Cleveland's Michael Symon is the Next Iron Chef

Cleveland chef, Michael Symon, owner of the city's Lola and Lolita eateries, has been named the Food Network's "Next Iron Chef." Symon beat out seven other candidates in an eight-week competition that ended last night in a kitchen stadium duel between Symon and John Besh of New Orleans.

Symon, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of American, worked at Player's, Piccolo Mondo, and the Caxton Cafe before opening Lola in 1997.

Symon joins other "Iron Chefs:" Bobby Flay, Cat Cora, Mario Batali, and Masahara Morimoto.

Congratulations!