Page 4 - 2024 Crossroad Sponsor Packet

Special Guest
Andrew Zimmern is a celebrated TV personality, chef, writer, and social justice advocate known for his Emmy-winning work and four James Beard Awards. As the mastermind behind the Bizarre Foods franchise and other popular shows like Andrew Zimmern's Driven by Food and Family Dinner, Zimmern has made a significant impact by promoting cultural acceptance and understanding through food.
Andrew Zimmern
Social Justice Advocate
His latest ventures include judging on Netflix's Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend and teaching outdoor cooking on Andrew Zimmern's Wild Game Kitchen. Through his various media projects, Zimmern has dedicated his career to exploring and sharing the diverse culinary traditions of the world.
From a young age, Zimmern's journey to culinary fame began with a passion for food. After attending The Dalton School and Vassar College, he honed his skills in New York City under renowned chefs like Thomas Keller. However, his career took a tumultuous turn due to his battle with addiction, leading to a period of homelessness. With the support of friends, Zimmern entered rehab at the Hazelden Foundation and rebuilt his life, starting anew as a dishwasher at Café Un Deux Trois in Minneapolis. He eventually rose to the position of executive chef, transforming the restaurant into a nationally acclaimed establishment.
Zimmern's culinary innovations caught the media's attention, leading to opportunities in television and radio. His success with the pilot for Bizarre Foods in 2003 began a prolific media career but he has also authored several books, including The Bizarre Truth and Andrew Zimmern's Field Guide to Exceptionally Weird, Wild, Wonderful Foods, sharing his culinary adventures and unique perspectives with a broader audience.
In 2020, Andrew was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host. He has won James Beard awards for “TV Food Personality” (2010), “TV Program on Location” (2012), and “Outstanding Personality/Host” (2013 and 2017). In 2021, the annual Taste Awards created a new special achievement award, The Andrew Zimmern Discovery Award, that honors his mission to discover new cultures and flavors.
Andrew sits on the board of directors of Services for the UnderServed, EXPLR Media, Soigne Hospitality and Beans is How. He is on the advisory board of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, serves on City Harvest’s Food Council, is the International Rescue Committee’s Voice for Nutrition and was named a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme, as well as The Nature Conservancy. Other charities Andrew works with include Lovin’ Spoonfuls, ONE, Food Policy Action Committee, No Kid Hungry and Giving Kitchen. In his rare downtime, Andrew relaxes in Minneapolis, spending time with family and his dogs Luca and Clemmie the Lagottos.