Graham Elliot is a renowned celebrity chef widely recognized for his work on Food Network’s hit show “MasterChef.” He has also been a judge on “Chopped” and “Cutthroat Kitchen.” A graduate of the University of Michigan, Elliot began his culinary career in the late ‘90s at Chicago’s renowned restaurant Little Goat, where he worked his way up to the executive chef. After opening a few successful restaurants of his own, he landed a spot on the second season of “MasterChef” in 2011. His dynamic personality and skill set quickly made him a fan favorite, and he became the show’s host in 2014. He has also hosted several Food Network cooking shows, including Guy’s Grocery Games, Holiday Food Fight, Cooking Showdown, and Food Nation.
During his teenage years, he worked as a dishwasher at a restaurant in Chicago, which sparked his interest in culinary arts. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Michigan and graduated with a degree in theatre. He then moved to Chicago and worked as a server at a restaurant. He continued to pursue his passion for cooking and enrolled in culinary school at the Hyde Park campus of the University of Chicago. He graduated with a Master's in Fine Arts and a focus in culinary arts. In 2003, he opened his first restaurant in Chicago called “ eatery,” which received critical acclaim. In 2012, he was invited to compete on the “Food Network Star” television show. He was the Season 8 winner and host of the show “Holiday Food Fight.” In 2015, he published his first book titled “Eat This, Not That!”.
He has been a private chef for celebrities, including Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale, Mary-Kate, and Ashley Olsen.
Content Guide
- Who Is Graham Elliot
- Graham Elliots Career
- Graham Elliots Top Recipes
- Cheddar Risotto
- Fried Scrapple and Egg Sandwhich
- Lobster Corn Dogs
- Graham Elliots Roasted Chicken with Root Veggies
- Graham Elliot's Roasted Chicken with Root Veggies
- What type of cuisine does Graham Elliot cook
- What restaurant does graham elliot work at
Graham Elliot's Career
Elliot received his first culinary job at age 15, working as a dishwasher at a local Italian restaurant. Over the next decade, he would work his way up to the position of a head cook before finally deciding to pursue formal culinary education. In the following years, Elliot worked in various upscale restaurants and hotels before finally landing a gig on Food Network. In 2004, Elliot was named one of Food & Wine’s "best new chefs" and, at age 27, became the youngest chef in the US to receive four stars from a major publication. His creative fine dining work at Avenues at the Peninsula hotel also earned him three James Beard nominations. In 2009, Elliot appeared on the TV show Top Chef Masters.
In 2010, the series MasterChef premiered, with Elliot as one of the three hosts. In 2013, the series spun off a children's version of the program, MasterChef Junior, and Elliot as a judge. After working side-by-side with Gordon Ramsey, Elliot departed to become a judge on Bravo’s Top Chef. In 2012, Elliot was named Chef of the Year and inducted into the Chicago Chef’s Hall of Fame.
Chef Elliot has also worked as the culinary director at Lollapalooza, a three-day music festival in Chicago, every year since 2009. He oversees the food offering for 100,000 concertgoers daily and cooking backstage for the headlining performers. As of 2021, Graham Elliot resides in Oʻahu, Hawaii, and is the Executive Chef and Culinary Director of the flagship restaurant, Pounders, at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Lāʻie.
