Anne Burrell didn't just teach us how to cook—she taught us how to show up boldly, try fearlessly and season with heart.
Anne Burrell’s Lasting Impact: What She Taught Us About Cooking
Published on Jun. 20, 2025
Years ago, chef Anne Burrell dined at a restaurant I was managing, and she was exactly what you’d hope: warm, loud, curious and completely lit up by the promise of a great meal. Her enthusiasm was contagious, not just for food, but for people, connection, community and the sheer thrill of a perfect bite. I will always remember what she taught me: “Bacon makes it better.”
Burrell’s death earlier this week at her home in New York sent ripples through the culinary community she helped shape. Known for her unfiltered personality, she wasn’t just a television chef. She was a teacher, a mentor, a force of nature and a beacon for those who didn’t see themselves represented in traditional fine dining.
What We Can All Learn from Anne Burrell
Taste of Home senior editor and chef Lindsay Mattison recalls how much Anne’s presence mattered during her early years: “I remember seeing Anne Burrell on Secrets of a Restaurant Chef. That was right around the time I started seriously thinking about working in kitchens, and she was kind of an inspiration for me. She had this tough-but-fair attitude on the show that gave me the confidence to just go for it.”
Lindsay wasn’t alone. Burrell’s authenticity resonated with people who needed to see that success didn’t require perfection—just passion, persistence and a deep love for the craft. “Watching Anne cook helped me understand I didn’t have to be perfect to be a great cook: I just had to keep trying at it and have fun while doing it,” says Lindsay.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Anne rose to fame on Food Network shows like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Worst Cooks in America and Chef Wanted. Known for her fierce passion, unapologetic flair and deep love for rustic Italian cooking, Anne brought joy to every kitchen she touched—whether behind the line or on our screens. Anne leaves behind a legacy as bold and unforgettable as her signature spiky hair and laugh that could rattle the pots and pans.
Related:
