Meet Michael Monzon | Master Teppanyaki Private Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Monzon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, what makes you happy? Why?
Cooking

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Imagine a pop up hibachi experience in the comfort of your own backyard where I entertain your group with fire and tricks while cooking up the most AMAZING Teppanyaki dinner your guests will never forget. In essence that’s Flying Knives, a long time dream brought into existence. Prior to going independent I banged out Teppanyaki shows at Nobu Four Seasons Lanai and Roku on the Sunset Strip cooking for an elite celebrity clientele. It may sound glamorous but throughout my time in restaurant work giving my all night after night there were excruciating periods of time spent fighting for what I am worth which ultimately fueled the desire to work for myself. I am incredibly grateful for every experience, negative or positive that shaped me professionally and personally which brought me to where I’m at today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Earlier this year I relocated to the greater Phoenix area from the Pacific NW and there’s no better way to experience the beauty of the Sonoran desert than by a hot air balloon at sunrise in my hometown Cave Creek. To cruise the town and go off roading I’d rent a Can-am, grab a burger at Big Earls for lunch or Tacos at Indian Village. Take a pontoon boat out on Lake Pleasant to cool off, see the wild burros and other wildlife.
There are many places we’ve yet to explore in our new home state so I’d definitely road trip it out of here to check out another landscape such as Prescott, Sedona or even Lake Havasu.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely my wife because without her belief, her vision and support I wouldn’t of reached this level of fulfillment in my career. But throughout the years I’ve been inspired by a variety of chefs, several who I’ve personally worked in restaurants with.