JBF Award Winner Michael Mina, Michael Mina, San Francisco
What’s your go-to guilty-pleasure food?
My family and I are always making pizzas in our wood-fire oven. We add some fresh vegetables from our garden to make it a little less of a “guilty” food.
What’s your favorite movie, and why?
Forrest Gump. It’s a classic and the story is great!
Describe the last great meal you ate.
Mourad Lahlou from Aziza always does it right! His food is bold and balanced and the flavors are out of this world.
What’s the dish you’re most proud of?
My caviar parfait is something that is really special for me. I first made it for my wife, Diane, on our honeymoon and she loved it! It has since made its way into almost all of my restaurants.
What’s your favorite healthy food?
Nothing beats a bowl of greens with grilled fish and a flavorful broth.
What movie are you ashamed to admit you love?
The Dictator with Sacha Baron Cohen. My sons and I love that movie—we laugh the whole way through!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received was to learn the restaurant industry at every level: cook, server, busser, manager, chef, etc. If you rush through the process and skip steps, you’re only hurting yourself.
