Chef Michael's Blog

Chef Michael Laukert

Chef Michael Laukert

Volpi Foods welcomes Michael Laukert, renowned chef, specialty food consultant and former Culinary Director for Michael Chiarello’s NapaStyle television series on Food Network, PBS and Fine Living.

In addition to writing this blog, Chef Michael is consulting with Volpi to develop recipes utilizing Volpi Italian meat products.

To read more about Chef Michael, click here.

Pantry Spring Cleaning

Pantry Spring Cleaning

I always find the change of ‘SEASONS’ inspirational on many different levels in the culinary world.  The transition from winter to spring is one of the most exciting times in the restaurant kitchen with the vibrant colors of oranges, rhubarb,... Read More >
Foraged at the peak of perfection – Chanterelle Mushrooms

Foraged at the peak of perfection – Chanterelle Mushrooms

This past weekend an early morning text message set the wheels in motion for a day that still seems just a little surreal, a very good friend and colleague invited me to be part of a mushroom foraging party.  Of course I jumped at the opportunity;... Read More >
Winter Comfort Food – Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

Winter Comfort Food – Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

In gathering ingredients today to spend some quality time in the kitchen, it seems that I should be counting my blessing that work currently has me in California especially when it comes to the recent national weather reports.  Mother Nature’s... Read More >
New meaning for ‘Meals on Wheels’ – Food Truck craze is growing

New meaning for ‘Meals on Wheels’ – Food Truck craze is growing

Well it is about time, I have finally been bitten by the bug that is rapidly spreading across our nation – Food Trucks!  Not your run of the mill, greasy spoon or the stereotyped ‘taco truck’, I talking restaurant caliber food trucks.  I... Read More >
SF Chronicle ‘ Taster’s Choice’ – PANCETTA

SF Chronicle ‘ Taster’s Choice’ – PANCETTA

Each week the local San Francisco Chronicle produces a highlighted food section for their newspaper. Besides covering the expected topics of new restaurants, restaurant reviews, wines and the local ‘scoop’ for chef’s / restaurateurs, just to... Read More >
Dungensee Crab for Christmas Eve 2010

Dungensee Crab for Christmas Eve 2010

Christmas Eve 2010, and we are on the road traveling to Twentynine Palms, a desert region of southern California.  I have the cooler packed with a handful of culinary surprises for dinner tonight, the biggest surprise being fresh Dungeness Crabs... Read More >
Dungeness Crab for the Holiday

Dungeness Crab for the Holiday

As 2010 draws to a close there are a few final magical culinary moments that will always stir up excitement in the restaurant kitchen.   In October and November the world turns its focus to the Piedmont region and the town of Alba, which is considered... Read More >
November Oyster BBQ at Tamales Bay

November Oyster BBQ at Tamales Bay

I finally gained my right a passage into a very special event that happens only once a year during the second weekend of November.  It seems over the previous year’s one little thing or another always seemed to throw a ‘monkey wrench’ into... Read More >
Napa Valley Harvest 2010

Napa Valley Harvest 2010

At one time or another we have all heard the saying, ‘Location, Location, Location.”  These words certainly define my new culinary endeavors and lifestyle.  Life and the pursuit of new adventures have brought about opportunity and change in... Read More >
End of the Summer Gathering of Family and Friends

End of the Summer Gathering of Family and Friends

There have been more than a few occasions over the recent years that have provided the opportunity for family and friends to share in celebration marking the ‘official’ end of summer.  I decided this year to take charge of planning and the gathering... Read More >

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