Michael Lomonaco

Widely regarded as a Chef’s Chef, Michael is one of America’s Most Recognizable Culinary Leaders. Having spent his career in some of New York’s most respected restaurants, he promotes a welcoming atmosphere of warm hospitality alongside his modern American cooking. Michael is known for dishes that feature pristine ingredients prepared with joy and gusto.

Michael Lomonaco is the Culinary Director of the highly respected and successful restaurant Porter House Bar and Grill, and Center Bar, a mixologist’s dream. He is an original star of Food Network, spent 8 years as a noted food and travel host on Discovery and Travel Channels, and has taught cooking classes throughout the US. In 2002 Michael was appointed Distinguished Visiting Professor at New York’s CUNY. Equally at home in front of a University lecture hall, on a frenetic TV studio set, or up close and personal in your virtual kitchen, Michael inspires us with a lively and warm personality, quips, and tips on cooking, wine, and music. Ask him where to find the best of anything, anywhere!

Throughout his long culinary career, Michael has always been involved and engaged in community service. He has served on the advisory boards of many food and hunger-related non-profits including Share Our Strength, City Harvest, and C-CAP. Following the tragic aftermath of 9/11, he co-founded Windows of Hope, a 501-C3 charity that raised millions of dollars for the benefit of families of the food service workers who perished at the World Trade Center. Service to others is a hallmark of his culinary ethos, the gift of hospitality through which Michael uses food to do more than feed those around him.

Within his leadership keynotes and interactive cooking classes, Chef Lomonaco provides a unique perspective on adapting, adjusting, creating, and delivering the gift of hospitality to customers and employees alike in any fast-paced environment, regardless of the circumstance or industry. His approach to hospitality, the gift we give others, is what all businesses need most in customer relations, staff, and team-building, and how we can best represent ourselves to the world around us.

Michael has faced challenges and adversity in life which have left him feeling alone and grief stricken. His methods of coping during difficult times have allowed him to move forward with life and thrive under pressure. He is in the process of writing a memoir that details these challenges and shares his ideology and beliefs. Sharing truthful stories about his life experiences, resilience, and renewal has allowed him to help others through personal crises. As he recounts the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and the aftermath and rebuilding of his life and helping others rebuild their own lives we are shown a lifetime of insight into how to live a life of hope and acceptance.

Speaking Topics - 

Kitchen Sessions: Inspired Leadership

As a chef and restaurateur, Michael Lomonaco knows that while there is no single "recipe for success," there are certainly key ingredients that need to be present to succeed. Through his years of dedication and innovation in his restaurants and in the hospitality industry as a whole, Michael's well-established reputation for thoughtful leadership is based on inclusiveness and kindness. His firmly held belief that enabling and empowering others to develop their own goals and harness their "inner entrepreneur" propels businesses from merely surviving to thriving achievements. His commitment to "doing the work" shows through his engagement in mentorship and his support of his industry and community.

The Human Spirit: Managing Crises with Resilience, Creativity & Compassion

The unexpected challenges that life brings to everyone often create chaos and uncertainty. Throughout his journey, Michael Lomonaco has faced life's situations with a strong foundation of belief in human inner strength, Stoic acceptance, and determination. This practical philosophy has allowed him to rise to the occasion with compassion for others while maintaining mindfulness. In this frank and entertaining dialogue, Michael shares his personal and professional experiences to inspire audiences to live with resilience, strength, and courage and to enrich their lives with the creative spirit at its core.

"Roundtables"

Bringing people together is the essence of hospitality. Michael Lomonaco draws on his experiences to bring people together through food, culture, and conversation. Michael works directly with clients to create interactive culinary experiences on any topic such as wine, coffee, olive oil, pastries, grilling…you name it. You will have the opportunity to cook alone or just relax and learn. Customized culinary gifts upon request. In-person or virtual.

From The Farm to Your Table

Bringing people together for an engaging and fulfilling experience; it's the essence of hospitality. In a time where it is so difficult for us to gather in the community for even a simple meal, Michael Lomonaco draws on his experiences and relationships to create a new way to bring people from all over the world, right around their kitchen tables.

Partnering with Gotham Artists Creative, a division of Gotham Artists, Michael works directly with clients to create engaging and interactive culinary experiences. Attendees have the opportunity to cook and chat with Michael while creating a wonderful meal for themselves and their families. Gotham Creative manages all of the fulfillment needs associated with your event - sourcing, packaging, and delivering all of the ingredients for a masterful event. It's a can't-miss experience!