Hozpitality explores the untold story of the Culinary Genius, Chef Uwe Micheel

Awards galore, accolades, and Guinness World Record, to only name a few feathers to shine on his hat, Chef Uwe Micheel doesn't only believe in achieving Medals for himself but also inspires the young chef community across the world. Find out the unheard story of Emirates Culinary Guild's President and his gorgeous wife, Annette Micheel. Annette currently works as a Tour Guide who invests wholeheartedly in showing Dubai's modern and heritage destinations.

Thewalls of Chef Uwe Micheel's office at Radisson Blue Deira Creek corroborate his resilient endeavours in the Industry; medals, trophies, and pictures recount the tales of the triumphant career Uwe Micheel has led thus far. A man can achieve anything no matter what if he has a supporting life associate. Gourmet specialist Uwe Micheel's story is incomplete without referring to the companion, Annette Micheel, who has stayed with him through different difficulties in the trustworthy marriage. We will take a sneak peek at Chef Uwe's personal and expert immaculate side.

Being a Chef is being in a consecrated space, someone who doesn't only know the art of cooking but presents every dish with perfection. The individual we are talking with today needn't bother with any presentation; he's popular in the Chef Community. Annette has been the foundation of Chef Uwe's elevating journey. Allow us to take you on an excursion of a day in Chef Uwe Micheel's and his stunning spouse, Annette Micheel's life! The fantasy couple is a sheer illustration of cooperation.

People are in awe of the life this couple leads, brimming with adventure, passion, and brilliance. Before we cover their exciting proficient excursion, we needed to know how and where this long-lasting relationship started!

Hozpitality: Tell us, how and where did you two meet? Was it love at first sight? Tell us all what you can? Tell us about your family background and children.

Annette Micheel: We both worked at Intercontinental Hotel in 1994 in Hyde Park, Germany. Uwe was in the kitchen, and I was a restaurant cashier. I had my desk from the French restaurant in the kitchen. A college friend of Uwe once asked him as to whether he has noticed the new cashier. She is German! Uwe asked him how he knew. He replied, "She has hairy legs"!

I have to say this was not unusual since, at that time, the girls in Germany did not shave the legs! It did not keep Uwe away from me, so he came and asked me out, and I agreed. A few months later we went to Africa on holiday. Uwe had already signed a contract to go to Bahrain at that time. A few months later, he moved there to the Regency InterContinental Hotel. I tried to follow him, but a young girl could not quickly get a visa in Bahrain.

So, after a while, Uwe spoke to his boss and told him he would resign and go back to England to be with me since I did not get a job in Bahrain. They suggested to Uwe to marry me, and all problems would be gone. I also could come to Bahrain.

At that time, we did write letters and hardly called each other. But one night, Uwe called me and asked if he should resign and come back or take a memorable holiday and get married. I did not have to think twice!

But the next day, I thought maybe he was drunk when he called, and I wrote a letter to him and said if he changed his mind, it would not be a problem!

As you see, he did not change his mind, and we are married for 36 years and got two wonderful sons who are now in Germany!

Hozpitality: Every successful person has challenges in the road; what challenges did you both face together? Any specific story that you would like to share with the readers?

Annette Micheel: Maybe it was not always easy being alone a lot since Uwe was working long hours, but I understood, being from the same business! In every relationship, there are ups and downs! The thing is, sort it out and go on with your life together!

Hozpitality: How do you spend your free time? You are some of the busiest people in the UAE; how do you make sure to give each other enough time?

Annette Micheel: In the last few years, we have been traveling a lot to beautiful countries. And, within the UAE, we have been exploring places we did not know exist, visiting the wadis, hiking, etc. And of course, going out for excellent meals and meeting friends from all over the world.

We always played games. We got a game called Carcassonne. It was the best game of 2001; it takes 45 minutes, and we always play it on Fridays when we were off and during our holidays nearly every day since 2001! Card games or darts are another game we enjoy together.

Hozpitality:- Chef Uwe, you are doing tremendous work in the space of hospitality; what message do you have for young aspiring chefs and other industry professionals?

Uwe Micheel: Never lose your passion, never give up, yes our Industry is pushed to the ground, but we will build it again. Reminder, if someone pushes you down, you get stronger when you get up again.

Hozpitality:- Did you always want to be a chef? What was your dream job as a child?

Uwe Micheel:- At first, I wanted to become a farmer, then a chimney cleaner, then an electrician. From about 12 years, I started to spend more time in the kitchen and watched my Grandma and my Mother. Unlike the other boys, I liked the smell of cooking oil more than the engine oil of tractors and cars (I grew up on the farm). At 14, I joined the girls in my school for cooking class. I grew up in a small village and wanted to travel the world.

My older brother told me that you could go everywhere as a Chef on a ship, but I have never worked on a cruise line until today.

Hozpitality:- You organize loads of events for the Chef community, any particular moment you would like to share with us?

Uwe Micheel:- There is no special moment; there are many great moments. Each event is memorable for itself. It's a great feeling when you finished a project like Guinness World Record. It was a fantastic feeling when the team did something that no one in the world has ever done before. As I always say, a great team can achieve almost everything. I was lucky I always (almost) had a fantastic Team around me when you organize Culinary Competitions or pieces of training and look into the Young Chef's eyes when they receive the awards, giving me fresh energy to carry on.

The one event that I need to single out is our Scholarship Program with the Team of ICCA.

Hozpitality wishes them all the best for all their endeavours !