Michael Symon

Michael Symon (Food Network/Handout)

Fun and self-depreciating, Michael Symon's local accent gives him an honest, working-class vibe, but he was also clearly competitive -- and serious about his food. Winner of Food Network's first season of "The Next Iron Chef," Symon has gone on to host many cooking programs and specials -- nearly 100 according to Foodnetwork.com. He also owns Lola and Lolita restaurants in Cleveland. You can catch Symon as one of the current Iron Chefs on Food Network's "Iron Chef America."