Michael Voltaggio

Michael Voltaggio is the winner of Top Chef Season 6 and the owner and head chef of ink. in Los Angeles. Michael is known for his adventurous cooking, melding his classical repertoire with unconventional techniques.

What hooked you on cooking?

The endless possibilities.

The coolest example of science in your food?

The use and control of temperature to create various textures.

The food you find most fascinating?

The ones that mother nature provides us – that in their purest form require little to no manipulation.

What scientific concept–food related or otherwise–do you find most fascinating?

Right now, hybridization of plants, creating new vegetables and ingredients.

Your best example of a food that is better because of science?

Sous vide cooking. It has become a basic cooking technique much like braising, sautéing, frying, etc.

How do you think science will impact your world of food in the next 5 years?

Science will help chefs do their jobs more efficiently by giving us tools we need to achieve new and precise results.

One kitchen tool you could not live without?

Vitamix blender.

Five things most likely to be found in your fridge?

Condiments, champagne, lunch meat, cheese and leftover Chinese food.

Your all-time favorite ingredient?

Salt.

Favorite cookbook?

French Laundry cookbook.

Your standard breakfast?

Cold-brewed coffee.