Birth Name: | Antony J. Ballard |
Antony J. Ballard is an English personal celebrity chef and businessman.[1]
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 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]