Chopped judge Alex Guarnaschelli has risen to become one of the culinary world's most beloved personalities. Known for her sharp wit and incredible cooking skills, this cookbook author has achieved numerous milestones in her career. But her proudest moment? Being a mom to her delightful daughter, Ava Clark, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Brandon Clark. Although their marriage ended, Alex and Brandon have maintained a strong coparenting relationship for the sake of their child.
The Culinary Roots of a Star
Alex's journey into the world of cooking began shortly after she graduated from college in 1991. She threw herself into her work, spending upwards of 80 hours a week honing her craft in the kitchen. This dedication allowed her to master Michelin-star-worthy dishes and prove that she was a force to be reckoned with in the culinary world. Her career took her from France to New York, where she never imagined falling in love. But love found her in 2006 when she met Brandon Clark during a class she was teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education.
Brandon, a personal injury lawyer at the time, was captivated by Alex's personality. "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." That connection sparked a romance that would change both of their lives forever.
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From Love to Life Together
Brandon's passion for cooking grew after meeting Alex, leading him to secure a position at Butter, where Alex served as the head chef. As they spent more time together in the kitchen, their bond deepened. However, after an accident in the kitchen that resulted in a finger injury, Brandon decided to step away from cooking and pursue his passion for music and guitar playing instead. But his love for Alex only intensified. On April 29, 2007, the couple tied the knot at Butter, the place where their love story began. By then, Alex was already pregnant with their daughter, Ava, who was born on September 24, 2007. Life as a working mom was challenging, but Alex embraced it with grace.
"There’s been a certain way that I’ve been totally manically focused on my career and yet, let the tide take me, sometimes," Alex reflected in an October 2007 interview after Ava's birth. "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
Alex and Brandon's marriage ended in 2015, but they've maintained a positive coparenting relationship. Alex has shared photos of family dinners together on Instagram, showing Brandon's continued involvement in Ava's life. He's always smiling in pictures with his daughter, celebrating her achievements and cherishing their time together.
After the divorce, Alex began dating chef Michael Castellon. In June 2020, Michael proposed to Alex with an emerald ring on her birthday. When asked about Ava's reaction, Alex joked, "I said, 'He asked me to marry him.' And she goes, 'All right. I mean, I guess you can, Mom.'" However, their engagement ended in February 2022, with Michael wishing Alex the best in a statement to Closer.
