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A renowned chef, both a James Beard Semifinalist and Michelin Recommended, who is the proud owner of not one, but two thriving restaurants—Poppy & Rose and Poppy & Seed—sets the stage by delving into the essence of garden-fresh ingredients, the core principles of flavors, and the indispensable role of quality kitchen tools.

Before embarking on his culinary journey, he pursued studies at UCSB while also excelling in track & field, providing a diverse foundation for his eventual career. Engagingly, he recounts how his path led from academic pursuits to the culinary arts, touching upon the unexpected yet pivotal role of accounting and bookkeeping. This trajectory ultimately led to a recommendation from the culinary luminary Nancy Silverton, propelling him into the role of executive chef.

He navigates through the challenges of staffing, emphasizing the importance of finding dedicated individuals amidst the ever-present threat of burnout. Reflecting on his culinary creations, he traces their roots back to his Memphis-born grandfather, whose legacy inspired his dream of owning multiple restaurants—a dream now realized with two establishments under his belt and an exciting new concept slated for 2025: Poppy & Rose in DTLA and Poppy & Seed, upscale cuisine within a unique greenhouse setting in Anaheim.

In a dynamic discussion, he explores the intersection of social media and creativity, highlighting the influence it has had on his ventures, including his Upscale Catering Company, Root of All Food. Passionately, he advocates for the abolition of tipping, underscoring his commitment to fair compensation within the industry.

He recounts his experience participating in Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions 5 (TOC), regaling the audience with tales of the infamous randomizer, and pondering whether he would embark on such an adventure again.

As the conversation draws to a close, the mood lightens with talk of peaches and summer, encapsulating the essence of his culinary philosophy—one rooted in tradition yet infused with a zest for innovation and seasonal delights.

CHEF MICHAEL REED LINKS:

Follow Chef on IG: https://www.instagram.com/chefmichaelreed/?hl=en

Follow Poppy & Rose on IG: https://www.instagram.com/poppyandrosela/?hl=en

Follow Poppy & Seed on IG: https://www.instagram.com/poppyandseedoc/?hl=en

Poppy & Seed: https://www.poppyandseedoc.com/about/

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