Michael was born in Philadelphia and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma. He grew up eating and developing a love of American food, having family in places like New Orleans, Nashville, and New York. His love for food led him to the great city of New York in 2004. Prior to graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education, he began working at BUTTER Restaurant under the tutelage of Chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli. He competed on the hit TV Show Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen, Beat Bobby Flay, Iron Chef America, and Bobby's Triple Threat. He is currently serving as the executive chef at Butter Restaurant.