Artistry is integral to any creative activity, whether you dance, sing, act or...you've guessed it cook. Chef Michael understands this well. The kitchen is his stage, his team is his orchestra and his menu - his symphony.

Chef Michael's culinary aspirations took flight when his father introduced him to Beat Hegnauer (Executive Chef at The Banff Centre). At the time, Chef Michael was in his teens, while Chef Beat worked at the Four Seasons Hotel. "He took me under his wing," reflected Chef Michael of his first apprenticeship.

In 1989, he completed the Culinary Arts Apprenticeship Cook program at SAIT. After working as Chef de Partie at the Marlborough Inn (Calgary), Chef Michael travelled to Switzerland, where he honed his craft.

To him, Europe is the Mecca of culture and dining. "I got a true understanding of what food is about there. European cultures are bound to food."

While there, he studied at the Kurs für Zuckerziehen (School for Sugar Sculpturing) Forum Culinare and in 1994, he earned his Masters certificate at Gastronomie Fachkohmision in Luzern.

He worked at the Seehotel Acheregg (Stansstad) and Hotel Engelberg (Engelberg). In 1993, he was appointed Executive Chef at Hotel Engelberg. Upon his return to Canada in 1997, he became the Executive Chef for SMED International, where he prepared meals ranging from burgers and fries for employees to extravagant five-course dinners for corporate clients from around the world.

In 2002, he launched Spices of Life Catering. His artisanship soars to greater heights as he and his team create culinary symphonies and nurture strong relationships with his clientele.

It is not surprising then, that he appreciates other art forms. A jazz aficionado, he enjoys listening to the improvised melodies of Maceo Parker, David Sanborn and Keith Jarrett. He also is an avid photographer, whose favourite subjects include Formula One Racing Cars and food.

Outside the kitchen, Chef Michael spends his time with 4 ½ year-old daughter Angelique, his parents, brothers Chris and Rob and friends. Oh, and the latest recording by Maceo Parker.