5 Things You Didn't Know About Michael Voltaggio
The #TopChef winner has been living the sweet life since competing on the show.
Michael Voltaggio returns to Top Chef, but this time as a guest judge to turn up the heat on the chefs. Here are five juicy details you probably didn’t know about the season six winner.
1. There’s a Delicious Legacy
Voltaggio inspires greatness, and perhaps that’s the philosophy that shot Mei Lin straight over the finish line to claim the title of winner of Top Chef Season 12. Lin worked as Voltaggio’s sous chef in his Los Angeles-based restaurant, ink.
2. His Restaurant Empire Keeps Expanding
Voltaggio appeared on season six with his brother, Bryan Voltaggio, but beat him in the final challenge. However, the two have remained close and Michael reveled to Screener that since appearing on the show the brothers still talk every day. They've joined forces to open ink. in Los Angeles, and soon they plan to tag team Miami.
They anticipate their latest culinary haunt, the Monger, to open sometime in 2017 where it’ll draw inspiration from the Whole Foods model of picking and choosing what diners what to eat and where substitutions will definitely be encouraged, Michael told the Miami Eater.
3. His Dedication to Grilled Cheese Is on Another Level
Yes, #NationalGrilledCheeseDay is a thing and Voltaggio celebrates it pretty hard. The chef got a permanent fixture of the iconic sandwich on the back of his arm. We know Voltaggio loves his tattoos, but that inspiration continues to blend together with his love of culinary experiments.
4. He Can Marry You
Voltaggio recently got ordained through the Universal Life Church Ministries, where he can make catering events just a little more fun. We're sure he’s booked solid, but the season six winner can now pair a red wine reduction sauce with nuptials. A true master chef with many skills.
5. He Uses His Platform for Good
Since winning, Voltaggio has gained an impressive following because of his restaurant endeavors and his unique look. However, there’s more than meets the eye, and Voltaggio has aligned himself to raise awareness for important causes, such as sex trafficking.
According to a Crowd Rise page set up by the chef, Voltaggio urges his followers to “choose one day a year to face your fears and represent the estimated 1.2 million women and children that will be sold into sex trafficking this year alone.”