 Graham Elliot's Top RecipesHe is a renowned chef who has won Michelin stars, a James Beard Award and appeared on Top Chef. Elliot’s cooking style is defined by bold flavors, unexpected twists, and creative pairings. His passion for food and curiosity about the world lead him to explore different cultures, collecting ingredients and recipes. He is the author of several cookbooks, including Savory (2016) and Taste (2017). His cookbooks and recipes are packed with detailed instructions, each telling a story. Elliot’s books are more than just recipes — they’re packed with advice and stories that will inspire you to become a better cook and person. As one of the world's most celebrated chefs, it is no surprise that Graham Elliot has a few favorite recipes up his sleeve. |
 Cheddar RisottoGraham Elliot would consider this his signature dish. Risotto is a one-pot Italian rice dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. Cheddar risotto is made with shredded cheddar cheese instead of the traditional Italian Arborio rice. Cheddar risotto is a variation that is much quicker to make. Cheddar Risotto Recipe |
 Fried Scrapple and Egg SandwichFried scrapple is a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty traditionally served breakfast with eggs and hot apple cider. It’s a delicious dish made from a mixture of ground pork and pork scraps (ears, tails, bones, etc.) seasoned with salt, pepper, and sage, then fried and served with eggs. This delicious sandwich can be prepared in less than 15 minutes. Fried Scrapple and Egg Sandwich Recipe |
 Lobster Corn DogsLobster and cornmeal go well together. The sweetness of the corn dog's batter goes well with the lobster's soft texture, and the cornmeal's crunchy texture gives the dish a nice contrast. Lobster corn dogs are an excellent option for a snack or starter for a larger meal. This recipe takes only 15-20 minutes from start to finish. Lobster Corn Dogs Recipe |
 Graham Elliot's Roasted Chicken with Root VeggiesThis one-pot meal is brimming with home-cooked comfort. The roasted chicken is juicy, tender, and smoky from honey, and the veggies are caramelized. This meal can be made in advance and reheated, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights. This dish is naturally gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, and very low in carbs. Roasted Chicken with Root Veggies Recipe |
 Graham Elliot's Shaved Broccoli Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Grated ParmesanThis recipe is a fresh take on the classic broccoli salad, with a few tweaks that make it even more delicious — like fresh pomegranate seeds and shaved Parmesan for added crunch and flavor. The best part about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any cooking, making it a go-to side dish for busy weeknights. And with only 250 calories per serving, it’s a healthy option, too. Shaved Broccoli Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Grated Parmesan Recipe |
Grahamwich Restaurant
Graham Elliot's most common style of cuisine is classic American. While there is no strict definition, classic American food can be thought of as foods that were popular in the U.S. at the turn of the 20th century. This includes dishes with roots in other cultures that have been integrated into American culture and foods created in the U.S. at that time. Traditional American dishes like meatloaf, mac and cheese, burgers, and fried chicken are classic American cuisine. These comfort foods have been around for generations and are often served at family gatherings and holiday meals. These dishes often have a long list of ingredients but are easy to make and delicious. Classic American cuisine is also known for its reliance on meat and meat products, such as bacon, eggs, cheese, and other dairy products.
 What type of cuisine is Graham Elliot known for?Graham Elliot's most common style of cuisine is classic American. While there is no strict definition, classic American food can be thought of as foods that were popular in the U.S. at the turn of the 20th century. This includes dishes with roots in other cultures that have been integrated into American culture and foods created in the U.S. at that time. Traditional American dishes like meatloaf, mac and cheese, burgers, and fried chicken are classic American cuisine. These comfort foods have been around for generations and are often served at family gatherings and holiday meals. These dishes often have a long list of ingredients but are easy to make and delicious. Classic American cuisine is also known for its reliance on meat and meat products, such as bacon, eggs, cheese, and other dairy products. |
 What Restaurant does Graham Elliot Work At?Graham Elliot first came to prominence in 2004 when he was selected as one of Food & Wine’s "best new chefs". He started his first restaurant in 2008, the self-titled Graham Elliot's. It was one of only 15 United States restaurants to receive two Michelin stars. Elliot’s next restaurant, Grahamwich, opened in Chicago in 2010. His second restaurant, G.E.B., opened in Los Angeles in 2012. His third and final restaurant, the second location of Grahamwich, opened in New York City in 2014. But by 2018, all of his restaurants have closed, but that doesn't mean Elliot has stopped cooking. He has worked as the Culinary Director at Lollapalooza, a three-day music festival in Chicago, every year since 2009, where he has cooked for both the public and backstage for the performers. In July 2021, he was named executive chef at Pounders. He immediately revamped the menu to showcase creative takes on local favorites while better representing the diversity of cuisines and cultures found in Hawaii. Elliot's role evolved in the first few months. He is officially the PCC's culinary director, collaborating with the rest of the team on innovations and adding new options at the North Shore attraction. Also, as a lifelong baseball fan, Major League Baseball has recently selected him to host their MLB Grub Tour and Culinary Correspondent. Graham Elliot recently became a judge on PBS's The Great American Recipe. |
