With her trademark spiky blond hair and pumped-up personality, Anne Burrell has worked at some of the top restaurants in New York, studied the culinary landscape and traditions of Italy, and is a New York Times best-selling cookbook author.
In September 2015, Anne hosted the series premiere of Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition, where she mentored a team of celebrities who were in serious need of some cooking pointers. Anne also hosts Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America, a primetime show where she leads a team of hopeless home cooks from around the country through culinary boot camp. Anne also hosted Chef Wanted, where she put top-notch chefs through the ultimate job interview as they strived to land Executive Chef positions in restaurants around the country. Burrell hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, where she eliminated the intimidation of restaurant dishes and revealed concise, easy-to-master techniques for the at-home cook. Anne also starred in her own right in Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs.
She published her first cookbook, “Cook Like a Rock Star,” in 2011, which gives home cooks the confidence and support to be rock stars in their own kitchens. Her cookbook earned a place on The New York Times Best Seller List. Anne’s second cookbook, “Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower” was released in October 2013.
Growing up in upstate New York, Anne’s passion for food and cooking began at an early age. After obtaining an English and communication degree from Canisius College in Buffalo, she pursued her interest in the restaurant business by enrolling in the Culinary Institute of America. Following graduation, she spent a year in Italy attending the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners while working at La Taverna del Lupo in Umbria and La Bottega del’ 30, a 30-seat restaurant that offers only one seating a night in Tuscany. During this year, Anne grew to truly appreciate and understand the philosophy of Italian cuisine and culture, which left a lasting impact on her culinary point of view.
Upon her arrival in New York City, Anne was hired as a sous chef at Felidia Restaurant, working with Lidia Bastianich. She then served as a chef at Savoy where she cooked over an open wood fire and created flavorful Mediterranean-inspired menus. Here Anne developed her personal culinary style: a real love of rustic food made with pure and simple ingredients with intense flavors. Anne took the opportunity to spread her culinary knowledge and passion as a teacher at the Institute of Culinary Education. Burrell, most recently the chef/owner of Phil & Anne’s Good Time Lounge in Brooklyn, also served as executive chef at New York hotspot Centro Vinoteca from its opening in July 2007 through September 2008. Burrell has been featured in Food & Wine, Food Network Magazine, People and The New York Times.
She has been a guest on Good Morning America, The Talk, TODAY and The Rachael Ray Show. Anne feels fortunate to have found a field that satisfies her so completely.– “I feel so lucky that I have found my true passion in life.”
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