Antony J. Ballard is an English personal celebrity chef and businessman.[1]
Antony J. Ballard | |
|---|---|
| Born | Antony J. Ballard |
Life and career edit
Ballard is a personal chef to celebrities. His clients have included Bruce Willis, Chevy Chase, Michael Crichton, and at special events who included Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Liza Minnelli, Keith Richards, and others.[1][2]
Ballard never attended a culinary school, saying "For me, it was trial by fire."[1] At age 19, Ballard initially worked at the resort Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel in England where he received a "traditional, rigorous training."[2] In 1980, he moved to the USA where he worked for 11 years as executive chef at the Grolier Club in New York City.[1][2] It was here that he was introduced to many high-profile opportunities.[2] He then branched out on his own and opened a gourmet shop A Thyme for Change in North Salem, but closed it a few years later.[1] In 1993, Ballard began a 5-year position as personal chef for Michael Crichton, saying that Crichton "just wanted a restaurant-quality lifestyle without ever having to step foot [sic] out of his house."[1][2]
Other companies he started include Ballard Famous Chef Products LLC[3] and ChefAntonyJBallard.com.[4]
Ballard is an active firefighter in the Croton Falls Fire Department.[5] He has two children.[1]
Bibliography edit
- Food and Shelter (2013)
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f g Melinda McGarty Webb (November 17, 2004). "An extra classy Thanksgiving". The News-Times. Danbury, CT. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e John Bruno Turiano (December 2003). "Star-Power Holiday Meal - Westchester Magazine". Westchester Magazine.
- ^ "Famous Chef Products LLC". Famous Chef Products LLC.
- ^ "Chef Antony J. Ballard". Famous Chef Products LLC.
- ^ "Croton Falls Fire Department Roster". Croton Falls Fire Department. Archived from the original on 2013-09-09.