Rick Stein is a British chef, restaurateur and television presenter known for his culinary expertise, especially seafood.
He rose to fame in the 1990s on the BBC drama A Taste of the Sea, which cast him as Britain’s leading seafood expert.
Stein’s restaurants, cookbooks and TV shows have made him widely recognized in British cuisine.
He has also contributed to the culinary world through his restaurant empire, which is mainly based in Cornwall and international locations such as Australia.
contour
- Full name: Christopher Richard Stein
- Nickname: Rick Stein
- Date of birth: January 4, 1947
- Age: 77 years old
- Gender: Male
- Birthplace: Churchill, Oxfordshire, England
- Nationality: British
- Occupation: Chef, restaurateur, TV host, author
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: Eric Stein (father), Dorothy Stein (mother)
- Siblings: John Stein, Henrietta Stein, Jeremy Stein (half-brother)
- Spouse: Sarah Burns (m. 2011), formerly married to Jill Newstead (1975-2007)
- Children: Edward Stein, Jack Stein, Charles Stein
- Relationship status: Married to Sarah Burns
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: English
- Net worth: $44 million
early life and education
Rick Stein was born on January 4, 1947 in Churchill, Oxfordshire, England. He is 77 years old.
His father, Eric Stein, was managing director of The Distillers but suffered from bipolar disorder and tragically took his own life in 1965, when Rick was 18. Stein grew up with his siblings John and Henrietta and half-brother Jeremy.
He was educated at Uppingham School in Rutland and later at New College, Oxford, where he majored in English.
However, instead of completing his degree at Oxford, he moved to Australia, where he worked in various jobs before returning to England. Stein’s culinary journey began when he purchased a mobile disco, which he later converted into a nightclub and eventually his famous restaurant, The Seafood Restaurant, in Padstow, Cornwall.
With a background rooted in British culture, his journey into the culinary world took a lot of hard work, but his determination ultimately paid off.
personal life
Rick Stein married his first wife, Jill Newstead, in 1975. The couple met in Padstow, where they later started their own restaurant business together.
Stein and Jill have three children – Edward, Jack and Charles – who are now involved in the family business.
Despite their successful partnership, Stein had a five-year romance with Sarah Burns, which eventually led to his separation from Gill in 2002 and their divorce in 2007. However, Stein and Gill continued to operate their restaurant business amicably.
Stein married Sarah Burns in 2011 following their divorce. The couple live between the UK and Australia, where Stein also runs restaurants.
Stein has faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including undergoing open-heart surgery in 2022 to repair a heart valve.
He talks about how the experience influenced his cooking, pushing him to focus on simpler, healthier dishes.
Profession
Rick Stein’s career as a chef and restaurateur began in 1975 when he opened a seafood restaurant in Padstow.
His television career took off with the success of the 1990s BBC series A Taste of the Sea, which showcased his deep knowledge of seafood and his commitment to simple, ingredient-based cooking.
Over the years, Stein expanded his culinary empire, opening restaurants in Cornwall and abroad, particularly in Australia.
Stein’s approach to food stems from his love of fresh, local ingredients. He frequently advocates for sustainable fishing practices.
His numerous cookbooks, TV series, and live cooking demonstrations have earned him widespread recognition, and his influence extends far beyond the kitchen.
Awards
- Glenfiddich Cookbook of the Year, 1989
- Andre Simon Cook Book of the Year, 1996
- Good Food Award for Best Cookbook, 1995/1996
net worth
As of 2024, Rick Stein’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $44 million. His wealth stems primarily from his successful restaurant empire, television career and numerous best-selling cookbooks.
Stein’s restaurants, especially the seafood restaurants, were highly profitable, and his Australian ventures further contributed to his financial success.
dispute
Rick Stein has faced controversy, especially surrounding his personal life. The most high-profile scandal was his affair with Sarah Burns, which began in the late 1990s while she was still married.
The affair lasted five years before his then-wife Jill discovered it. Revelations of the relationship caused a public uproar, leading to Stein and Gill’s separation in 2002 and their eventual divorce in 2007.
Despite the personal turmoil, the couple continues to work together professionally and run their successful restaurant business.
In the most recent incident in October 2023, Stein caused some minor controversy during a live appearance on BBC’s The One Show.
While promoting his book “A Simple Dinner,” he accidentally said a profanity on the show, leading to an apology from the host and Stein.
The incident sparked discussion online but was generally viewed as a gaffe rather than a major scandal.
social media
- Instagram: @ricksteinrestaurants
- Twitter: @Rick_Stein
film chronology
- The taste of the sea(1995)
- Stein’s Seafood Odyssey by Rick Stein (1999)
- Rick Stein’s “Stein’s Smell of the Sea” (2000)
- Rick Stein’s “Stein’s Food Heroes” (2002)
books
- British Seafood Cooking (1988)
- The taste of the sea(1995)
- Stein’s Seafood Odyssey by Rick Stein (1999)
- Rick Stein’s “Stein’s Food Heroes” (2002)
