The Savoy restaurant and 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City have announced Eric Michael as its new executive chef. With local ties to the area and culinary expertise cooking in kitchens from Chicago to Kansas City, Michael promises to bring a personal and innovative touch to The Savoy’s dining experience, following in the footsteps of two former executive chefs, Joe West and Brandon Brumback. Raised in Topeka, Kansas, Michael, a self-taught chef, has over 15 years of professional culinary experience. He started his culinary career in Chicago, working his way through many kitchens until he was named the executive chef at The Southern in Wicker Park before moving to acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant Longman & Eagle. Michael continued his career at Dusek’s Tavern, which coincided with the restaurant’s prestigious Michelin Star accolade in 2016, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Leaving Chicago right before the pandemic hit in early 2020, he relocated to Kansas City to be closer to family and friends, steering the kitchen at the French Market in Prairie Village. His culinary philosophy is heavily influenced by French, South American, Latin, and American South flavors.