Chef, Restaurateur & Cookbook Author; Founder & Executive Chairman of MINA Group; James Beard Award Winner
Michael Mina Biography
Michael Mina is an Egyptian-American chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author recognized for his influence in modern American fine dining and the restaurant industry. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Mina gained national attention in San Francisco with the success of his restaurant Aqua. During his formal training, he gained hands-on experience in Chef Charlie Palmer's kitchen at Aureole in New York City. Mina's career advanced when he partnered with Chef George Morrone to conceptualize and launch the seafood restaurant Aqua in San Francisco, where he served as executive chef and earned honors such as Rising Star Chef of the Year and Best Chef: California from the James Beard Foundation.
Mina's culinary and business vision led to the founding of MINA Group with partner Andre Agassi. Mina is the chef, founder, and executive chairman of MINA Group, a restaurant company with more than 30 concepts across the United States. He is the chef and creator behind concepts including Bourbon Steak, Stripsteak, Orla, International Smoke, and Estiatorio Ornos, as well as fine dining destinations that reflect both local character and global influence. Mina leads MINA Group, a hospitality brand with restaurants in cities such as San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, and Dubai.
He has received three James Beard Awards, including Rising Star Chef, Best California Chef, and Who's Who of Food & Beverage. Mina has also earned a Michelin star at MICHAEL MINA, Gayot's Restaurateur of the Year, and Bon Appétit's Chef of the Year. He has been named to Robb Report's "50 Most Powerful People in American Fine Dining." Mina has appeared as a guest chef at the James Beard House, served as a judge on "Hell's Kitchen" and "Master Chef," and has cooked for three U.S. presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
Mina's culinary style emphasizes balance, boldness, and cultural storytelling, focusing on sweet, acid, spice, and fat as essential components of flavor. He is known for innovative cooking techniques, hospitality, and mentoring emerging chefs. Mina released "Michael Mina: The Cookbook," which won a James Beard Foundation Award for photography. His second cookbook, "My Egypt: Cooking from My Roots," is an IACP Award Winner for International Cookbook of the Year and explores recipes that reflect his Egyptian heritage and culinary journey.
Mina supports the development of young chefs and promotes upward mobility for staff, ensuring each restaurant concept engages in community philanthropy. He is an advocate of Ava's Kitchen, a nonprofit organization focused on pediatric cancer awareness, and MINA Group hosts the annual Ava's Kitchen Benefit to raise funds and awareness. Mina and his restaurants have been featured in national media outlets including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Food Network, The Today Show, TIME, Robb Report, Travel + Leisure, and Wine Spectator.
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Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Michael Mina for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Michael Mina, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Michael Mina or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Michael Mina
Speaking fees for Michael Mina, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Michael Mina are available upon request for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Michael Mina, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Michael Mina speak about?
Michael Mina is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Celebrity Chef, Celebrity Chef, Hospitality, Non-Fiction Authors -
Where does Michael Mina travel from?
Michael Mina generally travels from San Francisco, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Michael Mina’s agent?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Michael Mina for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Michael Mina for your next private or corporate function. -
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Michael Mina is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Michael Mina for your event is available upon request. Michael Mina generally travels from San Francisco, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Chef Ryan Scott, Tyler Florence, E.J. Lagasse, Jenny Nguyen and Mario Carbone. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Michael Mina for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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