Chef Mike Angelo Torres

Mike Torres, a grill master and Texas native lived in Austin for 12 years and is now settled in Lockhart. He grew up in his parent's restaurants and bakeries, where he developed a love for fine foods and cooking. He specializes in curating outdoor, open-flame cooking experiences.

Why is it essential for you to know where your food comes from?

Before becoming a chef, I owned and operated a 6-acre organic farm. I struggled daily to educate people around me on the importance of supporting their local farmers. There's an endless number of reasons why it's essential to know where your food comes from, but in short, I have immense respect for animal life, and the humane harvesting of animals should be important to everyone. I am also greatly concerned about the environmental impacts of mass-producing meat, with the ultimate priority being profit over sustainability.

Who inspires you?

My parents. Both were immigrants who traveled to the United States with few resources and managed to provide a wonderful life for my sister and me and built two restaurants and one bakery that operated in Texas for over 25 years.

What is your most memorable meal?

I was in New Zealand in my early 20's. I went to a restaurant specializing in mussels, which I'd never had before. The freshness was incredible, and they were so delicious! It indeed marked the starting point for my culinary interests.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

I have been with my wife for almost 20 years and being a good father to my son.

How do you stay motivated?

I want to maintain a comfortable life for my family and am willing to work endlessly to achieve that. I want to be a good role model for my son and provide him with the opportunity to learn essential life skills.

What's the one thing in your kitchen you couldn't live without?

My knives! I recently invested in a beautiful set of Japanese knives, and I cannot live without them!