It’s undeniable: Michael Anthony has an appetite
for life. Aside from being Executive Chef at New York City’s beloved Gramercy
Tavern restaurant, Anthony is also a father to three growing girls, a volunteer
working with local schools to teach children about healthy eating, and a philanthropist
with organizations like City Harvest. Talk about a robust palette!
After graduating from Indiana University with degrees in
business, French and Japanese, Anthony trotted the globe and honed his passion for
cooking in Japan. In 1991, he attended
culinary school in France and went on to work at
renowned restaurants, including Jacques Cagna in Paris and Daniel in Manhattan.
Today, his role at Gramercy Tavern—a neighborhood
favorite for over 17 years—allows him a personal approach with his menus, reflecting
the importance of eating locally-grown and sustainable foods. What’s more, Anthony
and his staff volunteer with city schools like P.S. 41 and Dalton to teach young eaters
about where their food comes from and to help them discover the culinary sphere.
“We’re able to play a role in teaching kids to
observe their surroundings in a finer detail,” Anthony notes. “The goal is to
nurture this sense of observation and fascination with the physical world
around them.”
But being a busy chef, father, philanthropist and
community educator of course means making sacrifices.
“While most families are spending hours together
in the evening, that’s when a chef is busiest,” says Anthony. “I’ve had to learn
over the years how to become a very good manager and that means being realistic
about my schedule…and being fair to make sure I’m nurturing each part of my
life.”
True to form, Anthony is growing little foodies
of his own at home. His daughters Gabrielle, 12, Colette, 9, and Adeline, 16
months, are all very interested in being mini chefs. Anthony has taught them to
distinguish between different knives and tools in the kitchen, as well as how
to pick out food at a local green market. Which begs the question, how does
this dad get his kids to eat their veggies?
“That’s the way we already eat,” Anthony says. “We’re
not asking our kids to do anything that we don’t already do. It’s very
difficult to teach a kid piano if you are not a music lover. The same thing is
true of eating.”
And when it comes to family life in the big
city, Anthony is always ready to bite off a big piece of the action. “It’s one
of the most stimulating cities in the world and there is constant excitement
and discovery. We have access to the delicious foods. We have access to ideas
and people that come from around the world.”
