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5 Surprising Facts About Stephanie Izard's Husband, Gary Valentine, That Explain Her Success

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As of December 23, 2025, celebrity chef Stephanie Izard continues to dominate the culinary world, managing a growing empire of acclaimed restaurants and maintaining her status as a James Beard Award winner and *Top Chef* champion. While the world focuses on her innovative dishes at Girl & The Goat, Little Goat Diner, and Duck Duck Goat, many are curious about the man who shares her life behind the scenes: her husband, Gary Valentine. Gary Valentine is not the famous comedian and actor, but rather a successful craft beer consultant who has built a strong, supportive partnership with one of Chicago’s most recognized chefs. Their relationship is a perfect blend of culinary excellence and beverage expertise, forming a dynamic duo that balances the high-pressure world of fine dining with a grounded family life in Chicago.

Chef Stephanie Izard: A Full Biography Profile

To truly understand the foundation of her partnership with Gary Valentine, one must first look at the incredible career of Chef Stephanie Izard.

  • Full Name: Stephanie Izard
  • Date of Birth: October 30, 1976
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 49
  • Place of Birth: Evanston, Illinois, U.S.
  • Education: University of Michigan (Sociology); Scottsdale Culinary Institute (Culinary Arts)
  • Spouse: Gary Valentine (Married: October 6, 2013)
  • Child: Ernie William Valentine (Born: May 26, 2016)
  • Notable Restaurants: Girl & The Goat (Chicago, Los Angeles, Singapore), Little Goat Diner, Duck Duck Goat, Cabra (Chicago, Los Angeles)
  • Key Awards:
    • *Top Chef* Season 4 Winner (2008)
    • James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes (2013)
    • *Iron Chef Gauntlet* Winner (2017)
  • Other Projects: This Little Goat (line of sauces and spices), *Girl in the Kitchen* (cookbook), *Top Chef* Judge.

The Man Behind the Goat: Who is Gary Valentine?

Gary Valentine is a name that often causes confusion, as it is shared with Kevin James’s older brother, the actor known for roles in *The King of Queens* and *Paul Blart: Mall Cop*. However, Stephanie Izard’s husband is a distinct and accomplished professional in his own right, known within the beverage industry as an expert craft beer consultant.

1. He is a Craft Beer Consultant, Not an Actor

The most important distinction to make is Gary Valentine’s professional focus. He is deeply entrenched in the world of craft brewing and consulting. His expertise in beer, which contrasts beautifully with Stephanie's food-focused career, has been a key element in their relationship and their shared lifestyle. While many assume he is the famous Hollywood personality, Chicago’s Gary Valentine has carved out a niche as a specialist in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the beverage industry.

2. Their "Meet Cute" Was in a Chicago Bar

Unlike a romantic comedy script, their meeting was grounded in the Chicago hospitality scene. Stephanie Izard met Gary Valentine at a Lillie's Q bar in Chicago. At the time, he was working there as a bartender and beer expert. This setting highlights the natural connection between the two, which was forged over a shared passion for high-quality food and drink. Their initial connection was a testament to the vibrant culinary and beverage community in the city they both call home.

3. Their Wedding Menu Was a Culinary Legend

When a *Top Chef* winner gets married, the food is, understandably, the main event. Stephanie and Gary married on October 6, 2013, at the Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago. The menu was a legendary affair, featuring a collaborative effort from some of the nation's top chefs, including Paul Kahan and Mike Lata. The unique setup included a "chef's counter" experience for guests, and the late-night snack was, fittingly, McDonald's cheeseburgers. Gary’s influence was also present, ensuring the beverage pairings, particularly the craft beer selection, were as meticulously curated as the food.

4. They Share a Son Named Ernie William

Stephanie and Gary welcomed their first child, a son named Ernie William Valentine, on May 26, 2016. The name Ernie is a nod to the iconic Chicago baseball park, Wrigley Field (Ernie Banks). The couple frequently shares glimpses of their family life, which includes their son and their beloved dog, a pug mix named Burt. Balancing a demanding career as a multi-city restaurateur and motherhood is a constant topic for Izard, who credits the stability of her family life with Gary as essential to her continued professional success.

5. Gary Valentine's Expertise Influences Izard's Culinary Projects

While Stephanie is the face of the culinary empire, Gary’s knowledge of beverages, particularly beer, plays a subtle but significant role in their shared life and potentially in her business ventures. Their home life frequently revolves around their shared passion for food and drink, as evidenced by their custom-designed outdoor kitchen featuring a Hybrid Fire Grill. This shared space allows Gary to experiment with grilling and beer pairings, a natural extension of his consulting work. His ongoing expertise ensures that the beverage programs at Izard’s restaurants, from Girl & The Goat to Cabra, are always top-tier, complementing her globally-inspired menus.

The Dynamic Partnership: A Blend of Food and Fermentation

The marriage between Stephanie Izard and Gary Valentine is a powerful example of a high-profile professional finding balance and support in a partner with complementary expertise. Gary Valentine’s grounding presence and his specialized knowledge as a craft beer consultant provide a perfect counterpoint to the high-energy, high-stakes world of a celebrity chef.

As of late 2025, the couple remains a fixture in the Chicago scene, raising their son Ernie and continuing to pursue their individual passions that often intersect. Their commitment to family, their shared love of entertaining (often centered around their impressive outdoor kitchen), and their mutual respect for each other’s professional fields—culinary arts and fermentation science—demonstrates a strong, enduring partnership that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Stephanie Izard’s success is often attributed to her fearlessness and innovation in the kitchen. However, the stability provided by her husband, Gary Valentine, allows her the freedom to take those risks. He is the quiet anchor, the beer expert, and the devoted father who ensures that the Goat empire has a solid foundation at home.

stephanie izard husband
stephanie izard husband

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