Comfort Food and Eggs
Tony Michael, the chef and owner of Melleford, is known for his love of comfort food, eggs, and creating dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing. When asked about what first inspired him to become a chef, Michael recalls his grandmother, who was Austrian and loved cooking for family gatherings. She would often make apple strudel for parties and family events, and Michael remembers the delicious aroma and taste of her cooking. As a child, Michael would often help his grandmother in the kitchen, learning the basics of cooking and developing a passion for food.
Michael’s first experience of cooking for someone else was when he was just a child. He remembers making a simple chicken stir fry with hoisin sauce for his family. Although it may seem like a simple dish, it was a great start to his culinary journey.
A Career in Restaurants and Hotels
Before opening his own restaurant, Michael worked in various restaurants and hotels, gaining valuable experience and skills. However, he always dreamed of owning his own site, and in 2016, he finally achieved his goal with the opening of Melleford.
- He worked in restaurants and hotels for numerous years, gaining a wealth of experience and skills.
- Despite the challenges and long hours, Michael remained committed to his dream of owning his own restaurant.
Proudest Career Moment
Michael’s proudest career moment to date is opening his first restaurant, Saltwater, back in 2016. The restaurant quickly gained a reputation for its delicious food and excellent service, and Michael was thrilled to see it achieve the number one cafe in Hampshire. The success of Saltwater paved the way for Michael’s next venture, the opening of Melleford, which offered a new look and menu.
| Year | Award | Restaurant |
| 2016 | Number one cafe in Hampshire | Saltwater |
| 2018 | Best brunch spot in Hampshire | Melleford |
Signature Dish
Michael’s signature dish is the salmon hollandaise on brioche with avocado. He loves the combination of flavors and textures in this dish, and the presentation is always impressive. The salmon is cooked to perfection, and the hollandaise sauce adds a rich and creamy element to the dish. “I love the look of this dish, the flavour of hollandaise with the salmon just pairs so well and the colours look beautiful.”
Favourite Dishes on the Menu
One of Michael’s favorite dishes currently on the menu is the Korean chicken. He loves the flavor and that it’s a family favorite too! Another popular dish is the voodoo shrimp, which is a favorite among customers.
- Korean chicken
- Voodoo shrimp
Foodie Recommendations
Michael’s favorite place to eat in Hampshire is the Verveine fish restaurant in Milford on Sea. He admires David, the chef, and the dishes he produces are incredible. “David is a remarkable chef and the dishes he produces are incredible.”
Home Cooking
Although Michael is a busy chef, he still enjoys cooking at home. His favorite meal to cook is classic sausage and mash with red onion marmalade. However, he admits that he doesn’t really do much of the cooking at home. “Good old comfort food, nothing beats a favourite like classic sausage and mash with red onion marmalade.”
Drinks
Michael’s favorite drink to have with dinner is water. However, he also enjoys a glass of red or white wine, preferably from Australia or South Africa. “Iām always looking to try different wines to put on our menu.”
Culinary Guilty Pleasure
Michael’s culinary guilty pleasure is Kung po chicken with noodles. He loves the flavor and the combination of ingredients. “I love the flavour.”
Key Ingredient
Michael’s favorite ingredient is eggs. He loves the versatility of eggs and can create a variety of dishes using them. “Eggs are always in my fridge, and I use them in a lot of different recipes.”
Hampshire Ingredients
Michael’s favorite Hampshire ingredient is Lusso leaf micro herbs. He loves the range of products available and the way they can add color and flavor to any dish. “They are a fantastic product that can add colour and subtle taste to any dish.”
Chef Inspiration
Michael’s chef inspiration is Jeong Kwan, a Buddhist nun who appears in the Netflix series Chef’s Table. He admires her cooking and the way she creates dishes that are both simple and elegant. “The food she produces is phenomenal.”
Career Ambition
Michael’s career ambition is to continue to grow and develop Melleford, offering evening dining and using locally sourced products whenever possible. “We will be opening in the evenings, offering evening dining of fresh, made from scratch food.
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