Benjamin Schmerler Before co-founding First Press with Michael in 2004, Ben was a Senior Editor at Zagat Survey for more than seven years. During his time at the company he worked on all its guides and was the editor of ZagatWire, its monthly newsletter about restaurant openings and industry news. Ben is a member of City Harvest’s Food Council and has appeared on the Leonard Lopate Show and as a judge on Iron Chef America. Previously, he worked in government as a press officer. Email Ben   Michael Gitter Prior to launching First Press, Michael was a writer for Time Out New York’s Eating & Drinking Guide and an editor at Zagat Survey. He has also worked in the front of the house at New York restaurants Chanterelle and Morrell Wine Bar & Café. Michael is certified by the American Sommelier Association and attended Yale University, where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Classics. Email Michael