Nancy Silverton Husband: A Look Into Her Personal and Culinary Journey
When food lovers search for Nancy Silverton’s husband, it often stems from curiosity about the personal life of one of America’s most celebrated chefs and bakers. Silverton, best known as the co-founder of La Brea Bakery and the Mozza restaurant group in Los Angeles, has not only transformed the way Americans think about bread but has also played a significant role in shaping California cuisine. Her professional achievements are well-documented, yet many also wonder about her relationships, particularly her marriage to the late chef Mark Peel, and how those connections influenced her remarkable culinary journey.
Who Is Nancy Silverton?
Nancy Silverton was born in Sherman Oaks, California, in 1954, and grew up in a family that appreciated food but did not necessarily envision a professional cooking career for her. Her path to the culinary world began somewhat unexpectedly. After initially enrolling in Sonoma State University, she found her passion for food while working in a vegetarian kitchen. This experience motivated her to enroll at Le Cordon Bleu in London, one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the world.
Her training provided her with a foundation in classic cooking techniques, which she later brought back to the United States. In the late 1970s, Silverton worked at Michael’s restaurant in Santa Monica, a place that became known for launching the careers of many notable chefs. She honed her craft further at Spago, Wolfgang Puck’s legendary restaurant, where she eventually took charge of the pastry program.
In 1989, Silverton and her then-husband, Mark Peel, opened Campanile, a restaurant in Los Angeles that quickly became a dining landmark. Alongside Campanile, Silverton launched La Brea Bakery, which revolutionized artisan bread-making in the U.S. With its focus on rustic, European-style loaves, La Brea Bakery introduced countless Americans to bread that was flavorful, textured, and artisanal, far removed from mass-produced supermarket bread.
Her career achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Chef Award in 2014. Netflix even dedicated an episode of its acclaimed Chef’s Table series to her, showcasing both her artistry and her personality.
Nancy Silverton’s Marriage to Mark Peel
When discussing Nancy Silverton’s husband, it is impossible not to focus on her marriage to chef Mark Peel. Peel was a rising star in the culinary world when he and Silverton met, and their partnership became both romantic and professional. They were married for many years and worked side by side, shaping the Los Angeles dining scene in profound ways.
Together, they opened Campanile in 1989, located in a historic building that once housed Charlie Chaplin’s offices. Campanile quickly became one of the most celebrated restaurants in the city, known for its blend of European influences and California freshness. It became a training ground for many young chefs who would go on to have successful careers of their own.
At the same time, Silverton launched La Brea Bakery, located next door to Campanile. The bakery was initially designed to supply bread for the restaurant, but its reputation grew so rapidly that it became a standalone success. The bakery expanded, and its bread eventually appeared in supermarkets across the country. La Brea Bakery is still considered one of the most important bread companies in the United States.
As a culinary power couple, Silverton and Peel were admired not only for their individual talents but also for how they complemented each other professionally. Their marriage symbolized a blending of vision and skill, with Peel leading the restaurant kitchen and Silverton redefining what bread could mean in American dining.
Life After Divorce
Despite their professional success together, Nancy Silverton and Mark Peel eventually divorced. The details of their separation were kept relatively private, which reflects Silverton’s general approach to her personal life. After their divorce, Silverton continued her journey in the culinary world, proving that she could thrive independently.
Peel went on to continue his career in Los Angeles restaurants until his passing in 2021. Although their marriage ended, the culinary legacy they built together at Campanile and through La Brea Bakery remains an indelible part of both of their stories.
For Silverton, the end of her marriage was not the end of her creative drive. She went on to open the Mozza restaurant group in Los Angeles with partners Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich. Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza became instant hits, celebrated for their inventive takes on Italian classics and their unwavering commitment to quality.
Her ability to continue innovating and achieving after her divorce underscores her resilience. While her marriage to Mark Peel was an important chapter, it was not the defining factor of her career. Silverton’s work after their separation reinforced her status as a chef and entrepreneur of extraordinary talent.
Later Relationships and Personal Growth
After her marriage to Mark Peel, Nancy Silverton was known to be in a long-term relationship with writer Michael Krikorian. Krikorian, a journalist and food writer, brought a different perspective to Silverton’s world. Their relationship was sometimes referenced in media, particularly in stories highlighting Silverton’s life outside of the kitchen.
Though she has not been as public about her personal relationships as she has about her culinary ventures, Silverton’s connection with Krikorian showed how important supportive partnerships can be for someone in such a demanding industry. Relationships like these likely provided her with balance, inspiration, and perspective as she navigated the challenges of maintaining restaurants, writing cookbooks, and preserving her creative edge.
Why Fans Ask About Nancy Silverton’s Husband
The curiosity about Nancy Silverton’s husband reflects a broader cultural fascination with the personal lives of celebrity chefs. Just as fans of actors or musicians want to know about their spouses and families, food lovers seek to understand the people behind the chefs they admire.
In Silverton’s case, her marriage to Mark Peel was also deeply intertwined with her professional career, which is why questions about her husband arise so frequently. Their partnership produced one of the most important restaurants in Los Angeles and helped shape the future of American food culture.
Furthermore, because Silverton has maintained a relatively private personal life, there is an element of mystery. Fans wonder about her relationships because she does not often address them publicly, leaving room for speculation.
Legacy Beyond Marriage
While questions about Nancy Silverton’s husband are natural, her legacy extends far beyond her marital status. She is recognized as one of the pioneers who elevated bread-making to an art form in the United States. Through La Brea Bakery, she introduced artisanal bread to millions of Americans. With Campanile, she and Peel created a landmark restaurant. With Mozza, she proved she could innovate again, cementing her reputation as one of the most influential chefs of her generation.
Her cookbooks, such as Breads from the La Brea Bakery and The Mozza Cookbook, have inspired countless home bakers and chefs alike. Her episode of Chef’s Table on Netflix introduced her to an even wider audience, celebrating her creativity and resilience.
Awards and recognition, including the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Chef Award, have solidified her place in the culinary world. Her influence continues to shape how Americans think about bread, pizza, and Italian-inspired cuisine.
Featured Image Source: cntraveller.com
