Chopped judge Alex Guarnaschelli isn’t just a world-class chef; she’s a mom, a cookbook author, and a culinary icon who’s worked her way to the top. Her journey through life is as flavorful as the dishes she creates. Among her proudest achievements? Being a mother to her adorable daughter, Ava Clark, whom she shares with her ex-husband Brandon Clark. While Alex and Brandon may have parted ways romantically, they remain committed co-parents, ensuring Ava is always their top priority.

From College Grad to Michelin Star Chef

Alex Guarnaschelli didn’t waste any time after graduating from college in 1991. She dove headfirst into the culinary world, logging 80-hour workweeks in the kitchen. Her relentless dedication earned her the skills to craft Michelin star-worthy dishes, proving she was a force to be reckoned with. She traveled the globe, honing her craft in places like France and New York, all while never expecting love to enter her life. That changed in 2006 when she met Brandon Clark during a class she was teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education.

When Brandon first laid eyes on Alex, he was smitten. “I thought she was hilarious,” he told the New York Times in May 2007. “Some people found her intimidating. I found her funny, playful, exciting, and adorable.” Their connection was instant, and it wasn’t long before their professional relationship blossomed into something more.

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Food Network Chef Alex Guarnaschelli Has 1 Daughter With Ex-Husband Brandon Clark: Meet Her Former Flame — Courtesy of Instagram/ Alex Guarnaschelli

A Love That Cooked Up in the Kitchen

Brandon, a personal injury lawyer at the time, found himself increasingly drawn to the culinary arts after meeting Alex. He eventually landed a job at Butter, the very restaurant where Alex served as head chef. As they spent more time together perfecting their culinary skills, their bond deepened. However, a kitchen accident left Brandon with a finger injury, prompting him to rethink his future in cooking. Instead, he decided to pursue his passion for music and guitar playing, a decision that didn’t dampen his feelings for Alex.

Their love story reached its peak on April 29, 2007, when they tied the knot at Butter, the place where their romance first flourished. At the time of their wedding, Alex was pregnant with their daughter, Ava, who was born on September 24, 2007. Adjusting to life as a working mom wasn’t easy, but Alex embraced the challenge with grace.

Alex’s Perspective on Motherhood

In an October 2007 interview shortly after Ava’s birth, Alex opened up about the whirlwind changes in her life. “There’s been a certain way that I’ve been totally manically focused on my career and yet, let the tide take me, sometimes,” she shared. “Now I have a baby girl and a really great husband. And a job I really enjoy. But there was a lot of work and a lot of moments where I was like, ‘Am I crazy?’ And there’s no one to ask if you’re crazy, other than your parents, who are crazy anyway.”

A New Chapter in Love and Life

Though Alex and Brandon divorced in 2015, their commitment to co-parenting Ava remained unwavering. Alex has often shared heartwarming photos of family dinners together on Instagram, showing that their bond extends beyond romance. Brandon, ever the doting dad, lights up every time he’s captured on camera with Ava, celebrating her many milestones.

After the divorce, Alex began dating chef Michael Castellon. The Chopped champion proposed to her with an emerald ring on her birthday in June 2020. In an interview with People following the proposal, Alex revealed Ava’s reaction to the news. “I said, ‘He asked me to marry him.’ And she goes, ‘All right. I mean, I guess you can, Mom,’” the celebrity chef shared, capturing the essence of their family dynamic.

In February 2022, Closer confirmed that Alex and Michael had parted ways, ending their engagement. “Wishing her nothing but the best,” Michael said in a statement following their breakup, showcasing mutual respect and goodwill.