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Scott Conant
Scott Conant
from Wikipedia

Scott Conant (born February 19, 1971) is an American celebrity chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author. Since 2009, Conant has been a judge on the reality cooking television series Chopped. He has published four cookbooks.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Conant was born in Waterbury, Connecticut. He is the son of Charles and Anne (née Varrone) Conant. He is of Italian descent on his mother's side. He began cooking at a young age, taking cooking classes at the local community college at age 11. At 15, he enrolled in W.F. Kaynor Technical High School for culinary arts, and then attended the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).[1][2]

Professional career

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While at the Culinary Institute of America, Conant interned at the famous New York City restaurant San Domenico, an experience that had a decisive impact on the young chef.[1] After graduation, he spent a year in Munich, Germany, mastering the art of pastry at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. He returned to the United States and San Domenico, working as a sous chef.[3] In 1995, Cesare Casella selected him to be chef de cuisine at Il Toscanaccio, an Upper East Side Tuscan-style restaurant. He later became executive chef at City Eatery, located on the Bowery in New York City.[4]

In September 2002, Conant opened L'Impero in Tudor City. Within weeks, the restaurant received a rave three-star review from The New York Times, which stated, "[Conant is] turning out dishes full of flavors that are joyous and highly refined. From the simplest preparations to the most complex, he is almost always in control and in tune."[5][6] Conant's signature pastas appeared on the cover of Food & Wine, and the magazine went on to name Conant one of America's "Best New Chefs" in 2004.[7]

L'Impero received top honors from the James Beard Foundation in 2003, including “Best New Restaurant” in the U.S. and “Outstanding Restaurant Design.”[8]

In October 2003, Conant was featured on the cover of Gourmet for its “Chefs Rock” issue, and in March 2004, Gourmet editor Ruth Reichl named L'Impero one of her favorite New York restaurants.[9] Following L'Impero, Conant went on to open Alto, a "sophisticated"[10] Italian restaurant in midtown Manhattan that offered his interpretation of Northern Italian cuisine.[11][12]

Conant left L'Impero and Alto in 2007 and, in 2008, opened Scarpetta in Chelsea, Manhattan. In July 2008, the restaurant garnered a positive three-star review from The New York Times[13] and New York Magazine.[14]

While no longer affiliated, Conant went on to build the Scarpetta brand to national acclaim with restaurants in New York City, Miami, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas and published The Scarpetta Cookbook, inspired by dishes from the restaurant.[citation needed]

In July 2010, the reality food-competition television show 24 Hour Restaurant Battle premiered on the Food Network, starring Conant as the host and head judge. The television show pits two teams of two people against each other as they open up a restaurant from scratch in 24 hours.[15] The show ran two seasons.[16]

In 2021, Conant released his fourth cookbook, Peace, Love, and Pasta: Simple and Elegant Recipes from a Chef's Home Kitchen.[17]

Personal life

[edit]

Conant has been married to his wife, Meltem (née Bozkurt) since 2007.[18] The couple have two daughters.

Filmography

[edit]
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2006 After Hours with Daniel Boulud. Himself Episode: "Blue Ribbon Sushi."
2007, 2009 Top Chef Guest Judge 2 episodes
2009–present Chopped Self – Judge 220 episodes
2010 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations Himself Episode: "Techniques Special"
2010–2011 24 Hour Restaurant Battle Host 5 episodes
2010–2019 The Best Thing I Ever Ate Himself 18 episodes
2011 Entourage Himself Episode: "The Big Bang"
Food(ography) Himself – Chef and owner of D.O.C.G Episode: "Las Vegas"
2011–2012 Food Network Star Himself / Judge 2 episodes
The Best Thing I Ever Made Himself 7 episodes
2012 Symon's Suppers Himself Episode: "Sunday Suppers"
Ali 70 from Las Vegas Himself TV special
Ten Dollar Dinners Himself Episode: "Scarpetta Swap Out"
Sandra's Restaurant Remakes Himself – Chef and owner of D.O.C.G. Episode: "Rich and Dreamy Dishes"
Iron Chef America Himself - Team Chopped Episode: "Thanksgiving Showdown: Thanksgiving Leftovers"
2012–2014 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off Himself / Judge 2 episodes
2014 Southern Fried Everything Himself - Cookbook Author Episode: "The Sounds of Sizzle"
Rewrapped Himself / Judge Episode: "Lay's It All on the Line"
2014–2016 Chopped After Hours Himself / Judge 11 episodes
2014–Present Beat Bobby Flay Himself / Mentor / Judge 38 episodes
2015 The Da Vinci List Himself Episode: "The Da Vinci List: Chefs"
Rachael Ray's Kids Cook-Off Himself / Judge Episode: "Grand Finale Cook Off"
Christmas at Bobby's Himself Christmas special
2015–2017 Chopped Junior Himself / Judge 9 episodes
2016 Burgers, Brew and 'Que Himself Episode: "Sweet and Savory"
Emeril's Florida Himself Episode: "Resort Restaurants"
All-Star Academy Himself – Guest professor Episode: "Snack Time"
Brunch at Bobby's Himself Episode: "Updated Manhattan"
2016–2017 Cooks vs. Cons Himself / Judge 4 episodes
2017–2019 Worst Cooks in America Himself / Chef / Judge 2 episodes
2018 Guy's Ranch Kitchen Himself Episode: "Healthy Comfort"
2019 Best Baker in America Host Episode: "Extra Icing: Classic French Pastries Reinvented"
2020 All-Star Best Thing I Ever Ate Himself 3 episodes
Chopped Sweets Host 6 episodes[19]
2021–Present Tournament of Champions Judge Episode: "The Bracket Begins"
2025 House of Knives Host / Judge 8 episodes

