BACKGROUND

I am a personal chef and caterer living in the New Jersey metro area. I've been successfully preparing food since 2001, but my love for cooking started at a young age while cooking with family. I went on to achieve my Bachelors degree in Culinary Arts Management from The Culinary Institute of America. Since then, I have worked professionally for over 20 years in the food industry. I have extensive knowledge of wine and spirits. I've served as personal chef to both celebrities and exclusive clients from New York City to Northern California. My experiences have been both rewarding and educational, however, it was working with different clients and preparing specialized menus that led me to my true passion--catering.

Click here for my RESUME

 SPECIALTIES AND INSPIRATION

BBQ - As a BBQ enthusiast, I like to smoke and cook meat until it falls of the bone! A BBQ pit and smoker can be brought on site for parties of up to 40 people.

FORAGING - I'm also an avid forager of wild mushrooms and vegetables, ferns, ramps and anything local to the Garden State, guaranteeing my clients get the freshest ingredients around.

APPROACH

I prepare healthy, delicious meals using local, fresh ingredients--quality and freshness are very important to me. Don't think I forget about the bacon or fat kid desires, I make sure to take each client's menu to tasty town!  Every client gets my undivided attention as I plan their menus based on their palates and diet. I love to be creative, so I’m happy to take their ideas and present something delicious with an unexpected twist or two! I also offer wine and spirit pairing ideas with all my packages.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME WHEN I’M NOT COOKING

I am very passionate about music and you can usually find me hanging in the city with friends, listening to my favorite bands or going to festivals to experience new music. Hiking, traveling, and meeting new faces always makes me happy. I also love photography, particularly food porn.  Choosing the few on my website was not an easy task! Presentation means everything and whether it’s for guests or just my friends and family, it’s important document my photo-worthy journeys and adventures with food.

CONTACT ME

Feel free to shoot me an email to discuss creating a tasty menu for your next dinner party or BBQ at mikescookin@gmail.com.