Who is Damaris Phillips? Age, Daughter, Adoption, Weight Loss, Net Worth

Damaris Phillips

Damaris Phillips Biography

Damaris Phillips is an American chef and television personality who became famous after winning the ninth season of the Food Network competition show “Food Network Star” in 2013.

After winning “Food Network Star,” Phillips went on to host her own cooking show on the Food Network called “Southern at Heart.” The show focused on Phillips’ Southern roots and her unique approach to traditional Southern cuisine. It aired from 2013 to 2016 and was well-received by viewers.

Phillips has also made appearances on other Food Network shows, such as “Guy’s Grocery Games” and “The Kitchen.” She has published a cookbook titled “Southern Girl Meets Vegetarian Boy,” which combines her Southern cooking style with her husband’s vegetarian preferences.

Damaris Phillips Age

Phillips was born on December 8, 1980. She is 42 years old as of 2022. She grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, as the youngest of five daughters.

Damaris Phillips Husband

Phillips is married to Darrick Wood, a curriculum developer, teacher, and radio personality. The couple got married on June 13, 2015, in Louisville, Kentucky.

They met at a farmers market and had a whirlwind romance that led to a proposal on a hot air balloon. Their wedding was a rustic affair with a Southern menu that included both meat and vegetarian options.

Phillips and her husband, Darrick Wood
Phillips and her husband, Darrick Wood

Damaris Phillips Daughter

Phillips and Darrick Wood welcomed their first child, a daughter named Francis Louise Wood, on March 9, 2020. They announced the happy news on Instagram with a sweet photo of their newborn baby girl. Damaris wrote: “She is here and she is perfect. We are over the moon in love.”

Damaris Phillips Adoption

Phillips has addressed her experience with adoption. She revealed that she was adopted by her parents when she was six weeks old and that she has always felt loved and accepted by her family.

Damaris also shared that she has met her biological mother and some of her biological siblings and that they have a good relationship. She said: “I’m so grateful for my adoptive parents and my biological parents. They both gave me such gifts.”

Damaris Phillips Weight Loss

Phillips has been candid about her weight loss journey, which started when she was in culinary school. She said that she gained a lot of weight during that time and that she decided to make some changes to her diet and lifestyle after graduating.

“I started eating more vegetables, more whole grains, more lean proteins. ..started exercising more. …started drinking more water.” Damaris said.

She also shared that she does not follow any specific diet or count calories, but rather listens to her body and enjoys everything in moderation. Damaris said: “I don’t deprive myself of anything. I just try to make better choices most of the time.”

Damaris Phillips Restaurant

Phillips does not own a restaurant, but she has been involved in some culinary projects in her hometown of Louisville. She helped create the menu for The Fat Lamb, a modern American restaurant that opened in 2016.

She also collaborated with Gralehaus, a bed and breakfast and beer garden, to offer cooking classes and brunch events. “I love being able to share my passion for food with people in my community,” Phillips said.

Damaris Phillips Recipes

Phillips is known for her Southern-inspired recipes that are comforting, flavorful, and sometimes vegetarian-friendly. Some of her most popular dishes include; fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, bourbon pecan pie, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, biscuits and gravy, peach cobbler, and cornbread.

Phillips also likes to experiment with different cuisines and ingredients, such as Thai curry, quinoa salad, roasted cauliflower tacos, and vegan chocolate cake. She said: “I love to cook because it makes people happy. It’s a way of showing love and care.”

Damaris Phillips Cookbook

Phillips has written two cookbooks so far. Her first one, called Southern Girl Meets Vegetarian Boy: Down Home Classics for Vegetarians (and the Meat Eaters Who Love Them). It was published in 2017. It features over 100 recipes that cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians, inspired by her marriage to Darrick Wood.

Her second cookbook is called Super Simple: Easy Recipes for Every Day. It was published in 2019. It features over 100 recipes that are quick and easy to make, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Regarding her books, she said: “I wanted to write cookbooks that are accessible and fun for everyone.”

Does Damaris Phillips have cancer?

Phillips does not have cancer. However, she has been vocal about supporting cancer research and awareness. In 2018, she participated in the Stand Up To Cancer telethon, where she shared her personal story of losing her father to lung cancer when she was 19 years old.

“My dad was my hero. He taught me how to cook, how to laugh, how to love.” She also encouraged people to donate to the cause and to get screened for cancer regularly.”Cancer affects so many people in so many ways. We need to stand up together and fight back.”

Damaris Phillips’  Net Worth

Phillips’ net worth is estimated to be around $4 million as of 2023.