Chef Michael Feker

Media Kit 2015

2 Chef Michael Feker| www.ilmito.com

CHEF MICHAEL FEKER

Michael Feker is a passionate man who spreads that passion and joy of cooking and eating healthy

meals through his roles as chef, restaurateur, television personality, culinary schoolteacher,

culinary director and consultant, caterer, and cooking demonstration chef.

A 27-year veteran in the restaurant industry, Michael dreamed about being in the kitchen since he

was a child. Born in Persia, he's had the benefit of experiencing food from around the world -

beginning in Switzerland where he attended school as a child. He later headed to San Francisco

and the California Culinary Academy (CCA) and was trained in classical French style by one of the

best chefs in the country, Roberto Gerometta.

His first break came from Gerometta who chose Michael to represent CCA aboard the Royal

Viking Cruise Line for a four-month, around-the-world assignment. That experience gave him the

chance to master his artistry.

California noticed Michael, offering him positions at some of the best Italian restaurants, including:

Harry's Bar and Grill in San Francisco, and Chianti Cucina, Locanda Veneta and Sostanza in Los

Angeles. He became Executive Chef at Sostanza and also worked temporarily as a corporate chef

at the Nestle Corporation with Gerometta.

In 1990 Michael opened his own restaurant in Studio City, to showcase his style. His restaurant, IL

MITO, was an overnight success on Ventura Boulevard, near Hollywood film studios. It was so

popular he added a second restaurant to meet the demand of Hollywood stars and studio

employees alike.

After meeting and marrying his wife, he brought his IL MITO brand to Milwaukee — her

hometown — in 1997. Then in 2006, he opened his Wauwatosa location, which now has so

many fans, they're nicknamed "the Fekeroodies." In 2008, he expanded that location to include

CMF's School of Culinary Magic/Chef's Counter, where he hosts private cooking lessons, gourmet

wine and beer tastings, private cooking demonstrations and corporate events.

In 2013, he brought IL MITO East to downtown Milwaukee, serving Italian and Mediterranean

cuisine in a casual fine dining setting, with full gluten-free options and a globally-inspired Sunday

Brunch with build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. IL MITO East closed its doors in October of 2014 to

make room for his newest venture.

In 2015, Michael opened Zesti in Hartland, Wis. Based on his worldly travels and experiences,

combined with Michael’s passion for food and culinary artistry, Zesti serves up global cuisine from

South African to Chinese.

In addition to his restaurants, Michael also works as a culinary consultant to Wisconsin's largest

healthcare provider, Aurora Health Care. He assists them in revamping and reviving their culinary

techniques and practices to bring fresh and pure foods to both patients and staff. His cooking

videos are also shown on their in-house television network for patients to view.

Michael lives in Milwaukee with his family and can be found at www.michaelfeker.com

3 Chef Michael Feker| www.ilmito.com

MEDIA APPEARENCES

Michael appears on Milwaukee’s WISN at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday morning. His show, “The

Dinner Bell,” showcases family friendly dishes and walks through each step of the cooking

process.

He was also featured on Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games” on the episode “Aisle and Error”

which aired November 16, 2014. He took second in the competition.

In the past, Michael has showcased his healthy cuisine on WITI's FOX6 Wake Up Friday

mornings, as well as on the Weekend Wake Up, Saturday mornings. His show, Feker's Kitchen,

has a mission to get viewers/guests to experience food: get back to the table to share both

nourishment and conversation with family and friends.

He has also been seen on the Morning Blend, WTMJ4 (NBC), mentioned in articles and

interviewed for print and broadcast outlets in Southeast Wisconsin.

View Michael passion and love for life through his cooking shows and videos at:

www.youtube.com/chefmichaelfeker

www.fekerskitchen.com

4 Chef Michael Feker| www.ilmito.com

PERSONAL APPEARANCES/DEMONSTRATIONS/CONSULTING

Kohler Food & Wine Experience (National & Midwest stages)

The International Houseware Show (cooking demonstrations, 2010-13)

National Restaurant Association Show (cooking demonstrations)

Boelter Companies resident Chef, Cooking Class creator, Corporate Culinary Consultant

(2012-13)

Nestle Foods Chocolate Fest (presenter, 2012)

Stillwater's Cancer Center (culinary director, chair and emcee)

Fagor USA Culinary Consultant (2010-13)

Wisconsin Wine and Dine, main stage presenter, 2010-12

Milwaukee's Hunger Task Force (donating culinary performances to help feed

the hungry at the Wisconsin State Fair and more)

