I have worked in hospitality for over fifteen years in varying roles within casual to fine dining concepts. I started Meals by Michael in 2019 and have lived and worked in OK, NM, TX and CA during my career. I have just started relocating to Austin, TX from OKC, OK. I believe in using fresh, seasonal ingredients that really shine on their own while complimenting the entire flow of your private dining experience. I not only offer chef services but am also happy to provide planning services, luxury pop ups, beverage pairings and home kitchen curation along with bespoke in home staffing recruitment from housekeeping, cheffing, butlering and house management. I split time between Austin, OKC & Taos with regular travel availability based on clients’ needs and preferences.

For me, cooking is...

My passion, lifestyle and what genuinely excites me every day. I love how food creates community and how every day can be made special with a plate.

I learned to cook at...

As a child initially around the age of six with my grandmother I then started working in restaurants at the age of sixteen followed by culinary school

A cooking secret...

Creating memorable and exciting flavor combinations while not jeopardizing the quality of ingredients

My menus

Modern Southern Comfort

STARTER

All inclusive

Smoked Gouda Deviled Eggs with Chive Oil, Pickled Mustard Seed & Spicy Chow Chow

Hot Honey Fried Chicken Bites with Micro Dill, Chili Crunch & Whipped Ranch

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Sweet Corn Etouffe with Charred Jalapeno Oil & Blue Corn Crumble

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Cast Iron Filet with Garlic Confit Butter with Herb Roasted Potatoes & Blistered Green Beans

DESSERT

All inclusive

Brown Butter Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Bean Gelato & Edible Flower

Italian Bistro

STARTER

All inclusive

Sparkling Apertivo & Amuse Bouce highlighting a Mini Arancini with Basil Aioli & Pecorino

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Burratta Caprese: Creamy Burrata, Heirloom Tomato, Basil, Balsamic Caramel, Olive Oil and Kalamata Olives

Crostini Trio: Wild Mushroom & Truffle, Whipped Ricotta & Lemon Zest, Ahi Bruschetta with Capers & Calabrian Chili

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Gnocchi Sorrentina: potato gnocchi with tomato basil cream finished with Parmesan and Basil

Red Wine Braised Short Rib Tagliatelle with Slow Simmered Marinara finished with Shaved Parmesan, Sourdough Crumble & Basil

Risotto Al Limone: Lemon Risotta finished with Creme Fraiche, Lemon Zest and Chives

Brick Pressed Herb Chicken with Salsa Verde

Oven Roasted Lemon & Rosemary Branzino

Sliced Ribeye with Dressed Arugula & Parmesan

Roasted Tusan Vegetable Plate with Zucchini, Fennel, Squash, Peppers, Red Onion, Garlic

DESSERT

All inclusive

Individual Tiramisu

Vanilla Creme Brulee with Fresh Berries

Traditional Steakhouse

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Arancini with Spicy Marinara and Basil with Pecorino

Beef Tartar with Fried Capers, Hazelnut, Truffle Oil, Pecorino, Fresh Herbs, Egg Yolk with Crostini

Smoked Salmon Gnosh Board with Variety of Accoutrement & Crisps

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Mushroom Ravioli with Red Wine Cream, Wild Mushroom Mix, Pancetta, Parmesan & Micro Arugula

Traditional Caesar or Kale Caesar with Sourdough Crumble & Pecorino

Seasonal Bisque with Creme Fraiche & Chives

Garden Salad with Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette, Goat Cheese & Almond Dust

French Onion Soup with Cheesy Sourdough Shell

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Balsamic Marinated Steak with Garlic Broccolini & Wild Mushroom Risotto

Cedar Plank Salmon with Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon with Seasonal Sauteed Vegetables and Yukon Gold Whipped Potatoes

Beef Filet over Whipped Potatoes or Parmesan Risotto with Grilled Asparagus & Demi Glace

Surf & Turf with choice of Filet or Ribeye and Salmon, Shrimp, Scallops or Lobster with choice of Parmesan Risotto or Whipped Potatoes with Grilled Broccolini and finished with Bearnaise

Seared Duck Breast with Braised Cherries over with Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Sauteed Petit Carrots and Asparagus

DESSERT

Choose 2 dishes

Chocolate & Espresso Pot de Creme with Fresh Whipped Cream

Dark Chocolate Torte with Berry Compote & Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Cream

Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Fig Jam & Crushed Pistachio

Italian Coconut Cake

Tiramisu Jars

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee with Fresh Berries

Mediterranean

STARTER

All inclusive