Bio
Katie Lee (previously known as Katie Lee Joel) is an American television personality (and the third wife of musician Billy Joel) best known for hosting the first season of the reality television competition Top Chef, in 2006.
Raised in her grandmother's Southern kitchen, Katie's enthusiasm for excellent cuisine started at an early age. From a family who planned their day around dinner's menu, it is no surprise that Katie's path led her to a career in the food industry.
In July 2005, Katie co-created the website www.oliveandpeach.com with partner Aleishall Girard. The site focuses on food and aims to provoke readers to think more deeply about the origins of the food they eat. It seeks to heighten awareness about the importance of "conscious consumption."
Katie's culinary and lifestyle column, "East End Girl," is published weekly in Hamptons Magazine and will soon be a part of its sister publication, Gotham.
She has also appeared on Extra, Life and Style, CBS Early Show, episodes of Food Network's Iron Chef America, Fine Living's Pairings and she has been featured in publications like People, In Style and Hamptons Style.
Katie has worked in several restaurants and gourmet food and wine stores. In 2003, she helped to open Jeff and Eddy's Restaurant, one of the hottest dining spots in the Hamptons. There she served as the house fishmonger.
Katie received her bachelor's degree in English and Journalism at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She also studied in Florence, Italy at the British Institute.
In 2004, she returned to her classroom in Italy to teach American students about dining in Tuscany.
Outside of her culinary adventures, Katie enjoys spending time in her organic garden, traveling, exercising, and playing with her two pugs.
After nearly five years of marriage, Billy and Katie Lee decided to separate in June 2009, citing their age difference as the main reason.