Michael Carlson, Date of Birth, Place of Birth
TweetMichael Carlson
American chef
Date of Birth: 05-Jun-1974
Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Profession: chef
Nationality: United States
Zodiac Sign: Gemini 
About Michael Carlson
- Michael Carlson (born June 5, 1974) is a chef and restaurateur from Chicago, Illinois.
- After dropping out of culinary school, Carlson got his start in the industry working under Paul Bartolotta.
- From there he studied abroad in Italy under Valentino Marcattilii, and in England under Heston Blumenthal.
- Carlson says he learned more from American chef Grant Achatz than anyone else. In late 2005 Carlson opened his first restaurant – Schwa – in Chicago.
- He quickly earned a positive reputation and Food & Wine magazine named him one of 2006's top new chefs.
- In 2007, Carlson was asked to host a gathering of world-famous chefs including Ferran Adrià , Heston Blumenthal, Thomas Keller and Pierre Hermé for Charlie Trotter's 20th anniversary celebration.
- The night went well, but put a severe strain on Carlson.
- He abruptly closed Schwa the next morning, and left the industry for four months before re-opening Schwa in February 2008. Carlson is known for his "unstressed" approach to food, creating simple dishes from unconventional ingredients.
- He is known as a perfectionist who does not like standing still professionally.
- One food critic described Carlson as "culinary maverick ...
- whose choices often [fly] in the face of fine-dining expectations." Despite Carlson's culinary skill, Schwa has struggled to remain afloat.
- Friends have attributed this to a complete lack of business acumen on Carlson's part, as well as his general lack of interest in material possessions.
- He has said he would rather cook and run his business the way he wants than make money. Outsiders view Carlson as an inconsiderate recluse, but co-workers describe him as a kind and generous person.
- Carlson is known for his casual demeanor and conversation.
- He lives with his girlfriend, Rachel Brown, and his two-year-old daughter, Lily, in Logan Square.
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