30 Facts About Tom Colicchio

Early Life and Influences

Tom Colicchio's journey into the culinary world began at a young age. His family played a significant role in shaping his passion for cooking.

1. Tom Colicchio spent his childhood immersed in food, cooking with his mother and grandmother. His father suggested he make a career out of it, which led him to teach himself French cooking techniques using Jacques Pépin’s legendary illustrated manuals, La Technique and La Méthode.

2. At age 17, Colicchio made his kitchen debut in his native town of Elizabeth, New Jersey, at Evelyn’s Seafood Restaurant.

Rising Star in the Culinary World

Tom's early career saw him working in some of New York's most prestigious kitchens, where he honed his skills and gained recognition.

3. Colicchio cooked at prominent New York restaurants such as The Quilted Giraffe, Gotham Bar & Grill, Rakel, and Mondrian. During his tenure as executive chef of Mondrian, Food & Wine magazine selected him as one of the top ten “Best New Chefs” in the United States, and The New York Times awarded the restaurant three stars.

4. In July 1994, Colicchio and his business partner Danny Meyer opened Gramercy Tavern in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park neighborhood. Colicchio’s cooking at Gramercy Tavern won consistent recognition, garnering three stars from Ruth Reichl of The New York Times and earning him The James Beard Foundation’s 2000 “Best Chef-New York” Award.

Crafting a Culinary Empire

Tom Colicchio's entrepreneurial spirit led him to open several successful restaurants, each reflecting his commitment to quality and innovation.

5. In 2001, Colicchio opened Craft one block south of Gramercy Tavern. This restaurant was soon followed by the opening of his first ‘wichcraft – a sandwich shop rooted in the same food and hospitality philosophies as Craft – in New York City in 2003.

6. Colicchio has published three cookbooks to date. The first, Think Like a Chef, won The James Beard Foundation “KitchenAid” Cookbook Award in May 2001. His second cookbook, Craft of Cooking, was released by Clarkson Potter/Publishers in 2003. A sandwich book inspired by ‘wichcraft, titled wichcraft: Craft a Sandwich, was released in March 2009.

Television and Media Presence

Tom Colicchio's expertise and charisma made him a natural fit for television, where he has become a beloved figure.

7. Since 2006, Tom has been the head judge on Bravo’s hit reality cooking series Top Chef. The show is currently in its 11th season and has won numerous Emmy Awards, including an Outstanding Reality-Competition Programming award in 2010.

8. Colicchio has also been involved with other television shows, including Best New Restaurant, a reality series he hosted and executive produced in 2015. He has made cameo appearances in popular TV shows such as The Simpsons and Billions.

Advocacy and Community Involvement

Beyond the kitchen, Tom Colicchio is a passionate advocate for social justice and community involvement.

9. In 2013, Colicchio executive produced the documentary film A Place at the Table, which explores food insecurity in America. The film was directed by his wife, Lori Silverbush, and premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

10. Colicchio has expanded his culinary empire with various restaurants under Crafted Hospitality, including Craft (NYC and Los Angeles), Temple Court (NYC), Craftsteak (MGM Grand Las Vegas), Small Batch (Long Island), and Heritage Steak (Las Vegas).

11. Tom Colicchio is a vocal advocate for social justice and community involvement. He serves on the Food Council at City Harvest and the Culinary Council at Food Bank for New York City, two hunger-relief organizations. His restaurants support community organizations like Edible Schoolyard NYC, FEAST, and Gods Love We Deliver.

Podcasting and Activism

Tom Colicchio continues to use his platform to address important issues through various media, including podcasting.

12. In June 2020, Colicchio launched his podcast, Citizen Chef, via the iHeartRadio Podcast Network. The seasonal series deals with issues of food, politics, policy, and citizenship.

13. Colicchio has long been involved in food supply chain, restaurant, and hunger relief issues. He has worked with former FLOTUS Michelle Obama on the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act and has been a mainstay in Washington D.C., holding members of Congress accountable for their voting records around food.

14. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Colicchio co-founded the Independent Restaurant Coalition, which aimed to save local restaurants and bars affected by the economic fallout.

Personal Life and Hobbies

Tom Colicchio's personal life and hobbies reflect his deep connection to food and nature.

