Chef Michael Symon to Join 2025 Wine & Food Festival

Michael’s culinary career began in Cleveland, surrounded by the flavors of his Greek and Sicilian roots. His first restaurant, Lola, opened in 1997 and became a cornerstone of the city’s dining scene and earned national recognition. In 2000, Gourmet magazine listed Lola as one of “America’s Best Restaurants.” Symon’s approach to food has always been about satisfying flavors and hearty, unpretentious dishes. Over the years, he expanded his reach with other successful ventures, including Mabel’s BBQ and Bar Symon, bringing his passion for robust flavors and comforting meals to more guests.

In 2009, Symon was awarded the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region. He continued to build on his success with Mabel’s BBQ, which opened in 2016, and introduced a unique mustard-based barbecue style to Cleveland. His restaurant collection has grown to include a second Mabel’s in Las Vegas, where it earned recognition as the best BBQ in the city.

Beyond the Culinary Scene

Symon’s popularity extends to his television career beginning in 1998 with his first appearance on the Food Network. He quickly gained attention and went on to win The Next Iron Chef in 2008, earning a permanent spot among the prestigious Iron Chefs. His role as co-host on ABC’s The Chew from 2011 to 2017 cemented his status as a household name, earning multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. Symon also hosted Burgers, Brew, and Que on the Cooking Channel and more recently Symon’s Dinners on the Food Network, where his passion for grilling and BBQ continues to engage audiences.