Hailing from a family of educators, scientists, and engineers with a passion for organic gardening, winemaking, and cooking, the stage was set for Mike C.’s lifelong exploration to understand the inner workings of all things culinary. He has crafted his gastronomic skills managing a natural foods grocery and Sur la Table culinary programs, graduating with honors from the California Culinary Academy, owning three catering companies in two states, partnering as chef at a successful wine bar in Berkeley’s famed Gourmet Ghetto, and working for some of his chef heroes such as Martin Yan and Jamie Oliver.