- Aggio, Baltimore (2014–2018)
- Family Meal, Baltimore (2015–August 2016)
- STRFSH, Santa Monica (2017–2021)
- Estuary, Washington D.C. (2019–March 2022)
- Lunchbox, Frederick, MD
TV Appearances
Bryan Voltaggio is well-known for his appearances on cooking competition shows. He was the runner-up on the sixth season of Top Chef, a popular show on the Bravo channel. What's even more interesting is that he placed second to his own brother, Michael Voltaggio, in that season!
He was also the runner-up on the fifth season of Top Chef Masters. Later, he was again the runner-up to Melissa King on the seventeenth season of Top Chef: All-Stars L.A.. Bryan was the first chef ever to compete on both Top Chef and Top Chef Masters.
In 2022, both Bryan and Michael Voltaggio appeared on season three of Guy Fieri's Tournament of Champions on the Food Network.
Awards and Honors
Bryan Voltaggio has received several important recognitions for his cooking skills:
- 2010 James Beard Foundation Award "Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic" Nominee
- 2012 James Beard Foundation Award "Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic" Semi-finalist
Family Life
Bryan Voltaggio lives in Maryland with his wife, Jennifer, and their three children.
