Michael Villani

Michael Villani is living proof that a cookery career can take you anywhere.  How does cooking for the Queen and Prince Charles at a function in St James’ Park, London, followed by a stint travelling as personal chef to a Formula One Grand Prix driver sound?

Michael, now Chisholm cookery teacher assigned to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contract, grew up on the Mornington Peninsula.  His culinary journey began with a caterer at Mornington Racecourse before spending three years in the UK and Europe. “That’s when I got myself out of my comfort zone and really learned how to cook” he says.

“When I got the job working for the Jaguar F1 team (he was GP driver Eddie Irvine’s chef for 12 months), it was fantastic. You could say it was a young chef’s dream job … and I lived it!”

Back in Melbourne, Michael was drawn to big events, working in the city for Epicure Catering.  “There’s an energy and atmosphere about events that appeals to me. The logistics and the way we pump the food out is quite mind blowing.”

“I still participate in that world now, at all the big events – AFL, the Spring Racing Carnival, the Golf and the Grand Prix. Those events need to be very structured or they just don’t work.”

Michael decided to get into teaching to enjoy a balance between work and having a young family.  “I love it. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I trained with Chisholm and I got my first teaching opportunity here.

“Chisholm’s got a good reputation, our facilities are good. I think it’s important we continue to get an influx of good young talent to maintain our currency and stay in touch with our apprentices.  It’s about a blend of youth and experience.

“My approach to teaching is this: I rely quite heavily on my knowledge and experience and I tell the students to extract that knowledge from me while they can. They need to ask questions and dig deep to find out all the intricacies apart from the core training we deliver. I’m very open to that. I like to create a comfortable environment for learning.

“I strongly believe that the cooking-eating experience is one of the real pleasures in life ... when you’re cooking for someone you care about, and then you dine with them and enjoy a glass of wine with them.  Is there any better pastime?

“I’m really passionate about it and if I can instil a little bit of passion in the students, that and a bit of hard work can take you anywhere. You’ll always be able to find work anywhere in the world.

“Who doesn’t love food?”