Born and raised on Long Island, Michael was formally trained at both The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY as well as the world renowned Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV.  In 2010 he was named USA's Chef of The Year by The American Culinary Federation.  Michael has been to the Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany three times as both competitor and coach.  He is an ACF Certified Competitions Judge and has received numerous medals both domestic and International during his 20 year culinary career.  Michael is a well sought after event speaker, trained life coach, and has a proven track record for team building and systems development.  The services he provides are based on his "Be Better" philosophy which encourages self awareness and self accountability in order to improve all aspects of our individual environments.