Mike prepared our group at our home an incredible dinner! The oysters Rockefeller was the best I have ever had, no exception. Everything was the best, steaks, salad, dessert, etc.! Looking forward to our next adventure.
Mike,
You made dinner for our group at the Moncrief Ranch in late December. The meals were excellent, especially the Oysters Rockefeller and the beef tenderloin. Cocktails by Shelby were a great hit. We have enjoyed your restaurant for more than 20 years and never miss when we are in Gunnison or Crested Butte. Garlic Mike’s is my son’s favorite place to eat. The attached picture is from last year. I was delighted to learn that you are from North Jersey near where I grew up. Hope to see you in fort Worth.
I write this as one who has enjoyed Chef Mike Busse’s talents from several angles. Mike oversees his successful river-front restaurant specializing in his Italian creations. He also shares his knowledge and culinary guidance as the personal escort for small groups who choose to join Mike and his wife, Traci, on one of their annual gustatory treks through Italy. And, if you’re lucky enough, he offers his services when available as a personal chef.
We’ve been fortunate enough to compare and contrast the styles of several chefs in our home. What makes Mike’s style stand out is the blend of his ebullient personality and the skills and techniques he shares with his ‘audience’ as he brings you into the experience from kitchen to table. For the group who prefers a cook working quietly in the background, plating, clearing and cleaning up, there are plenty of choices that would work. (Although I guess you could convince Mike to perform in that manner, in so doing you would defeat a large portion of what makes a meal made by Mike Busse stand out.) If your group includes ‘foodies’ and/or those who love to try their hand in the kitchen, I believe you will find an evening with Mike Busse in charge of the dinner an experience you’ll fondly remember.
Michael- What a delightful evening you prepared for us at our ranch on the Taylor! From the cocktails to the dessert, it was delicious!
Thank you so much for a lovely evening, hope to see you again sometime.
I have been fortunate to work with Chef Mike several times. His menus and themed dinners are creative, fun, incredibly delicious and always enjoyed by everyone. I’ve seen him work magic under extraordinary circumstances… outdoors, small kitchens, dietary limitations, huge crowds.. etc.. His private cooking classes are really fun and informative and his laughing infectious. Whether planning small dinner parties or larger events, Mike always listens to my ideas, adds his expert opinions and and executes flawlessly, the smallest of details taken care of by him, or if necessary, his support team. Above all.. his food is so yummy! I always look forward to what creative item will be on the menu next
Mike has done private dinners and large fund raisers many times at our Colorado ranch home and the greatest dinners ever! Everything from appetizers trays, Oyster Rockefeller, crab cakes, traditional Italian, steaks, desserts, etc are unbelievable. Great staff that helps Mike with these dinners! A perfect 10 out of 10!
If you want to offer houseguests a unique dinner they will remember hire Mike. You get an amazing meal, a cooking demonstration (if you want) all done by a stand-up comedian. You can’t get much better than that.
My husband and I had a housewarming party a few years ago and hired Mike from Garlic Mikes. We are friends with Mike’s in laws and knew we could depend on Mike to amaze our guests. We live in Florida so Mike and his wife had no problem leaving Gunnison Colorado and zero degree weather to spend time with us and our warm weather. We had such fun shopping with Mike and Traci for food and party decorations and enjoyed being part of the creative process. The party was a huge success. Our guests couldn’t believe we hired a chef from Colorado. Then they couldn’t believe how fantastic the food was. We had a pool table that Traci had transformed with fabric and mirrored trays and elevated platters. A first class fantasyland in our pool table room!
Our friends and neighbors still say that party was the best. One friend even said it was better than her daughter’s thirty thousand dollar wedding.
If you are looking for high end food served with creativity and style then look no further than Garlic Mikes.
You can’t go wrong with Mike Busse! Best Italian chef I’ve seen anywhere! Wonderful and cheerful personality which all makes for Great times in Gunnison valley.
Just want to reach out and say a great big word of thanks for your chef services and awesome meal at our home last fall. Mike and Christian were truly outstanding in preparing 5 courses of truly special dishes for 9 adults and 2 children. Presentation and quality were 5 star. Everyone that evening were truly the best family ever !!! The kitchen and dining area was left spotless!!! They were awesome and we will have an encore performance. Truly a special treat! Thanks to Mike and Christian!
