Theo Michaels is a chef and author whose life is as vibrant as the cuisines he creates. Born in London to a large Greek Cypriot family, food was never just a profession for him—it was a way of life steeped in culture, flavors, and family gatherings that often turned into spirited debates around the dinner table. Though he lived in America for five years, Theo’s love for authentic cooking took him on culinary adventures worldwide. He swam with piranhas in the Amazon and has stories of Fugu fish and tarantulas—experiences that probably colored his perception of global cuisine.

His culinary journey took off when he made a bold pivot from corporate life to the raw world of flavors after competing on MasterChef in 2014. Humble beginnings followed with sell-out pop-up restaurants championing his Greek influences, and the recognition he earned from notable publications like The Financial Times only solidified his place in the food industry. Now, as Executive Chef for Elsewhere Events, he brings imaginative dining experiences to life, catering to the desires of food lovers from 20 to 400.

The thrill of cooking, for Theo, lies in unpretentious simplicity as he strives to reintroduce people to balanced, wholesome diets. His cookbooks, ten in total, speak of rustic village life and the importance of seasonal ingredients, which he advocates with a certain conviction. And yet, there’s a subtle acknowledgment—an understanding—that the allure of convenience food pulls many away from that goal.

Theo lives in Hertfordshire with his wife, three children, and an annoyingly affectionate dog. He embraces the chaos of family life and the joys of culinary creation, often blurring the lines between the two. As he shares his passion for healthful eating through various platforms—TV, writing, and popular online services—there’s no denying he clings to a philosophy that intersects culture with nourishment, a blend he hopes to instill in future generations. Simply put, for Theo, food is not just sustenance; it’s an experience, a bond, and a legacy to pass on.