Bermunchies Spotlight: Michiko Campbell
BY: @eliizzyv
With our newest installment in our Bermunchies Spotlight series, we met up with chef and entrepreneur Michiko Campbell where he told us all about his culinary journey and his busines endevours.
BM: Tell us something that most people do not know about you.
MC: I am a great self-taught carpenter LOL. I enjoy building things and also gardening. My family says I have a “Green Thumb”. I am a great runner. I have ran the May 24th marathon twice without training and even beat a few people who run on a regular LOL.
BM: How long have you been interested in Culinary Arts?
MC: I have been interested in Culinary Arts since I was 16 years old so that would be 11 years.
BM: Did you further your studies overseas? If so where did you go and what did you study?
MC: Yes. After attending Bermuda College I headed overseas to Miami Florida and attended Johnson & Wales University. There I received my Bachelors of Science Degree in Culinary Arts & Food Service Management.
BM: Who would you say is your biggest culinary influence?
MC: The Chef instructors at Bermuda College, instructors at Johnson & Wales, an also my boss Tony McMahon.
BM: Other than cooking, what else interests you?
MC: FISHING. That is my favorite hobby. When I have time off work and it is a good day, I can be found fishing off the rocks or out on a boat. I also enjoy traveling and fitness. I work out 4 times a week at 5:30am.
BM: Where did you culinary career begin?
MC: My culinary career began at The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. I started off there just helping out in the kitchen for the Newport Race and everyone was impressed with my work ethic and creativity in the kitchen. I started off as Chef De Partie and I am now the Sous Chef.
BM: What are some of your favorite things to cook? (or eat?)
MC: I enjoy cooking with meats and cooking them in different ways etc. All rear round I light up the BBQ as I enjoy grilling. I enjoy eating lots of vegetables and fruits.
BM: How did you come up with your now famous Chikos Smokey Rub spice blend?
MC: In 2012 while taking a mixology course in University I experimented and put together Chiko’s Smokey Rub. Once I returned home I began to cook with it and got great compliments from family. In 2014 my wife created bottle labels an encouraged me to try selling it.
BM: What is your favorite way to use the spice blend?
MC: I use it in every day cooking. I mix it in bbq sauce, make different marinations, top it on roast vegetables tons of ways. Follow my instagram, twitter, and facebook pages for cooking ideas.
BM: Do you have any words of advice for any young Bermudian chefs wanting to start their own business?
MC: Jump. Don’t stand still. When I started my business in June 2014, I was jumping into unknown waters. I had no idea how it would have went. But with hard work and the passion for what I do, my business has grown fast.
BM: What is next for you?
MC: A few more flavors of Chiko’s Smokey Rub. An hopefully to own my own restaurant in the future. Also continuing my catering services for parties, weddings, baby showers etc.
Chikos smokey Rub is Avaliable in local stores:
The Pheonix Store
Brown & Co.
The Chef Shop
Flying Colours
Windybank Farm
Hand Made Bermuda
Pulp & Circumstance (Airport Store)
Lindos ( Warwick & Devonshire)
Portraits Afrique Barber Shop
HomeWorx St. Georges
Phone: 4417044566
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.chikosmokeyrub.com
Facebook: chikosmokeyrub
Instagram: @chikosmokeyrub
Twitter: @chikosmokeyrub
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