Chef Todd English charged with intoxicated driving

By The Associated Press

Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014 | 1:59 p.m.

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Celebrity chef Todd English, who has opened restaurants around the country and written multiple cookbooks, was arrested Sunday on a charge of driving while intoxicated, authorities said.

Police in Southampton said English was arrested Sunday morning on a county road on Long Island. He made a court appearance later in the day, and authorities said he posted $1,500 bail.

The circumstances of the arrest were unavailable. An email to English's representative and a call to his attorney were not immediately returned.

The chef, whose full name is William Todd English, is the creative force behind a number of restaurants across the country, including Olives, Figs and Fish Club — in Las Vegas, he has Olives at Bellagio and Todd English P.U.B. at The Shops at Crystals in CityCenter. He also has been a regular on TV programs including "Iron Chef USA."

English has written several cookbooks and has been honored by the James Beard Foundation for excellence and achievement in cuisine.

In September 2009, his former fiancee was charged with assault, and authorities accused her of hitting him with a metal wrist watch, leaving him needing multiple stitches. The couple had been scheduled to get married, but English called off the wedding.

A judge in January 2010 closed the case without prison or probation based on her going through anger management and performing community service.