Today on our episode #400 (!) of All in the Industry® — a true milestone; Shari Bayer is on-location with her guest Michael Mina, award-winning chef, founder and executive chairman of MINA Group, a collection of over 30 chef-driven concepts, including PABU, Sorelle, MINA’s Fish House, The Bungalow Kitchen by Michael Mina, and Bourbon Steak, across the Bay Area, Los Angeles, New York, Hawaii and beyond. Born in Cairo, Egypt and raised in Ellensburg, Washington, Michael began his epicurean journey at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, and gained hands-on experience working in Chef Charlie Palmer’s kitchen at the upscale Aureole in NYC. Now Michael has returned to where his career started with the opening of Bourbon Steak New York, his first NYC restaurant located inside the newly renovated JW Marriott Essex House New York on Central Park South. Michael has been honored with numerous accolades over the years, including a Michelin star at MICHAEL MINA, James Beard Foundation’s “Who’s Who of Food & Beverage” inductee, Bon Appétit’s Chef of the Year, and most recently named one of the “50 Most Powerful People in American Fine Dining” by Robb Report. Michael and his collection of restaurants have been featured across national media outlets from Food & Wine, to Food Network & TODAY, and he has cooked for three U.S. presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. Shari sat down with Michael at Bourbon Steak New York over the summer to talk about his impressive career and restaurants, and why he decided to open now in NYC. 

Today's show also features Shari's PR tip to stay the path; Speed Round; Industry News on Hurricane Helene and how it's impacted the F+B community in Asheville and beyond -- sharing a recent message from acclaimed chef and restaurateur Katie Button of Curate and La Bodega by Curate in Ashevile; and how we can help (see links below); and Solo Dining experience at Quique Dacosta's 3-Michelin star, namesake restaurant, Quique Dacosta, in Denia, Spain, where Shari had an extraordinary solo lunch and travel adventure, taking the ferry from Ibiza to Denia for a daytrip. 

Here's to 400 Episodes! Thanks, as always, for being a part of All in the Industry®. 

Ways to support the F+B community and more affected by Hurricane Helene:

NCRLA - NC Restaurant & Lodging Association
recovery.ncrla.org

Southern Smoke Foundation
southernsmoke.org

World Central Kitchen
donate.wck.org

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