Mike Erickson

Mike Erickson is an Austin native and Travis High/AISD School graduate. He is a culinary arts graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park,New York and received his Bachelors degree in Food Entrepreneurship from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, Sum Cum Laude. Upon returning to Austin after an eight year culinary quest in New England he went to work for The Driskill Grill. He has worked for many Austin notables including The Driskill Grill, Star Canyon, Demi Epicurious, Whole Foods, Shady Grove and Tres Amigos. He is a past Chef Instructor at Austin Community College and the Texas Culinary Academy a Le Cordon Bleu School where he taught Restaurant 401 the student run restaurant practical class. He has also taught Garde Manager, Culinary Arts, Restaurant Management and Wine. He is the founder of a high school baking competition called the High School Cupcake Battle now offered State wide by HEAT. He was also named Teacher of the Year - 2012 at John B. Connally High School and his student was 2012 Skills USA State Champion and placed 7th in the Nation. A member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, as well as a Certified Food service Management Professional, F.M.P. , Certified Hospitality Educator, CHE, Certified Dining Room Professional, CDP , and Certified Level 1 Wine Steward through the Court of Master Sommeliers. He also serves as a current Board Member for the Hospitality Educators Association of Texas - HEAT, Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation - TRAEF, and is President of the Central Texas HEAT Chapter.