MEET THE CHEF: Michael Cowan of Aragon Café and The Lobby Bar at Hotel Colonnade, Autograph Collection in Coral Gables, Florida
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5 Reasons to Visit® sat down with Executive Chef Michael Cowan of Aragon Café and The Lobby Bar at Hotel Colonnade, Autograph Collection in Coral Gables, Florida.
The Lobby Bar at Hotel Colonnade, Autograph Collection in Coral Gables, Florida
Where did you grow up, and where have you traveled to that has helped inspire and shape your cooking philosophy?
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and have traveled the country learning from multiple chefs from many different backgrounds. My culinary career started in Phoenix at The Arizona Biltmore where I learned the basis of modern American fine dining. I also learned under a Michelin-starred chef in the Carolinas, I spent two years in San Francisco at the Omni Hotel expanding my culinary background and techniques, and worked for the PGA Tour at their Headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. A major influence on my cooking philosophy has been my experience in the Carolinas where the concept of using local items from the area was at the forefront of Low Country cuisine. Local seafood was the most prominent, but sourcing grains, produce, and learning different cooking methods had vast impact on how to approach food as an art.
The Lobby Bar at Hotel Colonnade, Autograph Collection in Coral Gables, Florida
Tell our readers an interesting fact or two about yourself that reflects your cooking style?
Growing up, I spent hours cooking with my grandmother who was from Poland. It was that time with her making fresh pierogies from scratch, kielbasa, stuffed peppers, and cabbage is where I discovered my love for food. Every family event, birthday, or holiday she would always show up with something from her kitchen which created lasting memories for a lifetime.
Tell us about your absolute favorite food and why readers should try it if they haven’t already.
It is so hard to choose because I love so many different things and really appreciate dishes from all over the world. However, living in Charlotte, North Carolina I found my love for BBQ and I always recommend Mac’s BBQ if they are in the area.
The Lobby Bar at Hotel Colonnade, Autograph Collection in Coral Gables, Florida
What are three ingredients that you simply couldn’t live without?
Salt, butter and flour.
We love the art behind plating. What do you love about designing the perfect dish?
I certainly consider cooking, food and wine as art, as it is the only art experienced through all five human senses. The perfect dish has a balance of flavor yet brings color and creativity. People eat with their eyes first, and the balance and flavor keep them coming back.
The Lobby Bar at Hotel Colonnade, Autograph Collection in Coral Gables, Florida
Tell us about one of the most creative dishes you’ve created?
On our fall menu update, we added “Shakshuka,” which originated in Northern Africa and consists poached eggs in a sauce made of tomatoes, olive oil, peppers, onion and garlic spiced with cumin and paprika.
What is one of your greatest accomplishments or awards you've earned?
I have really enjoyed my culinary career and creating the ultimate guest experience through my passion for cooking. One of my greatest accomplishments, however, has been developing my career while having a successful marriage and great relationship with friends and family. It is not common for a friend or family member to turn down a home dinner invite from a chef!
The Lobby Bar at Hotel Colonnade, Autograph Collection in Coral Gables, Florida
What are some of the latest trends you’re seeing in top restaurants across the globe?
From what I have seen within hotels and restaurants is that guests want to connect. Whether speaking with a chef or general manager, guests want to be acknowledged. They want to feel that their feedback is important and has influence. When a repeat guest comes to a hotel or restaurant, they expect to be recognized, which at the Hotel Colonnade we always strive to do.
What’s your favorite cocktail or beverage of choice?
A well-made bourbon Old Fashioned.
The Lobby Bar at Hotel Colonnade, Autograph Collection in Coral Gables, Florida
What do you love about being the Executive Chef of Aragon Café and The Lobby Bar at Hotel Colonnade, Autograph Collection in Coral Gables, Florida?
I love that every day is a new challenge whether it’s helping out a colleague or going above and beyond for a guest. You never know what people have been through before they walk into our building. A little love can go a long way.
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