Michel Wahaltere

Belgian-born Michel Wahaltere began his culinary career in the US as a sous-chef in Los Angeles.After a number of years as chef for four Los Angeles Restaurants,his career led him to Colorado.In Aspen, Michel became a part of our family and was actually cooking next to Luigi on opening night at Campo de Fiori! Campo Aspen was awarded "One of the Best New Restaurants in America" by Esquire Magazine and USA Today.In 1998, as executive chef and partner, Michel's Trattoria Caffé Amici was awarded "Best New Restaurant in Aspen."For more than 10 years, W DESIGN, LLC, led by Michel, has been consulting for corporate and private clients. Along the way, many of the companies with whom Michel consulted received various awards, press, and high accolades.Michel brings great knowledge and passion to everything involving food and concepts. Walking into gisella, you can feel Michel's presence even if he's in the kitchen. But because of his passionate and gregarious nature, he usually makes a point to jump off the line whenever possible to say "hello" to our guests and make sure they are taking pleasure in his passion!

 

A jazz musician can improvise based on his knowledge of music. He understands how things go together. For a chef, once you have that basis....cuisine is truly exciting.
—– Charlie Trotter