Stephanie Izard Biography: Age, Husband, Net Worth, Height, Son, Top Chef, Restaurants, Awards, Books

Stephanie Izard is an American chef and restaurateur who first gained widespread recognition after winning Bravo’s fourth season of Top Chef, becoming the series’ first female champion.

Known for her fearless flavor combinations and inventive small‑plate approach, she parlayed her reality TV success into opening—and co‑owning—several acclaimed restaurants in Chicago and beyond.

Profile

• Full name: Stephanie Izard
• Date of birth: October 30, 1976
• Age: 49 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Evanston, Illinois, U.S.
• State of origin: Illinois
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Chef; restaurateur; television personality; author
• Height: 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
• Weight: Around 132 lb (60 kg)
• Eye color: Brown
• Hair color: Black
• Parents: Mother Susan Izard; father Robert Izard
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Gary Valentine (married October 6, 2013)
• Children: Ernie William Valentine (son, born May 26, 2016)
• Relationship status: Married
• Ethnicity: American of French and Irish descent
• Net worth: $3 million

Early Life and education

Stephanie Izard (49 years old) was born on October 30, 1976, in Evanston, Illinois to parents Roberts and Susan Izard.

She was raised in Stamford, Connecticut, where she developed a passion for cooking through family meals and cultural inspiration during visits to Epcot.

She graduated from the University of Michigan in 1998 with a degree in sociology and then earned her culinary diploma from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute (Le Cordon Bleu) in 1999.

Personal Life

Stephanie married Gary Valentine—formerly a craft beer consultant and bar owner—on October 6, 2013, after meeting in Chicago.

Their son, Ernie William Valentine, was born on May 26, 2016, weighing 8 lbs 1 oz and measuring 21 inches.

Career

After culinary school, Stephanie Izard worked at Camelback Inn Resort & Spa in Arizona and later in Chicago at Vong (with Jean-Georges Vongerichten), La Tache, and Spring.

At age 27 in 2004, she opened her first restaurant, Scylla.

After winning Top Chef Season 4 in 2008, she partnered with BOKA Restaurant Group to open Girl & the Goat (2010), followed by Little Goat (2011), Duck Duck Goat (2015), Cabra (2019), Sugargoat (2020), and Valley Goat in Silicon Valley.

She earned Iron Chef status in Iron Chef Gauntlet (2017), appeared on Iron Chef America, Top Chef Duels, and guest‑judged on multiple shows, and launched a line of sauces and spice blends called This Little Goat in 2016.

Awards

• James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes (Winner, 2013)
• Nominee for James Beard Best Chef: Great Lakes (2012)
• Named a “Best New Chef” by Food & Wine (2011)

Net worth

Stephanie Izard’s net worth is widely estimated to be between $3 million and $5 million, stemming from her restaurants, television appearances, cookbook sales (Girl in the Kitchen; Gather & Graze), product line, and endorsements.

Social Media

• Instagram: @stephanieizard
• Twitter/X: @stephanieizard

Filmography

• Top Chef (contestant and winner, Season 4)
• Top Chef Duels (contestant/judge)
• Iron Chef Gauntlet (contestant; earned Iron Chef title, 2017)
• Iron Chef America (guest competitor)
• A Day in the Life (Hulu series, 2012)
• Guy’s Grocery Games (guest judge/competing chef)

Books

• Girl in the Kitchen: How a Top Chef Cooks, Thinks, Shops, Eats, and Drinks
• Gather & Graze (co-authored with Heather Shouse)