Michael Symon Biography
Michael Symon is an award-winning chef and owner of critically acclaimed Lola and Lolita restaurants in Cleveland. His pedigree started after graduating from The Culinary Institute of America in New York in 1990. Symon is regularly seen on Food Network on shows like Iron Chef America, Burgers, Brew and ‘Que, Food Feuds, and The Best Thing I Ever Ate. In addition, he appears in Cook Like an Iron Chef on the Cooking Channel and The Chew on ABC.
Symon started bracing the Cleveland palate while practicing in some of Cleveland’s up-and-coming restaurants like Player’s, Piccolo Mondo, Giovanni’s, and The Caxton Cafe. Working in the restaurants, Michael found success, a loyal following, and a fan base.
Michael Symon Restaurants
In February 1997, Symon established his own restaurant, Lola, in partnership with Liz. This establishment was set up just west of downtown Cleveland in the community of Historic Tremont, getting positive reviews. To complement Symon’s menu, Liz brought an unpretentious elegance to both the design of the restaurant and the unique wine selection from lesser-known boutique vineyards that made Lola Cleveland’s destination of the year.
In 2005, Michael, Liz, and Doug Petkovic established Lolita, a new concept of Lola. They re-energized a new section of Cleveland with the re-opening of Lola in the heart of downtown Cleveland on E. 4th St. in 2006.
On April 15, 2006, Michael opened a third restaurant, Parea in New York City. The restaurant featured upscale Greek food, having its location on East 20th Street near Park Avenue.
Michael Symon’s Television Shows
All through, Michael has earned much attention for his thoughtful cooking style and his attention to detail. His credit made him named National Rising Star by Restaurant Hospitality magazine (May 1997 issue), one of the Top Ten Best New Chefs by Food and Wine magazine (July 1998 issue), and America’s Best Restaurants in Gourmet magazine (Oct. 2000 issue).
Michael was further featured in Michael Ruhlman’s book The Soul of a Chef (2000) and was nominated for best chef-great lakes region by the James Beard Foundation (2006). Symons also made appearances on WKYC-TV (Cleveland) on Mondays with Michael and iVillage Live on NBC.
On Food Network, Michael has hosted more than 100 episodes of The Melting Pot. In addition, he was featured on episodes of Sara’s Secrets with Sara Moulton, Ready, Set, Cook, and Food Nation alongside Bobby Flay.
In 2007, Symons competed in the reality competition series The Next Iron Chef and won, securing his place as a permanent Iron Chef on Food Network’s hit series Iron Chef America. Food Network announced that Symon would take over as host of Dinner: Impossible, the network’s third popular show. He hosted the show for 10 episodes until its host Robert Irvine was reinstalled.
Starting November 11, 2008, Michael started appearing on Dear Food Network: Thanksgiving Distaters alongside other Food Network stars. Soon after, he was featured in the very first episode of the network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate, which featured his restaurant, Lolita. Symons has been the host of the television series Burgers, Brew, and ‘Que since 2015.
Michael Symon Age
How old is Michael Symon? Symon is 54 years old as of 2023. He was born on September 19, 1969, in Cleveland, Ohio, the United States of America. In addition, he celebrates his birthday on September 19th every year and his zodiac sign is Virgo.
Michael Symon Wife
Symon is married to Liz Shanahan, who is also a collaborator in his restaurants. She is a vegetarian. The couple is not known whether they have any children. However, Symon has an adult son called Kyle Shanahan who was 2 years old by the time he married Liz.
Symon has a son named Kyle Shanahan, born on February 12, 1987. Kyle is now grown, and he is the owner of Grindstone Coffee and Donuts while residing in New York.
Michael Symon Family
Symons is the son of Dennis Symon and Angel Symon. He has a sibling named Nikki Symon.
Michael Symon’s Net Worth
Symon has an estimated net worth of $6 million. His income is primarily attributed to his career as a chef, restaurateur, television personality, and author.
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