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Chef Michael White’s refined, yet soulful style of Italian cuisine evolved from a surprising scenario: Raised in Beloit, Wisconsin, White was injured playing high-school football and decided to take up cooking instead. He invested very quickly in this career move, enrolling in Chicago’s Kendall Culinary Institute and then securing a position at one of the city’s top dining establishments, Spiaggia. At age 21 he traveled to Italy and again made a major commitment: He li…