Hilary Ambrose

I was born into a hardworking Caribbean family from the tiny island of Antigua in the West Indies. I’ve been blessed with an array of inspiration and influences in my life, the greatest being my family. Before I was called “Chef Hilary” in some of the world’s best kitchens, I was affectionately known by my family as “JR”. Growing up, I learned to fish and butcher animals. In my grandmother’s bakery, I learned the ins and outs not only of baking, but of how to run a business.

Early on, I learned that cooking was an act of love. Some of my childhood memories include my late grandparents putting together rich, delicious meals. I watched my grandfather out-cook most of my family and thought, damn, if he can cook like that as a man, so can I. I remember waking up to the smell of Sunday dinner that my mother prepared in the brick oven in our backyard. I also remember my dad making me the best omelet I have ever tasted.