Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Amy Thielen

Host of "Heartland Table" on Food Network | Author of "The New Midwestern Table" | Speaker on Culinary Arts and Midwest Cuisine Heritage

Amy Thielen Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Host of "Heartland Table" on Food Network | Author of "The New Midwestern Table" | Speaker on Culinary Arts and Midwest Cuisine Heritage

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Amy Thielen
Speaking Fee:
$10,000 to $20,000

Travels From:
MSP - Minneapolis

Primary Topic Category:
Chefs / Culinary / Food & WIne

Secondary Topic Category:
Authors & Storytellers

 

Amy Thielen Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Amy Thielen is a celebrated chef and author, known for her expertise in Midwestern cuisine. As the host of Food Network's "Heartland Table," she brings the flavors and traditions of the Midwest to a national audience. Amy is a James Beard Award-winning cookbook author, with her books praised for their rich storytelling and authentic recipes. Her passion for local ingredients and culinary history has made her a sought-after keynote speaker. Amy's deep connection to her roots offers audiences a unique perspective on American food culture.

Amy Thielen is a celebrated chef, author, and television personality known for her deep-rooted connection to Midwestern cuisine. Born and raised in northern Minnesota, Amy developed an early appreciation for the rich culinary traditions of her home region. Her passion for cooking was fostered by her family's love for home-cooked meals and her formative years in a community where hearty, unpretentious dishes were the norm. This background laid the foundation for her future pursuits in the culinary world. After earning a degree in English from Macalester College, Amy was drawn back to the kitchen, enrolling in culinary school in New York City. There, she honed her skills at some of the city’s finest restaurants, including David Bouley’s Danube, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Jean Georges, and Daniel Boulud’s Café Boulud. These experiences imbued her with a refined understanding of haute cuisine, which she creatively melds with the comforting flavors of her Midwestern roots. In 2013, Amy's career took a significant leap when she became the host of the Food Network’s "Heartland Table." The show allowed her to share the unique, often underappreciated, aspects of Midwestern cooking with a national audience. With her genuine warmth and approachable style, Amy introduced viewers to the rustic simplicity and deep flavors of the Heartland, earning her a dedicated following. In addition to her television work, Amy is an accomplished author. Her first book, "The New Midwestern Table," won the James Beard Foundation Book Award, marking her as a significant voice in American culinary writing. She followed this success with "Give a Girl a Knife," a memoir that offers insights into her journey from a small-town farm girl to a celebrated chef, capturing her love of cooking and the rich tapestry of Midwestern life. Amy Thielen's career is marked by a deep-seated loyalty to her Midwestern origins combined with a sophisticated grasp of culinary arts. She continues to influence and inspire the culinary world with her storytelling, authenticity, and unwavering passion for food. Whether through her engaging television presence or vivid prose, Amy remains a beloved ambassador of Midwestern cuisine to audiences everywhere.
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