Tattoo-covered, Connecticut-born Michele Ragussis is an award-winning Food Network chef who first came onto the scene in 2012 as a runner-up on Food Network Star. The outgoing and out-and-proud LGBTQ+ chef is known for flavorful North Atlantic seafood, as well as hearty, comforting dishes that celebrate her Greek and Sicilian roots. She’s competed on Guy's Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped, Tournament of Champions and 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing.

Read on to learn about the chef’s Greek roots, her infamous wins on your favorite competition shows and what she’s up to now.

History and Background

New England is always at the heart of Michele’s cuisine. Born in Derby, Connecticut, the chef and restaurateur attended Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island and has worked in numerous restaurants in Massachusetts and New England over the last two decades, perfecting her seafood game as she rose up the kitchen ranks.

However, Michele’s love of seafood started as a child. “My dad took me fishing literally every Sunday until I was about 13,” she previously shared. Her love of cooking started early, too. As she told Cape Cod Life, “I think the very first thing I ever smelled when I was born was a home-cooked turkey! I was born on Thanksgiving Day — and my father brought a Thanksgiving turkey to the hospital.”

Cooking was at the heart of her childhood, and she often helped her parents in the kitchen. Beyond seafood, Michele flexes her Greek-Sicilian heritage in many of her dishes today, including some of her winning creations on Food Network. True to her roots, the chef has said that the one ingredient she can’t live without is olive oil.

In the early 2010s, Michele set a goal for herself: Food Network. As she told Cape Cod Life, she packed her bag, moved to New York City and “vowed not to leave New York until she achieved her dream.” Plenty of appearances (including multiple wins) later, it’s safe to say that Michele has achieved that dream and more. She now lives in Massachusetts, where she’s the executive chef at Gedney Farm in the Berkshires.

Michele’s Food Network Shows

Michele is currently competing in Season 3 of 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing. She’s previously appeared in (and won) episodes of Beat Bobby Flay and Guy's Grocery Games. She’s also competed in previous seasons of Chopped, Tournament of Champions and Food Network Star, where she was the runner-up on Season 8.

Food Network Star

Under Bobby Flay's mentorship, Michele wowed the judges again and again in Season 8 of Food Network Star and advanced to the finals, where she taped a show pilot for America to vote on. However, in the season finale, the votes were counted, and she ultimately lost to Justin Warner from Alton Brown’s team.

Chopped

Just before her breakout fame from Food Network Star, Michele competed in Season 4 of Chopped in 2010. During the episode, titled “Crunch Time,” she made it through the appetizers — but was eliminated before the final challenge.

Guy’s Grocery Games

In 2021, Michele faced fellow Food Network Star alumni for a second time in a special episode of Guy's Grocery Games. It was even judged by her fellow Season 8 competitor and winner, Justin Warner. But this time, Michele secured the win during Season 27, Episode 7.

Beat Bobby Flay

During Food Network Star, Michele was on Bobby Flay's team. But during Season 23 of Beat Bobby Flay, the mentee became the competitor, and she beat the master. What made the win so special is that Michele used her Greek family’s recipe for pastitsio, a recipe that is literally tattooed on her. Bobby tried to give the dish a twist with a spicier Italian kick. And, ultimately, the judges weren’t impressed. But they did love Michele’s solid, classic bake — so much so that she was crowned the winner. Since then, Michele has returned to the show several times as a judge.

Tournament of Champions

In 2026, Michele competed in the Tournament of Champions VII. She made it to the “Great 8,” but in the bracket battle for the Final 4, she lost to Giuseppe Tentori by just two points in a seriously close competition, as both contestants had similar chicken dishes that tied on presentation. But, ultimately, Michele scored 81 points and Giuseppe scored 83, just barely taking the lead in taste and ingredients.

24 in 24: Last Chef Standing

After being eliminated during the first challenge of the first shift in Season 2, Michele is back in the kitchen for 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing Season 3. The dish that sent her home was a Greek meatball, so, naturally, the dish Michele is starting with is … a Greek meatball. The new season premiered on Sunday, April 26, so if you haven’t caught up to see how Michele’s Greek meatball faired this year, you can catch up on HBO Max and discovery+.

Michele’s Restaurant

Currently, Michele is the executive chef at Gedney Farm in New Marlborough, Massachusetts. The farm-to-table restaurant Gedney Kitchen is the epitome of Berskire eats, from Rhode Island-style calamari to Massachusetts tile fish. The farm is mostly used for weddings and private events; however, the restaurant is open for reservations on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Previously, Michele was the executive chef at Central House at The Crown & Anchor Hotel in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Michele has also made appearances at various food and wine festivals, including the Big Queer Food Fest in Boston.

Fun Facts:

• Birthday: November 26
• Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
• Pets: Baci, a cocker spaniel pup
• Favorite Movie: Jaws
• Like: Dogs, tattoos
• Dislikes: Spiders
• Hobbies: Pottery, gardening