Awards

[edit]
  • Three Stars from The New York Times for "L'Impero" and "Scarpetta New York"
  • Four Stars from Miami Herald for "Scarpetta Miami"
  • "Best New Restaurant of 2003" from the James Beard Foundation for "L'Impero"
  • "Best New Chef" from Food & Wine Magazine in 2004
  • Winner of Season 3 of "Chopped All-Stars"

Cookbooks

[edit]
  • Scott Conant's New Italian Cooking (2005), ISBN 0-7679-1682-4
  • Bold Italian (2008), ISBN 978-0-7679-1683-7
  • The Scarpetta Cookbook (2013), ISBN 978-1118508701
  • Peace, Love, & Pasta (2021), ISBN 1419747363

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Scott Conant (born February 19, 1971) is an American celebrity chef, , cookbook author, and television personality renowned for his expertise in modern . With a career spanning over three decades, he has earned critical acclaim for his restaurants, including multiple awards, and has become a prominent figure on as a and host. Born in , Conant developed an early passion for cooking, taking classes at a local community college at age 11 and influenced by his Italian heritage through family meals. He attended W.F. Kaynor Technical High School, initially studying plumbing before switching to , and later graduated from in 1992. Following graduation, he interned at the acclaimed restaurant San Domenico in , advanced to there, and held positions as at Il Toscanaccio and executive chef at Barolo, , and City Eatery, gaining recognition for his innovative approach to Italian flavors. Conant's breakthrough came in 2002 with the opening of L'Impero in , which received a three-star review from and won the Award for Best New Restaurant in 2003, along with Outstanding Restaurant Design. He followed this with in and the expansion of his Scarpetta concept starting in 2008, which garnered four stars from the for its location and additional outposts in , , and beyond. More recently, he has opened Mora Italian in Phoenix (2017), Cellaio in the Catskills (2018), The Americano in Scottsdale and , and Leola in (November 2025). In 2004, named him one of America's Best New Chefs, solidifying his status in the culinary world. On television, Conant has been a recurring judge on Food Network's Chopped since 2009, and has hosted shows including Chopped Sweets (2020), Best Baker in America (seasons 2 and 3), and Topgolf's Chef Showdown. He has also served as a co-host on Beat Bobby Flay and made guest appearances on programs like The Today Show, Good Morning America, and Top Chef. As an author, Conant has published four cookbooks: New Italian Cooking (2005), Bold Italian (2008), The Scarpetta Cookbook (2013), and Peace, Love, and Pasta (2021), which highlight his philosophy of soulful, ingredient-driven dishes. In 2018, he launched the Sprezza brand of Italian pantry staples, and in 2025, he introduced Martone Street, a premium Italian food line.

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Scott Conant was born on February 19, 1971, in , to an Italian-American family. His mother was of Italian descent, instilling a deep appreciation for traditional from an early age, while his father hailed from a farming background in , contributing to a household where food held central importance. Raised in Waterbury's Italian neighborhood, Conant was immersed in a community with one of the highest concentrations of Italian descendants outside , where cultural traditions around food profoundly shaped his childhood. Family gatherings featuring homemade Italian meals sparked his lifelong passion for cooking, blending nostalgia and heritage into his early culinary explorations. At age 11, Conant began taking cooking classes at Naugatuck Valley Community College, experimenting with family-inspired dishes like , which he proudly shared with his grandmother. By age 15, he enrolled at W.F. Kaynor Technical High School in Waterbury for vocational training, setting the stage for his formal education at .

