Debra Ponzek facts for kids
| Born | Morristown, New Jersey, U.S. |
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| Education | The Culinary Institute of America |
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Debra Ponzek is an American chef. She is well-known for her amazing cooking skills. In 1992, she won a special honor called the James Beard Foundation Award for Rising Star Chef. Today, she owns several popular restaurants called Aux Délices in Connecticut.
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Becoming a Chef: Debra Ponzek's Story
Debra Ponzek grew up in Morristown, New Jersey. She first went to Boston University to study engineering. But she soon realized her true passion was cooking! So, she changed her path and enrolled at The Culinary Institute of America. This famous cooking school is in Hyde Park, New York. She graduated from there in 1984. Years later, in 2015, she even returned to give a speech to the new students.
Early Cooking Experiences
While still a student, Debra gained hands-on experience. She worked at the Tarragon Tree restaurant in Chatham, New Jersey. She also cooked at Toto Steakhouse in Summit, New Jersey. These early jobs helped her learn a lot about working in a busy kitchen.
Working at Montrachet
After finishing culinary school, Debra started working at a restaurant called Montrachet. Here, she worked as a sous chef, which is like a head assistant chef. The owner, Drew Nieporent, had noticed her talent at Toto Steakhouse. Debra quickly became the executive chef at Montrachet. She led the kitchen for seven years! During her time there, food critics in New York City highly praised the restaurant.
Winning a Big Award
It was during her time at Montrachet that Debra won the 1992 James Beard Foundation Award for Rising Star Chef. This award is a huge honor in the cooking world! She also appeared on a TV show called Great Chefs - Great Cities. On the show, she prepared three of her delicious dishes.
Opening Aux Délices
In 1994, Debra left Montrachet to start her own business. She opened her first restaurant, Aux Délices, in Greenwich, Connecticut. Since then, she has opened more Aux Délices locations. She also teaches cooking classes from her main kitchen.
Debra Ponzek's Family Life
Debra Ponzek married another chef, Bobby Flay, in May 1991. They had met just a few months before. In 1992, both Debra and Bobby were nominated for the James Beard Foundation Award for Rising Star Chef. Bobby even tried to withdraw his name because he was nominated alongside his wife! The Foundation didn't allow it. The next year, when Bobby won the same award, Debra was there to present it to him.
Later, Debra married Greg Addonizio. They moved to Connecticut. When they opened Aux Délices together, Debra was expecting their first child. They now have three children.
