Tom Colicchio

Thomas Patrick Colicchio (; born August 15, 1962) is an American celebrity chef. He co-founded the Gramercy Tavern in New York City, and formerly served as a co-owner and as the executive chef. He is also the founder of Crafted Hospitality, which includes Craft (NYC and Los Angeles), Temple Court (NYC), Craftsteak (MGM Grand Las Vegas) and Small Batch (Long Island) restaurants. Colicchio is the recipient of five James Beard Foundation Awards for cooking accomplishments. He has been the head judge on every season of Bravo reality TV show Top Chef as well as Best New Restaurant which he also executive produces. Colicchio has also been a featured chef on Great Chefs shows. Early life Colicchio was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the middle son of Beverly Ann (née Corvelli) and Thomas Patrick Colicchio. He has an older brother Michael and a younger brother Philip John. His mother worked in a school lunchroom. His father was a union organizer. He is of Italian descent on both sides. He graduated in 1980 from Elizabeth High School.<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-how-did-i-get-here/tom-colicchio.html How Did I Get Here? Tom Colicchio; Owner, Crafted Hospitality; head judge, Top Chef"], Bloomberg Businessweek. Accessed November 2, 2019. "Elizabeth High School, Elizabeth, N.J., class of 1980"</ref> Career In the mid-1980s, Colicchio served as a sous-chef to Thomas Keller at Rakel.