Executive Chef
Born in Cairo, Egypt and raised in Ellensburg, Washington, Michael’s love affair with the kitchen started early and has since spanned many continents. His epicurean journey began in 1987 at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. He got his first taste of developing a concept menu for an upscale seafood restaurant in San Francisco. AQUA opened to national acclaim in 1991. Always thinking bigger, Michael’s culinary and business vision led to the founding of his company, Mina Group, with partner Andre Agassi in 2002, allowing him to open 17 concept restaurants and a lounge concept. Michael keeps an eye out for new trends and is not afraid to launch his own.
