The first thing people think about when it comes to Thanksgiving, is the feast. So fitting it was to experience a Turkey-day celebration with chef Michael Mina and family at their home in Marin County. Although it was Michael’s day off, he was joyously slaving in the kitchen preparing all the traditional Thanksgiving fixings and then some. Absent of his signature black buttoned-up chef’s jacket and comfortably donning a relaxed white polo with denim and sneakers, this was Michael Mina in his enchanted element. His passion for cooking and being in the kitchen was apparent from the moment we stepped foot in the house. Like the perfect host, he wanted to make sure we were well fed, and continually well fed throughout the day. No surprise the man has accumulated 18 restaurants across the country with several more to open in 2011. Michael Mina loves feeding people and people love eating his food.
Today at the Mina house, there were no perfectly-plated tuna tartares, caviar parfaits or tableside lobster pot pies which he has become so identified with in his restaurants. Instead, there was the homey, attack-and-eat by hand plate of ribs in the backyard with the kids and the intoxicating balm of roasted garlic-rosemary turkey breasts which filled the Autumn air. Despite the laid-back casualness of it all, it wouldn’t have been a signature Michael Mina experience without a little sumptuousness added in. As if our overflowing dinner plates weren’t a bolstering reminder to hit the gym first thing Black Friday, Thanksgiving at home Mina style included a sultry bowl of butternut squash lobster bisque and a colossal pan of not-your-mother’s steamy black truffle stuffing. Also on hand was the most succulent medium-rare prime rib accompanied by a generous portion of side dishes – Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, carrots, crab cakes, mashed potatoes and gravy.
Thanksgiving day is all about giving thanks and reminding ourselves what we are grateful for. Besides the obvious gratitude for the bountiful feast that was in front of me, Thanksgiving with Michael Mina reminded me that when an individual creates a living incorporating what they are passionate about in life…even on their days off, they are going to do it with fulfilling gratitude.
Despite the fact that Michael Mina “the chef”, is now a business man and brand name with an ever-evolving and expanding restaurant empire, he is someone who began his career in the industry because he simply loved food, loved to cook and loved sharing it with others. Little did he know when he enrolled at the C.I.A. over twenty years ago, that one day he would look back knowing that he employed thousands, mentored many, and fed millions in his lifetime. On this Thanksgiving evening, he and his wife Diane donated the leftovers from our festive spread to the local food bank.
Like Michael, I’ve learned that when you make a choice in life to recognize your innate gifts, and pursue your dreams, the road may at times be rocky, but it will be passionately rewarding. The holidays are always reflective. I don’t know if it’s because they remind us how fast time goes by or if it’s because they make us think twice about how we spend or waste our lives? Or maybe it’s just that we overindulge during these times and the food coma makes us even more contemplative? Whatever it is, it’s important to ask yourself what are you thankful and grateful for today? How do you spend your days? How do you want to spend the rest of your life?
Just remember…it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Michael Mina – a young aspiring cook from rural Washington State, who had big dreams of one day cooking in a big city. Today, at age 42, he has numerous accolades and 18 restaurants under his belt. Chef Michael Mina is proof that when you combine gratitude and hard work, dreams can come true.
Happy Thanksgiving from Food Fashionista.
For some wonderful Michael Mina Recipes, including a Sweet Potato Souffle’ and a Butterscotch Steamed Bread Pudding, visit HERE
For more information on Michael Mina’s Restaurants, visit HERE
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What a wonderful posting and pictures are incredibly insane!
WOW! That’s all I can say! WOW WOW WOW! Michael Mina Thanksgiving is putting my family’s fixins’ to shame. I can’t wait to try his restaurants. Will be finally going to Las Vegas for holidays so will do so then. WOW!
Inspiring post Mika. The holidays are reflective as you mentioned and they are honestly not my favorite time of the year, but as you reminded me I have to keep pursuring and following my dreams. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Sumptuous story indeed Mika! Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Lovely food and lovely post. Your thoughts re: the true meaning of Thanksgiving are so important to remember when we all get so caught up in all this holiday madness. Happy Thanksgiving Mika! xoxo, Pam
Mika this is what its all about!!!!
love ya!! Jayson
ZOMG, that looks so much better than the Thanksgiving meal I’m preparing. Are you up in Nor Cal right now?
Beautiful article Food Fashionista! I just discovered your site and now addicted. Happy Thanksgiving
Thank you for sharing this Thanskgiving meal with all of us Mika. You have the BEST food life ever. You need to have your own television program. Food Fashionista is more exciting than most of the shows on Food Network. Hope to meet you at a food event one day.
Best,
Martha
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Thank you so much.
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Yes, there are several Michael Mina options to choose from in Las Vegas. If you need particular suggestions, shoot me an e-mail at mika@foodfashionista.com
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Every day is a new day! It’s never to late to follow your dreams. Happy Thanksgiving Olivia.
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Happy Thanksgiving Laiko! Look forward to seeing you in San Francisco soon.
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Thank you so much Pam! Wishing you and your family a very happy Turkey day. I can’t wait to see you again over a great meal & catch up. xoxoxo
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love ya too Chef Jay! xoxo
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Hi Kara! Everytime TG comes around, I think about your dad’s famous brussel sprouts. Hopefully I get to try them one of these years. Sending you and the family LOVE! 😀
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Hi Katie! Welcome to Food Fashionista. Wishing you a beautiful Thanksgiving.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING MS FOOD FASHIONISTA!
I love Michael Mina’s restaurants and your story makes me love him even more. People seem to forget that this guy worked his ass off to get where he’s at since he is now a mega success in the industry. My wife and I will be going to one of his las vegas restaurants for New years with some friends and we can’t wait.
So beautiful article Food Fashionista! I just in Thanksgiving have a simple eat, have never seen such an abundance of food. That ‘s great!