Chef Michael Hanna

If you were to Google popular New Year’s Resolutions, “getting healthy” would be on top of most lists. Often times, getting healthy starts in the kitchen, and knowing how to cook can make a world of difference. Michael Hanna, a client in our PACE program, has been taking the Professional Cooking program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, and says that taking a class can be a real help.

A student of the program since September 2012, Michael originally wanted to be a professional soccer player. He did not mind cooking when he was younger, but it was not until recent years that he decided it would make a good career, and could be a lot of fun. “We cook all day,” explained Michael, adding that the program teaches different styles of cooking, as well as how to serve in a restaurant setting.

Hanna does not have a favourite dish to prepare, but his favourite food to eat is duck. Although he enjoys a bit of sweetness in his diet, he does not care too much for dessert. His advice to anyone interested in learning how to cook, or expanding their current skill set, is to start by experimenting in their own kitchen. “Taking a course is very helpful,” he adds.

Recently, Michael passed the Professional Internship and Food in Wine Pairing course, obtaining  an A+ on both courses. He also passed Communication Skills in the Workplace with an above average mark. After he graduates in the spring, Michael intends to work for two years before taking the examination to obtain his red seal.