Katie Lee Biegel is an American cookbook author, television food critic, TV host, and chef. She Biegel attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where she studied journalism and food science. After college, she moved to New York and worked in several restaurants and gourmet food and wine stores. 

Biegel rose to prominence in 2006 when she became the host of the first season of Top Chef. Though she did not return for the second season, the show marked her debut on national television. It also led to several TV appearances as a guest, culinary expert, and even competitor. 

In 2014, Biegel became the host of Food Network’s show The Kitchen, a role she held till the show concluded in 2025. Since then, she has been a regular contributor to NBC’s Today show, where she leads cooking segments, shares seasonal recipes, and discusses lifestyle trends. Additionally, Biegel is a regular guest and judge on Beat Bobby Flay and on several of Food Network’s seasonal baking competitions. 

On a personal level, Biegel is married to television producer Ryan Biegel. They reside in the Hamptons and New York City and have a daughter together. She was previously married to singer-songwriter Billy Joel from 2004 to 2009.  She is also an active philanthropist and television chef, heavily involved in combating food insecurity.