Adventurous, curious, and fiercely committed to cultural understanding, Andrew Zimmern built a career by eating the world and using food to tell human stories. His work blends culinary skill, journalism, and advocacy to broaden how people think about food.
| Born | July 4, 1961, New York City |
|---|---|
| Education | Dalton School; Vassar College (1984) |
| Known For | Host of Bizarre Foods, culinary explorer, writer, philanthropist |
| Awards | Multiple James Beard Awards; Daytime Emmy for The Zimmern List |
Andrew Zimmern's Formal Culinary Training
Zimmern’s culinary path began early. He started in restaurants at 14 working as a server in New York and later studied at Vassar College, graduating in 1984. His formative professional years were spent in New York kitchens where he worked with notable chefs and mentors.
Rather than a single classical academy, Zimmern’s training came through intensive hands on experience in high level restaurants and through studying global food traditions directly in the field. Those years in elite kitchens gave him technique, while travel and curiosity shaped his palate.
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Andrew Zimmern Restaurants & Businesses
Zimmern rebuilt his life and reputation in Minneapolis after a period of addiction and recovery. He started at Café Un Deux Trois as a dishwasher and within months rose to Executive Chef, eventually transforming the restaurant into a nationally recognized destination.
Beyond that breakthrough, Zimmern developed a diverse set of business ventures that bridge hospitality and media. He has consulted on restaurant projects, supported local food initiatives, and partnered on ventures that marry authentic foodways with responsible sourcing and storytelling.
Andrew Zimmern's Other Ventures
Zimmern expanded his influence well beyond the kitchen.
- Cookbooks and Writing: He is the author of several books including The Bizarre Truth and Andrew Zimmern's Field Guide to Exceptionally Weird, Wild & Wonderful Food, combining travel narrative with practical guidance.
- Production: Through his involvement with production partners and his own projects, Zimmern helped create TV series and documentaries that connect food, culture, and public interest.
- Philanthropy: He serves on multiple nonprofit and advisory boards and champions food access, nutrition, and sustainable systems. His board work includes organizations focused on hunger relief, hospitality support, and global nutrition.
Andrew Zimmern Shows
Zimmern is best known for bringing an inquisitive, empathetic voice to food television, often focusing on dishes and traditions unfamiliar to many viewers.
- Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern (2006– ) – His breakthrough show on Travel Channel that explores unusual and regional foods worldwide and reframes them as cultural entry points.
- Andrew Zimmern's Driven by Food – A series that pairs food storytelling with the personalities who shape local culinary scenes.
- The Zimmern List – A travel and food program that highlights trusted local recommendations. The series won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Travel and Adventure Program in 2020.
- Family Dinner – A series examining how family meals reflect culture and identity across America.
- Wild Game Kitchen – A show focused on sustainable game cooking and outdoor food traditions.
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Andrew Zimmern Awards and Accolades
Zimmern’s blend of culinary curiosity and journalism has been recognized repeatedly.
- James Beard Foundation Awards – Multiple honors across his career for culinary media and contributions to food culture.
- Daytime Emmy Award – The Zimmern List won for Outstanding Travel and Adventure Program in 2020.
- Humanitarian and Global Roles – He has served as a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme and works with organizations addressing hunger, nutrition, and sustainable food systems.
Andrew Zimmern Personal Life
Born July 4, 1961, in New York City, Zimmern grew up in a Jewish household with parents Caren and Robert Zimmern who worked in advertising. He attended the Dalton School and later Vassar College, graduating in 1984.
In 1992 Zimmern faced addiction and entered Hazelden Treatment Center in Minneapolis. After recovery he rebuilt his career starting as a dishwasher and rising quickly to Executive Chef, a turnaround that informs much of his public advocacy work.
Andrew Zimmern Family and Friends
Zimmern was married to Rishia Haas from 2002 until 2018. The couple has one son, Noah, born in 2010. Zimmern lives in Minneapolis where he remains active in the local food scene and national media.
He maintains close ties with colleagues in hospitality and media and dedicates substantial time to nonprofit boards, including organizations that support hospitality workers, food access, and international nutrition programs.
Andrew Zimmern Chef Profile: Conclusion
Andrew Zimmern is a Chef, Restaurateur, Television Personality, and Writer whose career blends culinary technique with fearless curiosity and deep respect for cultural context. He uses food as a way to build empathy and broaden perspectives, making unfamiliar cuisine approachable.
Through television, books, philanthropy, and public advocacy, Zimmern has helped shift food media toward inclusion, sustainability, and human centered storytelling. His work continues to inspire cooks, travelers, and food professionals to see cuisine as a bridge between cultures.
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