“Chef Race: U.K. vs. U.S.” will see host, Claire Robinson, combine her two passions in life – food and television. Influenced by her French-speaking grandmother, and her well-traveled mother, Claire says her love of food is a joy that has been passed through many generations.

Born in Jacksonville, Fla. Claire and her family spent time in St. Augustine, Fla.; Houston; and New Orleans but ultimately settled in Memphis, Tenn. Claire graduated from The University of Memphis in 1999 with a B.A. in Communications. While in college, Claire worked at Maggie’s Pharm where she learned to appreciate the amazing flavors, scents and uses for exotic herbs and spices – a love she applies to her cooking today. Claire then went onto gain behind-the-scenes media experience at Memphis’ CBS affiliate, WREG-TV, and at WMC-FM radio. At Tiger Sports Properties, a sports marketing agency, Claire handled marketing for The University of Memphis’ athletic department.

In 2004 Claire moved to New York to pursue her true ambition in cooking. She attended The French Culinary Institute and graduated in 2005. Claire then spent time as a private chef as well as a culinary producer on various television series including Food Network’s “Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello” and PBS’ “Everyday Baking for Everyday Food.” But her talents in front of the camera quickly became apparent. Claire herself confesses that behind the scenes “It was hard for me to keep quiet while someone else talked.”

Her television experience includes “5 Ingredient Fix” – where Claire proves delicious dishes only need five ingredients or fewer to make cooking easier, faster and irresistible. As well as “Food Network Challenge” a showcase of the biggest and best food battles around the world, she also has her own cookery book entitled “5 Ingredient Fix”.

In terms of cooking, Claire believes the best dishes feature carefully-selected fresh foods with distinct flavors, a straightforward cooking style that also promotes healthy and seasonal eating. When Claire isn’t in the kitchen, you can find her enjoying a multitude of adventures including skydiving, boxing or slalom waterskiing.