About
About Chef:
Chef Michael Montano is a seasoned New York native with 20 years of culinary experience, blending his Italian heritage with California’s farm-to-table ethos. Inspired by his grandmother’s Calabrian roots and her belief in expressing love through food, Michael has cultivated a deep passion for fresh, soulful cuisine. His journey began at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, and since then, he’s worked in some of the country’s most renowned kitchens, including Alinea in Chicago, Delfina in San Francisco, Bacara in Santa Barbara, and Esca in New York City.
After relocating to California a decade ago, Chef Michael expanded his culinary repertoire by embracing the region's abundant produce and seasonal ingredients. Based in Los Angeles, he now creates dishes that highlight vegetable-forward, California-inspired flavors, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients while staying true to his Italian roots. Chef Michael’s approach celebrates communal dining and familial connection, crafting intimate gatherings where food becomes a medium for sharing and connection.
