World Gourmet Summit

Named Bon Appetit Chef of the Year 2005, San Francisco Magazine Chef of the Year 2005 as well as Restaurateur of the Year 2005 by the International Food and Beverage Forum, acclaimed Egyptian-born chef Michael Mina continues to dazzle the culinary world with bold dining concepts that have contributed to San Francisco's reputation as a world-class epicurean destination. He has also been an integral part of the making of the now-esteemed Las Vegas dining scene.

Michael's culinary and business vision led in 2002 to the founding of Mina Group, with partner Andre Agassi. Earlier he had created the menu for the upscale San Francisco seafood restaurant Aqua, achieving national acclaim and being named Best California Chef of 2002 by the James Beard Foundation. His innovative, contemporary seafood creations continue to amaze and delight customers at his half-dozen concept restaurants and he is a regular guest on national TV shows. A frequent guest chef at the James Beard House, he has also cooked for First lady Laura Bush.