Michael Symon

Bio

Michael Symon is best known as a star of the popular Food Network series Iron Chef America, where he cooks with soul, creating boldly flavored dishes. His other television credits include serving as host of Food Feuds and Cook Like an Iron Chef, as well as a featured judge on season three of The Next Iron Chef.###SUMMARYEND###

Born and raised in Cleveland, OH, Symon loves cooking with meats and has a passion for pork. His critically-acclaimed restaurants, Lola and Lolita, are cornerstones of the Cleveland dining scene. In 2008, Symon opened his third restaurant Roast in Detroit’s Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. In 2009, Symon opened two more restaurants, the Cleveland-based B Spots, showcasing his passion for burgers, bratwurst and beer. In 2011, he opened two additional B Spot locations in Cleveland: Strongsville and Crocker Park.

In 1998, Symon was named Best New Chef by Food & Wine Magazine, and in 2000, Gourmet Magazine chose Lola as one of "America’s Best Restaurants." Symon has also been recognized with the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef Great Lakes. In 2010, Symon was the first chef ever to host the annual Farm Aid benefit concert.

In November of 2009, Random House released Symon’s first book, Michael Symon’s Live to Cook – Recipes and Techniques to Rock Your Kitchen, sharing home cook-friendly recipes drawing on the flavors of his heritage.

Symon grew up in a Greek and Sicilian family. Based in the Midwest, he enjoys riding his motorcycle through Cleveland, playing golf and gardening. Symon is known for his infectious laugh and is an avid tattoo enthusiast who has a "Got Pork" tattoo emblazoned on his chest. Symon also enjoys spending time with his wife, Liz ,and their two dogs Ruby and Ozzy.

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