Michele Ragussis

Michele Ragussis will be appearing as the Emcee for Cutting Edge: College Culinary Competition

Michele Ragussis, 42 (Brooklyn, N.Y.), grew up in an Italian/Greek family where food was, and still is, a big part of their lives. She fell in love with the New England lifestyle and cuisine when she moved to Rhode Island to attend college. After deciding that hands-on restaurant experience was more valuable to her than attending classes, Michele went on to spend 15 years in executive chef positions.

Michele was one of the three finalists competing in the Food Network Channel's "Next Food Network Star" where 15 hopefuls arrived in New York to compete for the ultimate dream job: to host their own show on Food Network.

Competing on Bobby Flay’s team Michele hoped to focus her show on the flavors of New England and call her show "My New England"!   As the third runner up out of 15 challengers she won't get that opportunity but we are pleased to welcome Michele Ragussis who will host the next generation of cutting edge chefs at Harvest on the Harbor.  In the spirit of Michele's experience with team competition, four teams of culinary students will vie for the title of Maine’s first Cutting Edge Chef under the entertaining and watchful eye of one of their Food Network idols.