Duvall Team Feature: Sous Chef, Mike McNicholas

Our next team spotlight features Mike McNicholas, one of our Sous Chefs. Having been with Duvall Catering & Events for about a year now, Mike offers a fresh new perspective in the kitchen. His passion for all things culinary paired with his analytical accounting background makes his dishes carefully crafted creations.

It is always fun to watch him work!

What is your dream job?  

I have always wanted to own my own restaurant! I love pizza and would love to have a place that serves specialty pizza, craft cocktails and good beer.

What are you known for?

At work I am most known for my work ethic. I like getting set up for the day in a quiet kitchen before everyone else arrives. My friends and family know me as the guy who is always inviting them over for meals.

What do you like to do in your free time?  

I let my dog lover, a Pitbull- lab mix, takes up most of my free time!

What is your favorite thing(s) on our menu? 

I really like our new Bao Buns with confit pork belly, miso aioli and pickled vegetable slaw.

What do you love most about your current position and our industry? 

I like being able to teach people. Helping the newer kitchen staff learn to plan for their day by setting obtainable goals is rewarding.

You step outside the office and find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?

I would take a vacation out of the country to Southeast Asia or France. I have always been fascinated by their food centered cultures and could eat my way through both countries for months!

What food are you? Why?

Pizza! Everyone likes pizza. I tend to be a pretty easy-going guy who gets along with everyone.

What was the first sign you encountered that you were in the right industry?

I realized I had found the right career for me when I enjoyed getting up for work in the morning. Being in the kitchen allows me to still be strategic and analytical like the accounting industry but now I also get to express my creative side.