Manifesto: The Art of Living Through Fire + Flavor

Every culture I’ve encountered has a set of tastes and its own sense of place, cities with their different flavors, sights, and sounds, and of course, people who make the experiences of these tastes and places in life worthwhile.
The craft of cooking changed my life. Wood-fired cooking of all variations is my passion. I believe the mix of wood and fire, earth and heat, are deeply tied to our human nature. After all, cooking with fire is what made us human and helped push our evolution forward.
Humans have a distinct attraction to fire and its wondrous power. That attraction became a calling for me.  I don’t pretend to be a seasoned restaurant chef or wood-fire chef by any means. I am a passionate home chef, personal chef, and a student of culinary alchemy.
My approach is not merely about cooking; it is about embracing a life filled with passion, creativity, connecting, and the relentless pursuit of what moves the spirit. There is no greater joy in life for me than providing a delicious meal and making memories with friends and loved ones. 

Here are a few rules I live by.

1. Respect the Ingredient

Respect for food begins at the source. Cherish the earth's gifts, choosing ingredients not only to elevate my creations but also to support the ecosystems and communities that nurture them. Connect with nature, with farmers, with family and friends. It is through these connections that we impart love into our craft.

2. Embrace the Craft

Cooking is an ancient art, a ritual of creativity, patience and dedication. It is a lifelong journey of learning and mastery. Every technique learned, every recipe honed, is a step toward self-discovery. As a chef, I am both a student and teacher, forever growing, and sharing my table and my knowledge. The kitchen is my “studio”; it’s here where I feel most alive. 

3. Celebrate a Diversity of Experiences

Just as spices add depth to a dish, diversity enriches our lives. Food has the power to bridge cultures, to tell stories within a single bite. I urge all to explore the cuisines of the world boldly. Travel, taste, learn, host and let your cooking be a feast of innovation and tradition—a testament to the world’s rich variety.

4. Cultivate Fun and Joy

In every simmer or sear, I find true happiness. Cooking is not a chore but a celebration—an act of love and creativity. Let laughter be the constant of your kitchen and your world. Invite friends, family or strangers to share meals and stories. Every meal or party is an opportunity to give a toast to life, and to embrace the celebration of the passage of time together.

5. Chase Your Muse and Embrace Passion

Passion is the secret ingredient to a fulfilling life. It is the spark that ignites innovation. Pursue your passions with the fervor of a chef in quest of the most flavorful recipe. Whether your muse calls you to the silence of the mountains, calm of the lake or the bustle of city streets—follow it. Let it guide your choices, your pursuits, your imagination, and your life’s work. 

6. Be Fully Present 

In this transient and distracted world, our words and actions leave a lasting impact. Work your presence of mind and consideration into all you do—from doing less running around to choosing the people in your life wisely. Reduce wasteful stress and live each day to the fullest! Cause ya never know, Ticky tocky, tomorrow is not promised, so live up today. 

Come join me on this wild adventure, not just to cook and create but to live fully, connect. In life, as in cooking, fuck it, why wouldn’t ya?

From my heart to yours,

Michael, Chef Paapi