15. Tom Colicchio lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Lori Silverbush, and their three sons. When not in the kitchen, he enjoys tending to his garden on the North Fork of Long Island, fishing, or playing guitar.

16. Colicchio’s culinary philosophy emphasizes the importance of using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. His restaurants often feature small-batch ingredients from micro-producers and family farmers with whom he has forged long-term relationships.

Awards and Recognition

Tom Colicchio's contributions to the culinary world have earned him numerous awards and accolades.

17. Colicchio is the recipient of five James Beard Foundation Awards for his culinary accomplishments. These awards include “Best New Restaurant” for Craft in 2002, “KitchenAid Cookbook Award” for Think Like a Chef in 2001, “Outstanding Chef” in 2010, “Best Chef: New York City” for Gramercy Tavern in 2000, and “Outstanding Service” for Gramercy Tavern in 2001.

18. In 2002, Colicchio received the Bon Appetit American Food and Entertaining Award for “Chef of the Year”.

19. Several of Colicchio’s restaurants have received three-star ratings from The New York Times, including Mondrian, Gramercy Tavern, Craft, and Colicchio & Sons. Riverpark and Temple Court have received two-star ratings.

20. Colicchio has won several Emmy Awards for his work on Top Chef, including Outstanding Reality-Competition Programming in 2010 and Outstanding Picture Editing for Reality Programming in 2008. He has also been nominated for Outstanding Reality-Competition Programming multiple times.

Expanding His Influence

Tom Colicchio continues to expand his influence through various ventures and media appearances.

21. In addition to Top Chef, Colicchio has hosted and executive produced other television shows, such as Best New Restaurant and Hooked Up on Reserve.

22. Tom Colicchio has a significant social media presence, with over 925K followers on Twitter, 326K followers on Instagram, and 127K followers on Facebook.

23. Colicchio has written three cookbooks: Think Like a Chef, Craft of Cooking, and wichcraft: Craft a Sandwich. These books have been well-received by both critics and home cooks.

Community Partnerships and Sustainability

Tom Colicchio's commitment to community and sustainability is evident in his various partnerships and initiatives.

24. Tom Colicchio’s restaurants are involved in various community partnerships, including impact partnerships with FEAST and support for organizations like Edible Schoolyard NYC and Gods Love We Deliver.

25. When not in the kitchen, Colicchio enjoys gardening on the North Fork of Long Island, fishing, and playing guitar. His love for gardening reflects his commitment to sustainability and local food systems.

26. Tom Colicchio lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Lori Silverbush, and their three sons. His family life is deeply intertwined with his culinary career, often inspiring his cooking and advocacy work.

27. Colicchio’s culinary philosophy emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients, supporting local farmers, and promoting sustainable food practices. This philosophy is reflected in his restaurants and cookbooks.

Impact on Food Culture and Television

Tom Colicchio's influence extends beyond the kitchen, shaping food culture and television.

28. Through his work on Top Chef and other television shows, Colicchio has significantly influenced the way people think about food and cooking. His presence on television has made culinary arts more accessible and entertaining for a broader audience.

29. Tom Colicchio’s legacy in the culinary world is marked by his innovative restaurants, influential cookbooks, and impactful television appearances. His commitment to sustainability, local ingredients, and community involvement has set a new standard for chefs and restaurateurs, making him one of the most respected figures in modern American cuisine.

30. Tom Colicchio’s dedication to sustainable food practices, community involvement, and social justice has left a lasting impact on the way people think about food and cooking.

Tom Colicchio's Lasting Impact

Tom Colicchio's influence on the culinary world is undeniable. From his early days cooking at Evelyn’s Seafood Restaurant to becoming a household name on Top Chef, he's shown an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. His restaurants, like Gramercy Tavern and Craft, have set new standards for excellence, earning numerous awards and accolades. Beyond the kitchen, Colicchio's advocacy for sustainable food practices and hunger relief has made a significant impact on communities nationwide. His work with organizations like City Harvest and the Independent Restaurant Coalition highlights his dedication to social justice. Whether through his cookbooks, television appearances, or community involvement, Colicchio continues to inspire and lead. His legacy is one of passion, excellence, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place through food. Tom Colicchio isn't just a chef; he's a true culinary pioneer.