CuisinArt Resort & Spa Welcomes New Chef

March heralds the arrival of a new executive chef at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa. Michael A. Goodman has traveled the world from New York to the Far East to Dubai and now brings his inimitable style of cooking to Anguilla.

Goodman is an alumnus of the famed French Culinary Institute – the place where his passion for food and cuisine was ignited. His first restaurant position was at Moomba, one of New York’s legendary hot spots. On the advice of his mentor, famed chef Jacques Pépin, Goodman moved to the West Coast, where he honed his skills and learned from some of California’s culinary masters. In Santa Barbara, Goodman collaborated with Kevin Costner on a project called Epiphany.

While in California, Goodman studied Tai Chi and learned about economy of movement and balance of energy. He became intrigued by Asian philosophy and religion, eventually packing his bags and moving to Bali to become the executive chef of one of the world’s most exclusive hotels – Amandari.

He traveled throughout Asia, absorbing the culture and acquiring myriad culinary styles and flavors. After a journey to Cambodia, where he was blessed into Buddhism, Goodman formed his philosophy of “Zen Cooking,” the melding of his travels, experiences and spiritual growth with his culinary talent.

Goodman’s next stop was Dubai, where he headed the kitchen at Napa. Dubai is a mecca for sophisticated world travelers and the culinary environment is highly competitive. This atmosphere gave Goodman the opportunity to prepare refined, upscale cuisine – which will blend perfectly with the Caribbean fare of Anguilla.

The beauty and serenity of CuisinArt Resort & Spa is a natural setting for Goodman. Here he will continue the resort’s tradition of innovative and cutting-edge cuisine, adding his signature Zen Cooking to the mix. Expect a seamless blend of wine-friendly flavors of the West with exotic tastes and classic techniques of the East.