Come meet our Chef & learn about the Cafe
Nestled amidst the picturesque surroundings, the cafe offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests to savor farm-fresh flavors and locally sourced ingredients. From hearty sandwiches to wholesome salads and artisanal pizzas, there is something to tantalize every palate. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, the cafe takes pride in crafting dishes that showcase the seasonal bounty of the farm.
Chef Shawn: A Passion for Food, Creativity, and Community
Born and raised in Mid-Michigan, Chef Shawn discovered his love for cooking at his Nana’s knee, where he first experienced the magic of food. Straight out of high school, he jumped into the restaurant industry and never looked back, immersing himself in a wide range of kitchen environments over the first decade of his career. Rather than pursuing formal culinary training, he chose a hands-on approach, learning invaluable lessons from the talented chefs he worked alongside.
Chef Shawn’s culinary journey has taken him across the country, from catering million-dollar weddings in Chicago to consulting for a luxury resort in Hawaii and even opening a wood-fired pizzeria in Fairbanks, Alaska. One of his proudest achievements is serving as a private chef for The Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia, each April—a testament to his expertise and dedication. He attributes his success to a positive mindset, a relentless pursuit of inspiration, and a deep appreciation for life’s opportunities.
Inspired by culinary legends Thomas Keller and Anthony Bourdain, Chef Shawn describes his style as a fusion of classic cuisine and modern technique, with a strong emphasis on seasonality and locally sourced ingredients. Beyond the art of cooking, he thrives on the creativity of the kitchen and finds immense joy in mentoring the next generation of chefs, sharing his knowledge and passion with aspiring cooks.
Now settled in Northern Michigan, Chef Shawn is embracing a new chapter, building a life with his wife, Jessica, and their newborn daughter. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him on the golf course in the summer, exploring the northern Michigan woods in the fall, or cheering on his beloved Detroit Lions.
As he always says, Food is Love!
