Debra Ponzek Biography: Age, Husband, Net Worth, Children, Career, Awards

Debr chef and entrepreneur who first earned acclaim as executive chef at Montrachet in New York City, where her inventive French-American cuisine captured the attention of critics.

In 1992, she won the James Beard Foundation Award for Rising Star Chef—edging out even her then-husband Bobby Flay—and cemented her reputation as one of the country’s most promising culinary talents.

Today she is best known as the founder and owner of Aux Délices, a thriving restaurant and catering group in Connecticut that also offers cooking classes to home cooks of all levels.

Profile

• Full name: Debra Ponzek
• Date of birth: August 26, 1961
• Age: 64 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Morristown, New Jersey, U.S.
• State of origin: New Jersey
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Chef; restaurateur; author
• Parents: N/A
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Bobby Flay (m. May 11, 1991; div. 1993); Greg Addonizio (m. 1994)
• Children: Remy Addonizio (daughter); Cole Addonizio (son); Gray Addonizio (son)
• Relationship status: Married to Greg Addonizio
• Net worth: US $30 million

Early Life and Education

Debra Ponzek is now 64 years old and was born on August 26, 1961, in Morristown, New Jersey.

Though details about her parents and any siblings remain private, it is known that both of her parents worked in the hotel industry—her father as a chef and her mother as a server—which introduced her to professional kitchens from a young age.

After graduating high school in 1979, she briefly attended Boston University to study engineering but left after two years to follow her culinary calling.

In 1984 she earned her diploma from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, later returning there to deliver the commencement address in 2015.

Personal Life

In May 1991, Debra Ponzek married fellow chef Bobby Flay after a whirlwind courtship; the couple divorced in 1993.

The following year she wed restaurateur Greg Addonizio, with whom she co-founded the Aux Délices brand.

The two have three children—Remy, Cole, and Gray—and reside in Connecticut, where Ponzek balances her roles as chef, mother, and business owner.

Career

Following her graduation from the Culinary Institute of America, Debra Ponzek completed externships at The Tarragon Tree in Chatham, New Jersey, and Toto Steakhouse in Summit.

In 1986 she joined Drew Nieporent’s new Tribeca restaurant Montrachet as sous chef and was promoted to executive chef within a year.

Under her leadership, Montrachet earned rave reviews from New York critics and national accolades, culminating in her 1992 James Beard Award.

In 1994 she left to open Aux Délices in Greenwich, Connecticut, which has since grown into a multi-location restaurant, catering, and cooking-class business.

She has also appeared on the television series Great Chefs – Great Cities and written several cookbooks.

Awards

• James Beard Foundation Award for Rising Star Chef (1992)
• Chef of the Year, Chefs of America Association

Net worth

Debra Ponzek’s net worth is estimated at US $30 million, primarily derived from her Aux Délices restaurants, catering operations, cookbook sales, and cooking classes.

Social Media

• Instagram: @debraponzek
• Facebook: Debra Ponzek Aux Délices Foods
• X (formerly Twitter): @DebraPonzek

Books

• French Food, American Accent: Debra Ponzek’s Spirited Cuisine (1996)
• The Summer House Cookbook: Easy Recipes for When You Have Better Things to Do with Your Time (2003)
• The Family Kitchen: Easy and Delicious Recipes for Parents and Kids to Make and Enjoy Together (2006)