[ MICHAEL SYMON'S LIVE TO COOK: RECIPES AND TECHNIQUES TO ROCK YOUR KITCHEN ] By Symon, Michael ( Author) 2009 [ Hardcover ]

Hometown boy turned superstar, Michael Symon is one of the hottest food personalities in America.

Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, he is counted among the nation’’s greatest chefs, having joined the ranks of Mario Batali, Bobby Flay, and Masaharu Morimoto as one of America’’s Iron Chefs.

At his core, though, he’’s a midwestern guy with family roots in old-world traditions.

In Michael Symon’s Live to Cook, Michael tells the amazing story of his whirlwind rise to fame by sharing the food and incredible recipes that have marked his route.Michael is known for his easy, fresh food.

He means it when he says that if a dish requires more than two pans to finish, he’’s not going to make it.

Cooking what he calls “heritage” food–based on the recipes beloved by his Greek—Italian—Eastern European—American parents and the community in Cleveland–Michael draws on the flavors of traditional recipes to create sophisticated dishes, such as his Beef Cheek Pierogies with Wild Mushrooms and Horseradish, which came out of the pierogies that his grandpa made.

Michael translates the influences of the diverse working-classes neighborhood in which he grew up into dishes with Mediterranean ingredients, such as those in Olive Oil Poached Halibut with Fennel, Rosemary, and Garlic; Italian-style handmade pastas, like Linguini with Heirloom Tomato, Capers, Anchovies, and Chilies; and re-imagined Cleveland favorites, such as Mac and Cheese with Roasted Chicken, Goat Cheese, and Rosemary.