Michael Lomonaco is the quintessential New York chef. After surviving 9/11 “ but losing many of his beloved staff that day AND his restaurant, Windows on the World, Michael has been "giving back? to his city ever since. He opened the best steakhouse in town, and began many charities to help the families of those who died as well as New York City's Homeless. Italian-American Michael Lomonaco's first career of choice was a theater/film actor and singer but eventually, his passion for cooking, food and wine overshadowed the bright lights of Tinsel Town. In 1988 he became Executive Sous Chef at the legendary Maxwell's Plum and a year later returned to the '21' as Executive Chef. Michael has been host of Discovery Channel's Epicurious and the Food Network's Michael's Place.