Meet Michael Daniel: Personal Chef, The Traveling Chef, and Owner of Mike D Good Eats Catering

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Daniel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risks are confidence builders. Years ago I used to play it safe. I was committed to going by the book and staying in the safe zone. It wasn’t until I took my first big risk and left home (Ann Arbor, MI) to attend Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA where my life of risk taking began. I learned that taking risks help build character, and the confidence to trust yourself to follow your passion.

I’ve always had a passion for the culinary arts but never appreciated the true value in it until my move to Louisiana. It was in New Orleans where I took another huge risk and took my culinary journey to a professional level.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I established Mike D Good Eats, in 2017. I specialize in Creole/Cajun cuisine with inspiration from various other cuisines. I started out selling dinner plates out of my friends Bakery called Chosen Cakes in New Orleans. Eventually I became the Catering Manager for their company. It was in December of 2017 when I decided to give myself a Christmas gift, and establish my own catering company, Mike D Good Eats LLC. That was a proud moment for me, I finally took that leap of faith that my family and friends had been pressuring me to do for a while.

I definitely had to overcome challenges along the way. There have been numerous late nights creating a business from the ground up. There were times that I wanted to give up and get back into the corporate world but giving up would never be an option, it is a must to continue my Grandmother’s legacy.

People always ask “What did you put in this?” when talking to about my food. I always give them one ingredient LOVE! I want people to taste the love and passion in every bite of food that I prepare for them, it brings me the greatest satisfaction.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Let’s See…

I’d definitely take them to the…

Culture Experience Art Gallery – A nostalgic place for the Culture
Pin & Proper – Drinks and Games
Apt 4B – For good drinks and vibes
Ms. Iceys – My favorite place to brunch
Suite Lounge – Crab Legs on Wednesday
Fellaship – A vibe for the mature crowd
Hotel Reverb – Rooftop vibes
Pasha – Food and Hookah
Jack’s Pizza & Wings – Good Late night pizza
Barber Bistro- Food and Drinks are on point\
Vigrils – Great food and drinks, and DJ

I’m sure I’m missing some places, but we would figure is out as we go like we always do. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Whew, the list is pretty long but I will try to make it brief. I want to dedicate this to My family and Friends all over. They have truly had my back, and have been the encouragers that I need to continue my culinary journey. Also a special shoutout to my Grandmother Georgia (may she rest in power), she has passed her passion for cooking down to me and I’m running with it! I know she’s watching over me.

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