'Iron Chef' Michael Symon talks food and family
Chef Michael Symon on “Iron Chef America." Credit: AP
Best known for his speedy knife skills on Food Network's “Iron Chef America,” Michael Symon tries to slow it down at home, especially around the dinner table.
“It's so important to get your family around the table,” Symon said. “When I was a kid, it was seven days a week. Life is not nine-to-five anymore. But the more days you can take that hour break around the table as a family, the better off you'll be. It's a great place to talk, chill and enjoy a good meal.”
When Symon is not competing on “Iron Chef” or staring in ABC's “The Chew,” he is busy running one of his 12 restaurants, including Lola, Lolita and B Spot in the greater Cleveland area. Symon is married to Liz Shanahan, who is also a collaborator on his restaurants. His stepson Kyle is 26 years old -- he was two when they met.
Recently, Symon was in Manhattan to announce the finalists for the Lays “Do Us A Flavor” contest, in which consumers devised new potato chip flavors. The finalist flavors are Sriracha, Cheesy Garlic Bread and Chicken and Waffles. The public can visit Lays' Facebook page to vote on which flavor will remain in stores on Lays Facebook page. I was able to catch up with Symon to discuss family cooking, competing and balancing it all. Here's what he had to say.
