
Koren Grieveson is a highly accomplished Angolan-American chef known for her expertise in the culinary world. With a career spanning several prestigious restaurants, including Resto, Avec, and Blackbird, she has built a reputation for excellence in fine dining. Her talent has also earned her recognition on popular cooking shows such as Top Chef and Iron Chef. A recipient of the esteemed James Beard Best Chef award, Koren continues to leave a lasting impact on the industry with her skills and dedication.
Who Is Koren Grieveson ?

Koren Grieveson is a renowned Angolan-American chef and television personality recognized for her culinary expertise. She gained fame as a guest judge on Top Chef (2008) and a competitor on Iron Chef America (2009). Born in Luanda, Angola, she later settled in the U.S., where her passion for cooking was inspired by her mother.
Before entering the culinary world, Grieveson served in the U.S. Army for eight years. She then trained at the Culinary Institute of America and went on to work at top restaurants like Aqua, Spruce, Blackbird, and Avec. In 2012, she became the executive chef at Resto in New York. Her achievements include winning the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes.
Koren Grieveson Wiki/ Bio
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Koren Grieveson |
Date of Birth | November 4, 1971 |
Place of Birth | Luanda, Angola |
Koren Grieveson Age | 53 years old (as of 2025) |
Birth Sign | Scorpio |
Chinese Zodiac Sign | Pig |
Education | Graduate |
Profession | Chef |
Koren Grieveson Net Worth | $5 million (estimated) |
Koren Grieveson Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
Koren Grieveson Weight | 61 kg |
Eye Color | Black |
Hair Color | Brown |
Family Life | Engaged to Anne Burrell in 2012, separated before marriage |
Marital Status | Single |
Ex-Partner | Anne Burrell |
Siblings | 1 sister |
House Location | Chicago, San Francisco, USA |
Favorite Actor | Tom Hanks |
Favorite Food | Chinese Cuisine |
Favorite Travel Destination | Singapore |
Languages | French, English |
Kids | No |
Koren Grieveson Early Life
Koren Grieveson, born on November 4, 1971, in Luanda, Angola, had a childhood shaped by her father’s work in the poultry industry, which required the family to move frequently. As a result, Grieveson spent parts of her childhood in diverse countries, including Brazil, England, and Iran, before eventually settling in Glastonbury, Connecticut. These frequent moves not only exposed her to different cultures but also provided her with a global perspective on food, which would later influence her culinary career.
Her mother, an exceptional cook, played a crucial role in nurturing Grieveson’s early interest in cooking. Grieveson often recalls the meals they shared as a family, where her mother’s skills in the kitchen ignited a passion for food. Through her mother’s guidance, she learned the importance of flavors, presentation, and the joy of cooking for loved ones.
Koren Grieveson Age
Koren Grieveson, born on November 4, 1971, in Luanda, Angola, is 53 years old as of 2025. According to the Chinese zodiac, she was born in the Year of the Pig. People born under this sign are believed to be honest, kind-hearted, and diligent, often admired for their generosity and strong work ethic. The Pig is also associated with good fortune, prosperity, and an enjoyment of life, traits that could certainly be said to align with Grieveson’s successful and well-regarded career in the culinary world.
Koren Grieveson Education

Koren Grieveson spent her early years living in various countries, including Brazil, England, and Iran, before her family settled in Glastonbury, Connecticut.
Her love for cooking began with her mother, who was her first mentor in the kitchen. At 17, driven by a sense of adventure, she joined the U.S. Army and served for eight years. Following her military service, Grieveson pursued her passion for food by enrolling at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Over the years, she gained experience at several renowned restaurants, including Aqua in San Francisco and Spruce, Blackbird, and Avec in Chicago
Koren Grieveson Family
Koren Grieveson was born on November 4, 1971, in Luanda, Angola. Growing up, her family frequently relocated due to her father’s work in the poultry industry. As a result, she and her sisters spent much of their early lives in various countries, including Brazil, Iran, and England, before eventually settling in the United States, where they made their home in Glastonbury, Connecticut.
Her passion for cooking was ignited at a young age, thanks to her mother, who was a skilled and creative cook. The family often enjoyed homemade chicken dishes, and her mother’s expertise laid the foundation for Grieveson’s love of food. In addition to the influence of her mother’s cooking, Grieveson’s international upbringing exposed her to a wide variety of global cuisines, further shaping her diverse culinary perspective.
Koren Grieveson Military Career
Koren Grieveson’s decision to enlist in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 was influenced by her desire to drive army jeeps, though by the time she joined, they had been replaced by Humvees. Unaware of the eight-year commitment required, Grieveson went ahead and enlisted, despite her mother’s warning. She served in the Army for eight years, never leaving the continental U.S., and described her experience as peaceful and fulfilling.
Koren Grieveson Culinary Career

After leaving the Army, Grieveson began her career in hospitality, initially serving food and drinks to rock bands in New York, including legendary groups like Lollapalooza, The Eagles, and The Rolling Stones. A conversation with her father eventually led her to pursue a culinary career.
Grieveson enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in New York, where her talent quickly gained attention. Her early culinary experience included working at Aqua in San Francisco, followed by positions at Spruce and Blackbird in Chicago. From 1998 to 2003, she served as a sous chef at Blackbird, under celebrity chef Paul Kahan. She also worked at Avec, a Mediterranean-themed wine bar, where she became chef de cuisine and helped earn the restaurant several awards.
In 2010, Grieveson was invited to prepare food for a “healthy” kids’ fair at the White House. That same year, she received the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes and was named Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chef.
In 2012, Grieveson moved back to New York, where she briefly stayed with chef Gabrielle Hamilton of Prune. By 2015, she became the executive chef at Resto, a Belgian restaurant. While she preserved the restaurant’s meat-centric identity, Grieveson introduced subtle changes to make dishes lighter and more flavorful. She created her own harissa to complement their mussels and used spices and vegetables to enhance the flavors of various dishes without making them too heavy.
Grieveson left Resto in April 2016, and the restaurant closed shortly after in August. It was later rebranded as Cannibal Liquor House in October.
Koren Grieveson Relationship Status

