Food and wine expert Ted Allen was born in Columbus, Ohio on May 20, 1965. He got his love for food and cooking at an early age, courtesy of his Southern-born mother. Allen possesses a psychology degree from Purdue University, and attended an MBA program at the Krannert Graduate School of Management. He worked on several jobs before he got into food and restaurant criticism. He contributed his expertise on publications such as Chicago, GQ, Conde Naste Traveler and Esquire. Allen is now living with his longtime life partner Barry Rice. Allen is the food and wine connoisseur on Bravo's hit reality show Queer Eye.