Michael Fair

How long have you been cooking?

I've been cooking ever since I could reach the counter. One of my fondest memories from childhood is learning from and helping my grandmother prepare Sunday dinner for the family. Those early days prepared me for a lifetime in a kitchen, where I've been professionally cooking for slightly over 20 years now.

What is your signature dish?

My true calling is BBQ and my NC pulled pork is the best. That said, I enjoy cooking a wide variety of foods from around the world. Learning new cuisines and cooking styles is what I live for. I am currently working with Thai food, creating a unique contemporary Asian fusion.

What will you do with the $50,000?

If I win the $50,000 I will donate all of it to José Andrés' World Central Kitchen. The selfless work they do providing food to those in the most dire of circumstances is something the world desperately needs more of in these trying times. Jose Andres and everyone involved in the World Central Kitchen are true heroes.