Celebrity Chef
Cummings describes his passion for food within the heart of Italian cuisine and the fusion of seafood with contemporary culinary arts.
Born in Burtonwood, England, Michael Cummings has lived extensively around the world, taking education in Germany, California, Maryland and at the Culinary Institute in New York before making Ottawa his home.
Upon moving to Ottawa, Cummings took work for three years as the original Chef at Allegro Ristorante and then moved on for two more years as the original chef at Da Sergio Ristorante. Filled with influences from the Mediterranean, Michael then became the Chef at Ottawa’s Something Fishy until 1996.
It was at this time that Michael would make the successful transition to his current restaurant Trattoria Zingaro. Michael began there as Executive Chef, and with lots of charm and dedication forged ahead to become co-owner in September 1999 with Joe Pantalone, formerly of West End Station Restaurant. Cummings describes his passion for food within the heart of Italian cuisine and the fusion of seafood with contemporary culinary arts. It is the marriage of these influences that Cummings has used to create the menu of his sensational new restaurant.
Cummings continues to establish a top-notch and diverse culinary community in the capital region. Further, he uses his capabilities as a successful chef and businessman to garner support for community events. Michael has been actively involved for five years as a board member for the “Share Our Strength American Express Taste of the Nation” which gives proceeds to the Ottawa Food Bank, and for two years as a board member of “Bon Appetit Ottawa” which provides support to various charities including the Children’s Snowsuit Fund. Cummings co-founded the “Ottawa Vegetarian Food Fair”, which gives proceeds to the Ottawa Food Bank and Care Canada, and has sat on the council as a board member for the past four years.
... Read more.Please note, LifeStyle cannot respond to all comments posted in our comments feed. If you have a comment or query you would like LifeStyle to respond to, please use our feedback form.