Staff Highlight: Chef Michael Perez
Our Easton Porter Group team members are the heart and soul of what we do. From meals served at our restaurants to personal touches at our boutique hotels, our high-touch teams work hard to elevate the art and joy of travel and dining.
Today, we are highlighting Michael Perez, our head chef at Cannon Green in Charleston, SC. With inspiration from Italy and the Mediterranean, his in-depth experience allows him to create delicious dishes using fresh Lowcountry ingredients. Originally from Portland, Oregon, he has cooked in cities across the nation, including Los Angeles and Alaska. If you are a foodie, you may recognize him from his 2013 appearance on Food Network’s “Chef Wanted” series. Check out the following Q&A with Michael to learn more, then head over to Cannon Green in the heart of downtown Charleston to see his culinary skills firsthand!
When/where did your interest in the restaurant industry begin? How long have you been working at Cannon Green?
I became interested in Culinary Arts when I was in a home economics class and a Chef came to talk to our class about her travels all over the world. I have been at Cannon Green since April 1.
What’s your favorite part about working at Cannon Green?
The people. We have a very close team here and everyone is always willing to help each other out.
What’s your favorite dish on the menu and what do you love about it?
Our butcher board. I love that we are able to educate our cooks on the butchering and curing meats also while driving down food cost. Education is very important to me and this is a huge fundamental skill for cooks to have.
When you’re not working, what are some of your favorite things to do around Charleston?
I love to fish in my kayak, eat with friends at new restaurants and cycle.