Virginia Willis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Virginia Willis
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| Born | Georgia |
| Occupation | Chef, food writer, and content creator |
Virginia Willis, born on December 29, 1966, is a famous chef and cookbook author. She has won a special award called the James Beard Award. Virginia is well-known for her delicious Southern American cooking. She also appears on television, sharing her cooking skills with many people.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Virginia Willis was born in Augusta, Georgia. When she was a child, her family lived in Alexandria, Louisiana. There, she learned about different types of cooking, like Cajun and Creole cuisine. These are special cooking styles from Louisiana.
Later, her family moved back to Georgia. Virginia went to the University of Georgia and earned her first degree. After that, she studied cooking at two famous schools. She went to L'Académie de Cuisine in Maryland and graduated in 1994. Then, in 1995, she earned a special diploma from the École de Cuisine LaVarenne in Burgundy, France.
Virginia's Career in Cooking
Virginia Willis started her career by working with other famous chefs. She was an apprentice to Nathalie Dupree, who is an expert in Southern food. Virginia also worked as the test kitchen director for Nathalie Dupree's cooking show on PBS.
She also helped Anne Willan, a French cooking expert. Virginia was also a Kitchen Director for well-known TV hosts like Martha Stewart and Bobby Flay. This means she helped manage their kitchens and prepare food for their shows.
Virginia has also produced and directed TV shows. These include "Epicurious" on The Discovery Channel and "Home Plate" in 2003. Today, she creates cooking videos through a company called Culinary Media Training and Productions. She started this company with her friend Cynthia Graubart.
TV Shows and Appearances
Virginia Willis has appeared on many popular TV shows. You might have seen her on Food Network Kitchen or CBS This Morning. She has also been on Fox and Friends and Martha Stewart Living.
She appeared on the cooking competition show Chopped in 2007. She was also on Paula's Best Dishes in 2008 and Throwdown! with Bobby Flay. In November 2012, Virginia competed on Food Network's Chopped again. She placed second in an episode called “Bird in the Pan.”
Awards and Recognition
Virginia Willis has received several important awards for her work.
- 2018: Her book, Secrets of the Southern Table, was named one of the “25 Books all Georgians Should Read.” This award came from the Georgia Center for the Book.
- 2016: She received an Award of Excellence from the James Beard Foundation. This is a very respected award in the food world.
- 2016: She was a finalist for the International Association of Culinary Professionals Best American Cookbook award.
- 2009: Her book, Bon Appétit, Y’all, was also chosen as one of the “25 Books all Georgians Should Read.” This was also from the Georgia Center for the Book.
- 2008: Bon Appétit, Y’all was a finalist for the International Association of Culinary Professionals Best American Cookbook award.
