Chef Michael’s Story

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

Steve Jobs

Chef Michael is Red Seal Certified, with extensive experience in culinary arts. His passion for cooking dates back to his childhood, where he spent countless hours assisting his grandmother in the kitchen, igniting a love affair with food that has remained with him to this day.

Mission

Every detail counts, from the initial introduction to menu creation, preparation, presentation, and execution. He is dedicated to providing his guests with a unique and unforgettable dining experience, where every bite is a sensory delight. Whether it’s a multi-course dinner for a special occasion or a family style gathering, his goal remains the same – to bring people together with his #reallygoodfood and create cherished memories.

Passion

Michael fell in love with nourishing others through food, and this passion soon became his lifestyle. He has been in the industry for over 20 years, and one thing he would like to see less of is perfectionism. Food is about flavor, fun, and the idea of delivering something unique, and Chef Michael strives to embody these qualities in all of his dishes.

History

Michael grew up in Victoria and graduated from Spectrum Community High School, where he completed the chef’s training career prep program. After graduation, he began his culinary career by working in various establishments, including local pubs, golf courses, and fine dining restaurants. Michael received his chef certification from Okanagan College in Kelowna while developing and honing his skills under the guidance of Chef Jeremy Luypen at the Eldorado Hotel. It was during this time that Michael discovered his true potential and began to shape his vision for his culinary future. From there, he moved into the Rocky Mountains where he continued his quest to further his career by leading a team at Pyramid Lake Resort in Jasper, Alberta. One valuable lesson he learned along the way is to keep an open mind and embrace new ideas. He realized that there’s never just one “right” way to do things and that different perspectives can lead to exciting innovations. This insight has helped him stay curious, flexible, and continually evolving in his personal and professional life.

More about Michael

Michael has spent many years in the kitchen, striving for success as a chef. The long hours and dedication required for this career can make one hyper-focused and neglect self-care. Over time, he learned the importance of having outside activities and outlets for his health and well-being. Taking a moment to ground himself and express gratitude while enjoying the fresh air or spending time with loved ones not only helps with his personal life but also allows him to refocus.

Family

Although Michael has always had a great relationship with his family, his frequent travels made it difficult to share dinners and quality time together in person. However, he made the effort to keep in touch with them over the phone. Now that he is back in Victoria, he is grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with his grandparents in person. Despite his mother living on the mainland, Michael makes it a priority to see her and talk as much as possible to stay connected.

Pursuit

When Michael isn’t busy crafting custom menus, he spends his time outdoors and enjoys cycling, playing basketball, and hiking up Mt. Finlayson with his friends. He finds it essential to engage in these outdoor activities to maintain a healthy balance between his work and personal life. Michael also loves to travel and has visited many beautiful countries. In 2024, he plans to celebrate his 40th birthday by exploring Europe.