Culinary training

Scott Conant's formal culinary training began in his youth, sparked by his Italian-American family background in , where he started taking cooking classes at a local community college at age 11. At 15, he enrolled in the program at W.F. Kaynor Technical High School, initially intending to study but switching due to full enrollment in that track. This early provided him with foundational skills in food preparation and kitchen operations. Conant continued his education at (CIA) in , enrolling in the early 1990s and graduating in 1992 with an Associate in Occupational Studies degree in . The CIA's rigorous program offered hands-on training in classical culinary techniques, including knife skills, sauce preparation, and stock making, alongside baking and pastry arts, which Conant pursued extensively. These courses emphasized precision and foundational methods drawn from French culinary traditions, while exposing students to international cuisines, allowing Conant to build a versatile skill set. During his time at the CIA, Conant completed his required internship at San Domenico, a renowned Italian restaurant in , marking his entry into professional high-end kitchens. This externship introduced him to upscale dining operations and refined Italian cooking methods under experienced chefs.

Culinary career

Early professional experience

Following his graduation from , Conant spent a year in , , from 1992 to 1993, where he apprenticed at the fine-dining Hotel Bayerischer Hof, focusing on arts and gaining international exposure to European culinary techniques. This experience broadened his skills beyond American training, introducing him to precision in baking and high-end service standards in a luxury hotel setting. Upon returning to New York in 1993, Conant joined San Domenico, a renowned Italian restaurant, as a , where he contributed to the kitchen that earned three stars from . In this role during the mid-1990s, he honed his expertise in Italian ingredients and preparations, particularly pastas and sauces, under the guidance of established Tuscan influences. Building on his CIA foundation, which provided core culinary techniques, Conant advanced quickly, taking on duties at Il Toscanaccio in 1995 under Cesare Casella, further refining his command of rustic Tuscan flavors and pasta-making. By the late 1990s, Conant had progressed to executive chef positions at Italian-focused venues including and , where he oversaw menus emphasizing authentic regional dishes. He then led the kitchen at City Eatery as executive chef around 1999, modernizing and earning acclaim for innovative and sauce applications in an upscale setting. These consistent roles in New York's competitive dining scene during the late 1990s and early 2000s solidified his reputation as a rising talent in fine Italian cooking, emphasizing quality ingredients and balanced flavors.

Restaurant ownership

Scott Conant entered restaurant ownership in 2002 with the opening of L'Impero, an Italian restaurant in Manhattan's neighborhood that emphasized refined, seasonal interpretations of regional Italian cuisine. The venue quickly gained acclaim, earning a three-star review from for its elegant execution of dishes like braised rabbit and handmade pastas. Conant left the restaurant in 2007 amid changes in his professional commitments; it closed in June 2008 and reopened as . In 2004, Conant expanded his portfolio with , a restaurant focused on the cuisine of Italy's region, featuring alpine-inspired ingredients such as and alongside contemporary techniques. Conant left in 2007 as he shifted toward new ventures; the restaurant closed in 2011. Conant's breakthrough in multi-location ownership came in 2008 with Scarpetta, initially launched in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood as a casual yet sophisticated Italian spot known for approachable pastas and wood-fired pizzas. The concept proliferated to cities including , , , and , with the signature spicy tomato- —featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes for heat—becoming a staple that evolved across outposts to incorporate local produce while maintaining its creamy, balanced profile. Conant divested from several Scarpetta locations over time, including the original New York site in 2014 and the outpost in 2023, though the brand persists independently in select markets. Following a period away from New York ownership, Conant returned in 2017 with Fusco, a Italian restaurant named after his grandmother and centered on family-inspired dishes like house-made and rustic pastas. It operated for just over a year before closing in 2018 due to operational challenges. In 2017, he also debuted Mora Italian in , as a convivial highlighting modern interpretations of Italian , which closed in July 2024 following his departure from the project in May 2024. Conant's current ownership emphasizes Italian-American steakhouse concepts. Cellaio Steak, an Italian-inflected chophouse with dry-aged and pairings, opened in May 2018 at Catskills in , and remains operational. In 2020, he launched The Americano in , blending staples with Italian accents like veal Milanese and seasonal risottos. This was followed by a second location in Atlanta's neighborhood in 2022, further adapting the format to regional flavors while preserving Conant's focus on soulful, ingredient-driven plates. In November 2025, Conant opened Leola, an Italian fine-dining restaurant, at resort in .

