Michael Hudman, Author: Andrew Ticer & Michael Hudman began their studies separately, at the University of Mississippi and Auburn University, respectively. Both inspired by big families, influential Italian grandmothers, and their long friendship, they embarked on their culinary training together at Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina, and then The Italian Institute for Advanced Culinary Studies in Calabria, Italy. Upon returning to Memphis, Andrew and Michael studied under a local master chef before opening their two restaurants, Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen in 2008, and Hog & Hominy in 2012, and have since earned much critical success. Together, Andrew and Michael were Named semifinalists for the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef Southeast in both 2012 and 2013. Their second restaurant, Hog & Hominy, was Named by GQ magazine as one of the Most Outstanding Restaurants of 2013. In addition, they were selected among nine others as Food & Wine magazine's Best New Chefs for 2013. Andrew and his wife Karie are expecting their first child in June 2013. Michael and his wife Katie have two children, Cory and Ellie.

Andy Ticer, Author: Andrew Ticer & Michael Hudman began their studies separately, at the University of Mississippi and Auburn University, respectively. Both inspired by big families, influential Italian grandmothers, and their long friendship, they embarked on their culinary training together at Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina, and then The Italian Institute for Advanced Culinary Studies in Calabria, Italy. Upon returning to Memphis, Andrew and Michael studied under a local master chef before opening their two restaurants, Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen in 2008, and Hog & Hominy in 2012, and have since earned much critical success. Together, Andrew and Michael were Named semifinalists for the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef Southeast in both 2012 and 2013. Their second restaurant, Hog & Hominy, was Named by GQ magazine as one of the Most Outstanding Restaurants of 2013. In addition, they were selected among nine others as Food & Wine magazine's Best New Chefs for 2013. Andrew and his wife Karie are expecting their first child in June 2013. Michael and his wife Katie have two children, Cory and Ellie.