Sitting down for dinner not only helps you learn, but also teaches you how to listen - which I feel is the most important skill to have. I remember as a kid going around the table listening to everyone's day. It was hard to have the manners not to interrupt back then.

Awards and honors
In 1995 The Plain Dealer Sunday Magazine named Symon as Cleveland’s hottest chef. He is seen regularly on Food Network on shows such as Iron Chef America Food Feuds and The Best Thing I Ever Ate as well as Cook Like an Iron Chef on the Cooking Channel and The Chew on ABC. He took a part time job at Gepetto's Ribs on Warren Rd.

Symon describes his cooking as "meat-centric. Additionally he owns Michael Symon's Roast (also known as Roast) in Detroit Michigan. He is seen regularly on Food Network on shows such as Iron Chef America Food Feuds and The Best Thing I Ever Ate as well as Cook Like an Iron Chef on the Cooking Channel and The Chew on ABC.