Cookbook publications

Scott Conant has authored four cookbooks, all centered on his interpretation of , emphasizing fresh ingredients, simplicity, and techniques drawn from his professional experience. These works span from 2005 to 2021, with no additional publications announced as of 2025. His debut , Scott Conant's New Italian Cooking: More Than 125 Recipes for Everyday Eating, Relaxed Weekend Cooking, and Elegant Entertaining, was published in 2005 by Clarkson Potter. It features over 125 recipes that update classic Italian dishes with modern twists, including insights on ingredients and 30 color photos to guide home cooks. In 2008, Conant released Bold Italian: Fresh, New Ways to Cook Inspired Italian Dishes at Home, also by Clarkson Potter, containing more than 125 recipes from various Italian regions adapted for American kitchens. The book highlights honest, flavorful preparations like grilled meats and sides, promoting accessible yet bold flavors without complexity. The Scarpetta Cookbook: 175 Recipes from the Acclaimed Restaurant appeared in 2013 from , drawing directly from the menu of his Scarpetta restaurants. It includes signature dishes such as creamy with truffled mushrooms and with and , alongside techniques for ingredients and entertaining. Conant's most recent work, Peace, Love, and Pasta: Simple and Elegant Recipes from a Chef's Home Kitchen, was published in 2021 by . This personal collection focuses on dishes and broader Italian meals using fresh, seasonal elements, interspersed with anecdotes reflecting his culinary evolution.

Media career

Television judging roles

Scott Conant has served as a judge on Food Network's competitive cooking series Chopped since its first season in 2009, appearing in hundreds of episodes where he evaluates contestants' dishes based on creativity, presentation, and use of basket ingredients across appetizer, , and dessert rounds. His tenure on the show, spanning over a decade, has made him a staple of the judging panel, often providing pointed feedback that influences eliminations and final decisions. Conant is particularly noted for his critiques of preparations and Italian culinary elements, leveraging his background in Italian-inspired cuisine to assess authenticity and technique in contestants' offerings. In addition to Chopped, Conant has appeared as a guest judge on Bravo's multiple times starting in 2007, including the Season 2 finale and episodes in Seasons 4 and 5, where he offered expertise on professional-level challenges and eliminations. These recurring guest spots highlighted his discerning palate in high-stakes competitions among aspiring chefs. Conant also contributes as a recurring judge and mentor on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay since 2014, participating in dozens of episodes to select challengers and evaluate ingredient-driven battles against host . In this role, he applies his knowledge of flavor profiles and pairings to guide selections and provide critical analysis during the final cook-offs. His consistent involvement across Food Network's judging panels underscores his influence on the network's competitive formats, from basket reveals to winner determinations.

Hosting and guest appearances

Scott Conant began expanding his media presence beyond judging roles by taking on hosting duties for competitive cooking series on Food Network. His first major hosting gig came with 24 Hour Restaurant Battle, which aired from 2010 to 2011 and featured 12 episodes across two seasons where he guided aspiring restaurateurs in developing restaurant concepts under tight deadlines. In 2019, Conant launched as host of Chopped Sweets, a dessert-focused spin-off of the flagship Chopped series, which has produced over 20 episodes across multiple seasons as of 2025. In this format, he oversees pastry chefs navigating mystery ingredient baskets to create innovative sweets within time constraints. He also hosted Best Baker in America for seasons 2 and 3 (2018–2019), guiding bakers through patriotic-themed challenges, and Topgolf's Chef Showdown in 2021, where chefs competed in golf-inspired culinary battles. Conant's hosting opportunities built on his established judging experience, allowing him to lead shows while drawing from his expertise in high-pressure culinary environments. He has also made notable guest appearances on Food Network programs, including as a judge on Iron Chef America during special episodes like the 2014 Thanksgiving Showdown. Additional guest spots include The Next Iron Chef, where he evaluated contestants' skills in intense challenges, and multiple episodes of Guy's Grocery Games, often serving as a judge in themed competitions. In 2025, Conant debuted as host of House of Knives on , an eight-episode knife-skills competition series that premiered in March and pits international chefs against each other in battles emphasizing precision cutting, strategy, and survival tactics to claim a "throne." He has also served as a guest judge on Bravo's in Seasons 2, 4, and 5.

