Award-winning restaurateur and television personality Cliff Young is all about passion. He developed his Out To Eat® television show with one purpose in mind, "To find and introduce the viewers to people who are passionate about what they are doing. Be it a chef, a baker, a craft brewer or coffee roaster, it's all about meeting the people who do what they do because they love it."

Cliff started his restaurant career in 1978 washing dishes at a truck stop in Wichita, Kansas and since then has worked at every position imaginable in the restaurant industry - including designing and building his own chain of award-winning coffee houses in Southern California. Here's a tip on how to truly judge a restaurant: "It's a bit humorous, but when I want to know how a restaurant is running, I find the dishwashing staff. If they are happy, more times than not the restaurant is not only managed right, but the customer experience, the quality of the menu and the actual food products are top notch. It's all in the details."

Cliff lives his passion every day, from the art of roasting some of the finest coffee on the planet, to seeking out foodie locations off the beaten path. And to be fair, Cliff doesn't just look for the mom and pop shop, he also enjoys those great success stories of businesses that began with a kernel of a dream and have become wildly successful, all because someone had a passion for doing something exceptionally well.

Cliff is a restaurant consultant, food writer and lecturer. When not judging a food, wine or coffee competition, you will find him at his Southern California coffee roasting business, sourcing, roasting and cupping his award-winning blends.

Cliff practices the "Pay it Forward" message in his life. His unassuming style betrays the fact that his generosity knows no bounds. From supporting "Slow Food" to organizing hundreds of charitable events through the last 20 years, to philanthropic work with Coffee Kids and the Rainforest Alliance. Cliff may eat more than three times a day, but he also has a very big and generous heart.

Cliff resides in Southern California with his two daughters.

Out To Eat® is currently in its third season on PBS, with plans in place for the next 4-6 seasons.