Biography

Chef Virginia Willis is a James Beard award-winning cookbook author, Southern chef, TV and video personality, content creator, culinary producer, motivational speaker, and social media influencer. 

Georgia-born French-trained chef Virginia Willis has foraged for berries in the Alaskan wilderness, harvested capers in the shadow of a smoldering volcano in Sicily, and executed the food styling for a Super Bowl commercial seen by over 160 million people.

Virginia lost 65 pounds and has kept it off for over 5 years. Her health journey has been documented in Eating Well, as a cover story for Woman’s World, Allrecipes, AARP, as well as the Rachel Ray Show. She has embraced her new outlook on life and has become a cheerleader for those wanting to make their life changes, “If a post menopausal French-trained Southern chef can do it, you can, too!”

As a result of her health journey, she founded Good and Good for You, a lifestyle brand that shares health and wellness strategies through digital channels, print media, and public speaking. She offers a weekly free newsletter and Substack called “Good and Good for You Living” featuring healthy recipes, best-life living tips, self-care techniques, and ideas and inspiration featuring science-backed tools, encouragement, and support to empower folks to live a better life.

Her cookbooks include the revised and updated Bon Appétit, Y’all (UGA Press October 2024); Fresh Start; Secrets of the Southern Table, Lighten Up, Y’all, Basic to Brilliant, Y’all, Okra, and Grits.

She is the former TV kitchen director for Martha Stewart, Bobby Flay, and Nathalie Dupree; has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants; and traveled the world producing food stories – from making cheese in California to escargot farming in France. She has appeared on Alex vs America, The Rachel Ray Show, Food Network’s Chopped, CBS This Morning, Fox Family and Friends, Martha Stewart Living, and as a judge on Throwdown with Bobby Flay.

Virginia has also been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, People Magazine, Eater, and Food52. She has contributed to Eating Well, Garden & Gun, Bon Appétit, and more. 

Fans love her down-to-earth attitude and approachable spirit. Learn more about Virginia and Good and Good for You, her real-life approach to health and wellness for mind, body, and spirit at www.virginiawillis.com