Vivian Howard, born on August 3, 1978, in North Carolina, was raised in the small town of Deep Run by parents who were farmers. Growing up surrounded by fresh produce and homemade meals, Vivian developed a deep appreciation for food from a young age. She learned the value of hard work and dedication from her parents, traits that would serve her well in her future culinary career.
After graduating from high school, Vivian attended North Carolina State University, where she pursued a bachelor's degree. During her time at the university, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Argentina as part of a culinary-themed program. This experience exposed her to different flavors and cooking techniques, further fueling her passion for food.
Following her graduation, Vivian initially took a detour from her culinary aspirations and worked at an advertisement agency for 18 months. However, her love for food eventually led her to pursue a career in the culinary arts. She enrolled in the Institute of Culinary Education in 2003, where she honed her skills and developed her unique cooking style.
Vivian Howard is best known as the co-owner and head chef of the North Carolina-based restaurant Chef & the Farmer. The establishment has gained widespread acclaim for its innovative dishes that showcase the flavors of the region. Vivian's commitment to using local ingredients and supporting farmers has earned her a loyal following of food enthusiasts.
In addition to her success in the culinary world, Vivian Howard has also made a name for herself on television. She starred in PBS' award-winning program A Chef's Life, where viewers got an inside look at her life as a chef and restaurant owner. The show further solidified her reputation as a talented and charismatic chef.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Vivian is a devoted wife to her husband Ben Knight, with whom she shares a passion for food and entrepreneurship. Together, they started a soup delivery business, showcasing their culinary skills and commitment to providing delicious meals to their community. The couple has two children, Theo and Flo, who are growing up surrounded by the same love of food that shaped Vivian's own upbringing.
Throughout her career, Vivian Howard has received numerous accolades and recognition for her culinary talents. She was a James Beard Foundation Award semi-finalist for Best Chef Southeast for five consecutive years between 2011 and 2015, solidifying her status as one of the top chefs in the region. Her cooking fame has also translated to social media, where she has amassed over 10,000 followers on Twitter, showcasing the widespread appeal of her innovative dishes.
Overall, Vivian Howard's journey from a small-town girl with a love for food to a celebrated chef and television personality is a testament to her passion, talent, and unwavering commitment to showcasing the flavors of North Carolina and supporting local farmers. Her culinary creations continue to delight diners and inspire aspiring chefs around the world.