When we launched Stir the Pots in 2005,  co-founder Jeremy Shapiro wanted Chef Jean Michel Gammarielo as one of our first interviews. As his radiant smile captures in the photo above, Jean Michel was ever the confident, thoughtful professional, someone for whom Jeremy had worked right after getting out of the army.

Today retired, Jean Michel made his name as a chef who started off cooking in France at the legendary Maison Troisgros, then worked in some of the biggest houses around America. He helped open The Inn at Mill River in Stamford, Connecticut, which he developed into a three star kitchen. It was here where he hired Jeremy. Jean Michel also helped manage and serve as sommelier at New Haven’s Union League Cafe, an experience he discusses in the interview.

Note: Arthur Mullen, who himself has helped manage a number of big name restaurants around the country, was kind enough to post the interview on YouTube. Or you can listen below.