Blog
Last month, you had a chance to learn about Miss Shirley's Executive Chefs, so we thought it was about time to highlight the rest of the Chefs, who are a part of our fantastic culinary team!
Mikey, Chef - Inner Harbor
Favorite Miss Shirley’s Dish: Crab Cake & Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict – “I love the mixture of flavors!”
Favorite Kitchen Utensil: “I always cook with a pot and spatula, but I couldn’t go without a cutting board!”
Fun Food Fact: “When it comes to food, I like almost everything! I love trying new dishes and experimenting with new flavors.”
Growing up in Peru, in the port of Callao, Mikey always enjoyed the beauty and culture of living near a port city. Having lived in the U.S. for over 7 years now, he finds that he loves Baltimore for the very same reasons! “It’s beautiful. There are a variety of local museums, restaurants, entertainment, and many happy faces!”
But when it comes to cooking, Mikey’s interest in the culinary arts began back in Peru, in his mother’s kitchen! He always remembers walking into the kitchen and smelling the delicious foods his mother would cook for their family. “I always loved to help my mom cook. I think that helped me a lot to achieve my dream.”
One of Mikey’s favorite dishes from his home country is Ceviche – fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices and seasoned with chopped onions and local spices. At home, he also loves throwing a few steaks on the grill for his family, or cooking up rice and potatoes with a light and fresh dressing for the summer.
After moving to the U.S., Mikey worked at a few restaurants, before joining the Miss Shirley’s Cafe team as a line cook in 2010. Then, in early 2015, he was promoted to a Chef position at our Inner Harbor location. Now, with about 9 years of cooking experience, Mikey is a vital part of Miss Shirley’s culinary team!
“I think personally, when I came to work here, I felt like I was family. It motivated me even more to follow my dream of becoming a Chef!” Mikey’s passion and determination shows in his work, each and every day. He has become a mentor for many of our culinary team members, and he brightens the room with his kind smile and positive attitude!
Mikey loves to experiment with different fresh ingredients and spices in the kitchen, but his favorite Miss Shirley’s dish is the much-loved Crab Cake & Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict. “I remember one busy day when I had to prepare over 150 Crab Benedicts! I’ll never forget that.”
When not working at Miss Shirley’s, Mikey is a family man! “I love to spend time with my family, and my daughter. She loves when we go out to eat or to explore the city!”
Steven, Chef - Inner Harbor
Favorite Miss Shirley’s Dish: “I love our Chesapeake Club with Jumbo Lump Crab Cake & Shrimp Salad!”
Favorite Kitchen Utensil: “Tongs are amazing! Whether you’re picking up ingredients or pulling something out of the oven, having a good pair of tongs is a lifesaver!
Fun Food Fact: “If I see steak on a menu, I have to order it!"
Steven was first introduced to restaurant industry through his father, who was a butcher. “I learned how to cut and cook meats at an early age.” As a child, he remembers always wanting to help his father in the kitchen, but never wanting to do the dishes afterwards!
However, Steven’s first real job in the food industry was at a seafood processing plant, making Chesapeake Bay Gourmet Crab Cakes, at the age of 16. “The crab cakes were featured on QVC, and we were always busy!” Since then, Steven worked his way up the ranks in the restaurant industry, with a total of 15 years cooking experience.
In 2010, he was hired as a Line Cook, and was then promoted to a Chef position in 2014. Steven has become an asset to our entire culinary team, traveling between Miss Shirley’s three restaurant locations, whenever needed. He is hard working, dedicated, and comes to work each and every day with a smile on his face!
Steven says that his favorite thing about working at Miss Shirley’s is the people! “Most people work with strangers, but I consider the Shirley’s team my family. There is not one person I work with that wouldn’t go out of their way to help me.”
And although he has grown tremendously since his early days in the seafood plant, Steven still loves Maryland Crab Cakes. His favorite Miss Shirley’s dish is our Chesapeake Club with Jumbo Lump Crab Cake & Shrimp Salad! But when it comes to fresh seafood, Steven has his limits. “My least favorite food is fish – I could never last on a deserted island!”
At home, Steven likes to keep it simple, and loves pairing easy proteins with fresh veggies! “One of my favorite dishes to cook at home is oven roasted chicken, mashed potatoes & corn mixed with peppers and onions.”
Every now and then, though, he likes dining out and enjoying a hardy steak! “Once, I went to a restaurant at Cedar Point in Ohio, and ordered a 36 oz. steak. I ate the whole thing - but let’s just say dessert was off the table.”
He may have completed his foodie feat in Ohio, but Steven wouldn’t trade living in Maryland for the world! “I’m a diehard Orioles fan! And I love being by the Chesapeake Bay, and close to the beach!”
When Steven is not working at Miss Shirley’s, he loves spending quality time outdoors with his fiancée. “We love to go hiking, camping, and white water rafting. And of course, we take every opportunity to go to Camden Yards, to see our guys win!”