Michael Ho joined the Cameron Mitchell Restaurant family in 2001 after leaving the Lai Lai Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio where he had worked for seven years. During his time spent at the Lai Lai, Michael received a number of recognitions for his culinary accomplishments, including the “Grand Chef” title. Michael originally came to Cameron Mitchell Restaurants as Executive Chef at Molly Woo’s and Executive Chef at Cap City Gahanna and currently Executive Chef at Marcella’s Italian Kitchen.

Michael is certainly no stranger to the kitchen.  Not only did his father used to be a chef, but while he was growing up both sets of his grandparents owned restaurants.  However, despite all of the great cooking influences he had in his life, Michael actually didn’t discover that he had a love for cooking until he was 22 years old.

Michael recognizes many of his friends and co-workers who have inspired him throughout the years. Chuck Kline and Brian Hinshaw of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants have both been great influences on his life and career. He credits them for helping him learn all he knows about management concepts as well as food preparation and presentation for different cultures and cuisines.

Although Michael enjoys many types of cooking, his favorite style is Asian cuisine.  While he has a long list of favorite cooking ingredients, there are a few items that he always keeps in his kitchen - spicy Italian sausage, basil and quality cooking utensils. Michael loves to learn new styles and methods of cooking every chance he gets. 

Outside of the restaurant, Michael loves cooking for his three biggest fans- wife Kim Ho, who works in the Accounting Department at the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Home Office, and their two children Seth and India. The dish that they request most is his Pan Seared Blow Fish with ginger and scallions. When he’s not in the kitchen, Michael enjoys doing yard work, landscaping, organizing his house, and spending time with his family.

Michael’s advice for aspiring chefs - “You have to believe in what you’re doing and work hard. If you do that, things will work out.”