Wisconsin Wine and Dine (culinary performer and celebrity judge)

Home Builders Expo (culinary presenter and design consultant)

5 Chef Michael Feker| www.ilmito.com

Growing Power and Alice's Garden (sourcing food locally to help others get

access to fresh, pure, healthy ingredients)

AMONG HIS AWARDS/ACCOLADES

Best Milwaukee Restaurants, Urban Spoon, 2013

Diners' Choice Winner (Fit for Foodies, Italian, Neighborhood Gem, Best Service), Open

Table, 2013

Talk of the Town Customer Satisfaction Award, Celebration Media, 2013

Reader's Choice Awards, M: Milwaukee's Lifestyle Magazine, 2012

Local Eats That Tempt & Treat, M: Milwaukee Lifestyle Magazine, 2012

Dining Guide: Where to Go and What to Expect, Milwaukee Magazine dining, 2012

Diners' Choice List Winner, Open Table, 2012

2011 James Beard Award nominations for Outstanding Restaurateur, Best Midwest Chef,

Outstanding Chef, Outstanding Restaurant, Outstanding Service, Outstanding Wine

Service, America’s Classics.

Talk of the Town Customer Satisfaction Award, Celebration Media, 2011

Reader's Choice, Milwaukee Magazine, 2010

Top 50 Restaurants of America, Open Table, 2009

6 Chef Michael Feker| www.ilmito.com

Most Non-Profit Volunteering, Business Journal, 2009

Chef of the Year, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 2009

3.5 Stars, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 2001

Chef to the Stars, Hollywood Reporter, 1995, 1996, 1997

California IL MITO received 4-star rating by California Food Writers Association, 1994,

1995

THE place that is not Spago, Los Angeles Magazine, 1993, 1994

Best Chef of Year by California Food Writers Association (CFWA), 1993

California IL MITO named Best of LA by LA Magazine, 1992

California's Best New Chef of the Year, 1991

BUZZ: WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT MICHAEL

"There is no shortage of culinary talent in Milwaukee, but in terms of skills, drive and personality,

Michael Feker is the complete package."

— OnMilwaukee.com

"When I saw Chef Feker on the air, I knew we had found someone who could translate his passion

for cooking to our No. 1 morning show audience. In time, his popularity and knowledge (of

television) allowed us to create a 30-minute show for him, known as Feker's Kitchen. Chef Feker

has a true love for his trade and his enthusiasm makes him a very strong and popular on-air talent."

— Chuck Steinmetz, President and General Manager of FOX 6, WITI-TV

7 Chef Michael Feker| www.ilmito.com

"His enthusiasm is infectious -- whether he's in the kitchen, teaching a class, or on the set, he will

simply mesmerize you. And he's not just about the food. Chef Feker believes in the overall

experience of getting back to the table and sharing a good meal, good times and good

conversation with family and friends. Most importantly, he is able to touch the viewers' souls."

— Enid Parkinson, Special Projects Producer FOX 6, WITI-TV

"He [Chef Feker] truly has the desire to 'feed people love,' and it is evident in his food."

— Married In Milwaukee blog

"Chef Michael Feker is a wonderful addition to the culinary scenes of our Milwaukee

neighborhoods. We are thrilled to have his passion, enthusiasm and zest for cooking and all

things food. He is truly an entertainer/educator at heart and everyone loves his energy - whether

in the kitchen or on his live appearances or TV shows. I and my staff look forward to partnering

with Chef Feker on many downtown events..."

— Kim Morris, Executive Director East Town Association

Jazz in the Park/Bastille Days

For more information, contact: Elaine Duran E L Doran Public Relations

IL MITO Trattoria e Enoteca is located at 6913 W North Avenue, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53213

Zesti Eatery is located at 130 E. Capitol Drive, Hartland, Wisconsin 53029

8 Chef Michael Feker| www.ilmito.com

Websites www.ilmito.com

www.zestieatery.com

www.fekercatering.com

www.ilmitoCooking.com

shop.ilmito.com

On Social Media

www.facebook.com/ilmito.enoteca

www.facebook.com/ChefFeker

www.facebook.com/MilwaukeeCookingSchool

www.facebook.com/ILMitoMilwaukeeCatering

twitter.com/cheffeker

www.linkedin.com/in/chefmichaelfeker

Download Michael’s App for your phone:

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app_ilmito.layout

Listen to Michael on iTunes:

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/chef-michael-feker-cmf/id900519618?mt=8