Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

(photo Courtesy wkyc.com /channel 3 videographers)

Today's Hidden Gem: Michael Symon

Michael Symon is my first 'individual human' Hidden Gem. And he is far from being hidden. He is all over the airwaves these days.

Michael continues using his magnificent craft to showcase the city he loves. He hopes to enlighten as many folks as he can and open up eyes around the world to Cleveland's culinary excellence!

For those of you who do NOT know Michael Symon, he is the owner of two fabulous restaurants in town --Lola and Lolita.

He battled long and hard to become the newest 'Iron Chef' in "Iron Chef America," which airs on The Food Network.

Now you can add "Dinner: Impossible" to his long resume list! "Dinner: Impossible" pushes Symon to the ultimate limit. Basically, Symon does not know his mission until he arrives on site. At that time he will be told who he is cooking for, how many, what he needs to cook, how he needs to cook it, and how much time he has to pull this off.

The most recent "Dinner: Impossible" was shot right here in Northeast Ohio. It was great! Michael Symon had to cook up a Passover meal for the members of The Park Synagogue. I believe he was given about 6 or 7 hours. Michael admitted during the show numerous times that this was a first on many fronts. He had never made kugel. He had to cook totally kosher. There were many foods within the menu he had never cooked or eaten.

The show was a hoot and extremely entertaining. You knew he'd succeed but he was up against 'you know what' until the end! Symon and his staff were briefed by Rabbi Skoff on what was expected. He laid the ground rules, including the fact that all the food had to be kosher. There were certain items that were no-no's. They had to cook with certain pans and equipment, being Passover. They had a woman from the Synagogue who was their guide, reminding them of the rules and offering helpful tips. She was great! What a joy to watch.

The countdown clock began. While his staff started in the kitchen, Michael went to a nearby grocery store for some last minute items. When he returned, the Rabbi had to check all of his groceries before he even entered the building. There was one non-kosher item that had to stay in the car. It set him back, but he rebounded well.

Michael Symon, a talented chef, good-hearted human being, and perfect ambassador for the City of Cleveland!

Visit one of his restaurants, tune into one of his shows, and you too, will see why Michael Symon has been chosen as this week's Hidden Gem!!!!