While most kids were playing with action figures, Eric LeVine was in the kitchen testing and tasting recipes. As a youngster growing up in Brooklyn, Eric found excitement, challenges and passion in his favorite place--the kitchen. His childhood love became his career path and purpose. He studied at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and soon after graduation, worked under celebrity chef David Burke at the River Cafe. He credits this experience with sparking his creative artistry with food. The award-winning chef has taught other chefs at conferences and seminars and is a go-to source of information about trends, recipes, and the world of food for publications ranging from USA Today to Food Arts Magazine. He has been featured often in Catersource magazine. He has made numerous network appearances across NBC, ABC, Fox5, and The Food Network where he became the 2011 Champion of "Chopped," the network's highest rated show. A five-time cancer survivor, Chef Eric knows the importance of a support circle in fighting this life-threatening disease. He advocates for the American Cancer Society and has been recognized by the Society with their prestigious Heart and Soul Award.He is currently the chef and partner at the Morris Tap & Grill in Randolph, NJ, and he is very active on Facebook and Twitter; fan page has over 6100 followers. See www.chefericlevine.com for videos, articles, and more.