Koren Grieveson was born in Luanda, Angola, where her father worked in the poultry industry. Due to her father’s job, the family frequently moved, and she spent parts of her childhood in various countries before finally settling in Glastonbury, Connecticut. After leaving school, Grieveson enlisted in the U.S. Army, where she served for eight years. Following her military career, she transitioned to the hospitality industry, catering for rock bands during tours and events like Lollapalooza in New York. She eventually pursued her passion for cooking by enrolling at The Culinary Institute of America, where she graduated and began working at several restaurants across the country. Her career reached a significant milestone when she became the executive chef at Resto in New York City.
Grieveson was previously engaged to Anne Burrell, a well-known American chef and restaurateur. The couple got engaged in 2012 in Vieques, Puerto Rico, though they kept the news private until Burrell publicly confirmed the engagement in late December 2012. Despite the public engagement, the couple never married and eventually parted ways.
While details about Grieveson’s personal life remain largely private, it is known that she identifies as a lesbian. She and Anne Burrell, who is known for shows like Worst Cooks in America and Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, have been public about their relationship in the past, but as of now, it is unclear if they are still together. Grieveson and Burrell have both lived in New York City. Further aspects of Grieveson’s romantic history remain undisclosed.
Attribute | Details |
Engagement | Engaged to Anne Burrell in 2012 in Vieques, Puerto Rico. The engagement was made public in December 2012. |
Relationship Status | The couple never married and eventually split up. |
Sexual Orientation | Identifies as a lesbian. |
Partner | Anne Burrell, a well-known chef, recognized for shows like Worst Cooks in America and Secrets of a Restaurant Chef. |
Koren Grieveson Physical Appearance
Attribute | Details |
Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
Weight | 61 kg |
Eye Color | Black |
Hair Color | Brown |
Koren Grieveson Social Media Presence

Koren Grieveson maintains an active presence on social media, where she engages with her followers through posts that reflect both her professional achievements and personal interests. As a respected chef, she shares glimpses of her culinary creations, behind-the-scenes moments, and insights into her work. Her social media platforms also serve as a way for fans and fellow chefs to connect with her, offering a space for interaction, inspiration, and updates on her latest ventures. While Grieveson values her privacy, her social media presence provides a window into her world, showcasing her passion for food and life.
Koren Grieveson Philanthropy
Throughout her career, Koren Grieveson has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly those focused on giving back to her community. Her commitment to helping others is reflected in her participation in charity events, cooking for good causes, and supporting organizations that work to improve access to food and nutrition. Grieveson’s dedication to using her skills to make a positive impact goes beyond her professional success, as she seeks to contribute to meaningful causes that align with her values of service and compassion. Through her philanthropy, she continues to inspire others to use their talents for the greater good.
Koren Grieveson Net Worth
Koren Grieveson has built a successful career in the culinary world, which has contributed to her financial standing. While specific figures regarding her net worth are not publicly confirmed, some estimates suggest that it could be around $5 million. However, it’s important to note that this figure is speculative and may not fully reflect her actual earnings. As a chef with an extensive career, including her role as an executive chef at Resto in New York City and her appearances on prominent cooking shows, Grieveson’s income likely stems from a combination of restaurant work, media appearances, and other business ventures. However, without definitive information, the exact value of her net worth remains uncertain.
Koren Grieveson Awards and Achievements

Award | Details |
James Beard Foundation Award | Best Chef: Great Lakes in 2010 for her work at Avec in Chicago. |
Food & Wine | Named a Best New Chef in 2008. |
Koren Grieveson Facts
- While many believe Koren Grieveson is Angolan, she is actually South African by birth.
- Grieveson and her family lived in multiple countries during her childhood, including South Africa, Iran, Brazil, and England, before eventually settling in the United States.
- A notable part of her identity is her South African heritage, which she honors with a tattoo of her family crest.
- In addition to this, Grieveson has another tattoo symbolizing her passion for cooking, featuring bacon and butter, which reflects her culinary expertise.
- Grieveson served in the U.S. Army for eight years, gaining valuable life experience during her time in service.
- The chef has tattoos on both hands, further adding to her distinctive personal style.
FAQs about Koren Grieveson
Q. What is Koren Grieveson’s culinary background?
A. She is an award-winning chef known for her work at Blackbird, Avec, and Resto.
Q. Is Koren Grieveson married?
A. She was engaged to Anne Burrell but never married; the couple eventually split.
Q. Where did Koren Grieveson grow up?
A. She lived in South Africa, Brazil, Iran, and England before settling in the U.S.
Q. What is Koren Grieveson’s military experience?
A. She served in the U.S. Army for eight years before transitioning to cooking.
Q. Has Koren Grieveson appeared on TV?
A. Yes, she has appeared on Top Chef and Iron Chef America.
Conclusion
Koren Grieveson has established herself as a trailblazer in the culinary world, with a career that has been marked by both creativity and excellence. Her culinary journey, which began with a diverse upbringing in various countries, has been defined by her commitment to innovation and quality. Throughout her career, she has received prestigious accolades, including the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes, and recognition as a Best New Chef by Food & Wine magazine.
Her passion for cooking, combined with her focus on culinary integrity and social impact, continues to inspire and set a standard for excellence in the industry. Koren Grieveson’s career serves as a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and using one’s platform to make a lasting, positive impact.
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