Staff Profiles

	Executive Chef, Michael Tatsis
	Born 1955 in Koukli, Ioannina Greece, Michael's parents run a seafood restaurant and bar in northeast Philadelphia where as a teen worked helping in the kitchen for pocket change wile he was finishing high school, but at the same time developing a strong love for the trade and the business. Working and learning along side on one of the most inspired Chef in the world, his Mother and the rest of her restaurants multitalented team of chefs. In 1993 his culinary ambitions took him to Miami in the sunny south Florida, where as an Executive Chef at the Blue water Bistro, became the favourable destination for many new and existing patrons due to his ability, versatility and uniqueness to create inspired varieties of flavour and texture sensations. In 2000 Michael moved to Ottawa where he purchased Restorante Fiori a very well established Italian restaurant and a favoured by many locals, politicians, celebrities and dignitaries. His immediate focus was to better the experience of his existing patrons and expand their client base by providing a true fine dining upscale experience. Restorante Fiori’s wall of fame of many familiar happy faces such as ex and sitting Prime Ministers, foreign dignitaries like Michael Sheehan UN Assistant Secretary General, sports and entertainment celebrities had to reveal the truth … After a simple summer visit to Greece with his son Mathew, in the summer of 2005, the Greek passionate way of life was awakened in him; it had been silent for so many years: "I realized we Greeks have one thing in common – a zest for life." says Michael. During his visit, it was also confirmed to him that no Greek meal is complete without noise: "when families and friends gathered together, the decibel level goes up, "I was so exited I couldn’t wait to come back and start this project" he says. In early spring of 2006 finally after 25 Years in operation Ristorante Fiori was retired and in its place the birth of what has now became the hottest spot to dine and wine in Ottawa (Aroma Meze and Wine) opened it’s doors, July 2006 the first 100% Meze wine bar in Canada and nort America… His commitment will continue on to provide the expertise and creativity of signature traditional and contemporary Meze plates. Honorable current mentions · Xpress August 2nd Meze Me… by Lucy rest · Le Voir August 2006, August 23 Petits plates grande beaute… · The Ottawa Citizen Sept 6, 2006 two page future Think small tasty nibbles and wine Offers diners verity with out filling staffed… by Ron Eade · The Ottawa Citizen October 15 2006 Aroma Meze is off to a Promising Start… Small plates big flavors, by Ann Desbrisay… · The Ottawa Citizen November 2006 the best of 2006, Aroma Meze The Tatsis family is going back to its roots 3rd top restaurants of the year out of five… Cite Collegiate: Introduction to Greek Meze Class of 12 students… Invited by HEPO (Hellenic Foreign Trade Board) Represent a Taste Of Greece (Meze) Toronto fall 2007 Westin Harbor Castle Date to be determined… Canadian Museum of Civilization August 18 and August 19, 2007 Cooking workshop classes for the Canadian Children’s Museum Michael Tatsis Executive Chef Aroma Meze and Wine

Last Updated: Thursday, October 07, 2010