TOP CHEF Season 6 winner, Michael Voltaggio, was born and raised in Frederick, Maryland. Michael began working in restaurants at the age of 15 and hasn't worked outside the industry since. He received his culinary education at The Greenbrier Hotel Culinary Apprenticeship Program.

Michael has also studied under several celebrity chefs and the majority of his training has been in European fine dining kitchens with an emphasis on modern technique, flavor and presentation. He has been the recipient of several awards including the "AAA 5 Diamond" and "Mobil Award" while serving as Chef de Cuisine at the Dining Room at The Ritz Carlton in Naples, Florida as well as a Michelin Star while serving as Chef de Cuisine of Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen in California.

In 2009, he was a finalist for the James Beard "Best New Restaurant" award. Michael currently serves as Chef de Cuisine of The Dining Room at The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa in Pasadena and describes his cooking style as sophisticated American Cuisine utilizing modern technology and classic disciplines of cooking.