Awards and recognition

James Beard honors

Scott Conant received two James Beard Foundation Awards in 2003 for his restaurant L'Impero in : Best New Restaurant and Outstanding Restaurant Design (76 seats and over). These honors recognized Conant's innovative approach to modern , emphasizing refined rustic flavors that elevated traditional dishes. Following these wins, Conant earned multiple nominations and semifinalist recognitions from the between 2005 and 2012. In 2005, he was nominated for Best Chef: ; in 2009, his restaurant Scarpetta was nominated for Best New Restaurant, while Conant was a semifinalist for Best Chef: . He continued as a semifinalist for Best Chef: in 2010, 2011, and 2012. As a two-time James Beard winner, Conant has been celebrated for his contributions to contemporary Italian cooking, though he has not received further awards from the foundation since 2012. His sustained influence in the culinary world persists through his restaurants and media presence as of 2025.

Critical acclaim

Scott Conant's restaurants L'Impero and Scarpetta both received three-star reviews from , marking significant milestones in his career. L'Impero earned its acclaim in 2002 for its robust Italian spirit and gracious dining room warmth under Conant's leadership. Similarly, Scarpetta was praised in 2008 for its excellent Italian fare, with Frank Bruni noting Conant's command in the kitchen and the restaurant's relaxed yet inclusive atmosphere. In 2004, Food & Wine designated Conant as one of America's Best New Chefs, recognizing his innovative approach to Italian cuisine following the success of L'Impero. This honor, alongside his James Beard wins, further solidified his reputation among culinary peers. Conant has garnered praise in publications such as Eater and Bon Appétit for his pasta expertise and the inviting atmospheres of his establishments. Eater has highlighted his housemade pasta as a standout feature in projects like Impero Caffè, emphasizing its role in all-day Italian menus. Bon Appétit commended his house-made pasta at Scarpetta Las Vegas as a must-try, praising the lively environment and spins on traditional dishes. Throughout the 2020s, media has recognized Conant as a leading figure in , blending heritage with modern innovation. Coverage in 2024 noted his ongoing expansions, including maintaining oversight of The Americano in amid shifts in his Phoenix operations, underscoring his influence in evolving Italian dining scenes. In 2025, outlets highlighted his impact on modern trends through The Americano, an Italian-inspired in lauded for its sophisticated fusion of coastal seafood, handmade pastas, and high-end steaks in a soulful setting.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Scott Conant married Meltem Bozkurt, a Turkish-born entrepreneur known for her work in pet accessories, in 2007. The couple honeymooned in shortly after. Conant and Bozkurt have two daughters: Ayla Sophia Reina, born on February 8, 2010, and Karya Eva Maria, born on September 19, 2012. The family places a strong emphasis on shared cooking experiences, with Conant frequently involving his daughters in the kitchen as his "favorite sous-chefs" and teaching them recipes inspired by his Italian heritage. In interviews, Conant has described balancing his high-profile culinary career with family life as "the toughest thing in the world," often prioritizing time with his daughters above all else despite frequent travel and work demands. He has shared that fatherhood shifted his perspective, making family moments—like cooking demos at his daughter's nursery—among his most cherished. As of 2025, Conant and Bozkurt remain married, with no reports of or separation.

Current residence

In the late 2010s, Scott Conant relocated from to the in , primarily to establish a family base amid his expanding restaurant ventures and to escape the relentless pace of urban life. This move, which began around 2017 with the opening of his Phoenix restaurant Mora Italian, allowed Conant to prioritize time with his wife and young daughters while overseeing operations closer to home. As of 2025, Conant resides in the Scottsdale area, where his family home serves as a serene retreat amid the landscape. This location positions him near The Americano, his Italian-inspired steakhouse in North Scottsdale, facilitating a balance between professional commitments and without the intensity of his former New York existence. Conant's lifestyle in Scottsdale emphasizes family-oriented home cooking, often featuring simple Italian dishes prepared in his open, airy kitchen, a stark contrast to the high-pressure environment he left behind post-2017. He has described this shift as enabling more grounded routines, such as cooking for his daughters, while traveling for business expansions like the 2022 launch of The Americano in —yet maintaining as his primary Southwest U.S. base.

References

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