Michael Schlow

Michael Schlow – Executive Chef and co-owner of Radius, Via Matta and Alta Strada restaurants – is recognized as one of the leading chefs in the United States. Since moving to Boston from New York City in 1995,  Michael has been at the culinary forefront, helping define and shape the city’s restaurant landscape.

Michael opened his first restaurant, Radius, in January 1999 and succeeded in creating what many call the “Best Restaurant” in Boston. Radius, which features Modern French cuisine, has received many accolades and awards, including James Beard Award of Excellence, “25 Best American Restaurants” by Gourmet, “Best New Restaurant” by Food & Wine and “Best New Restaurants in America” by Esquire.     

In 2002, Michael opened Via Matta, an authentic Italian restaurant in the Back Bay section of Boston.   The following year he was involved in the opening of Great Bay, which features sophisticated seafood and among its many awards was voted “Best Seafood Restaurant in Boston” by Boston Magazine.

In January of 2007, Michael opened a casual Italian restaurant, Alta Strada, in the Boston suburb of Wellesley, MA. The restaurant is fast-paced, approachable and features a separate specialty gourmet market.  Then in May of 2008 he added a second Alta Strada to his emerging restaurant group at the wildly popular MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Connecticut.

Michael did his early training at the Academy of Culinary Arts in New Jersey and began his career with renowned New York restaurateur Pino Luongo, immediately adopting a commitment to the elegance and simplicity of true Tuscan cooking.  “Less is more” became a trademark as Schlow spent time at Manhattan hot spots, Coco Pazzo and Le Madri, eventually becoming the Executive Chef of Luongo’s famed Long Island institution, Sapore di Mare.   He further honed his skills at Craig Shelton’s Ryland Inn and remains a devotee of Shelton, Luongo, Jean-Louis Palladin and Joel Robuchon.

Michael is also the author of “It’s About Time: Great Recipes for Everyday Life” and resides in Boston, Massachusetts but quietly remains a devout Yankee fan.