A recognizable favorite in the LA restaurant scene, Chef Michael Reed showcases his brand of Natural American Goodness at both his restaurants across the city as well as through his work supporting his community - regularly supporting hospitals, children’s organizations, social justice causes and more.
About Chef Reed
Chef Michael Reed is a classically trained chef and restaurateur, who has spent 16 years as a chef for restaurants across New York and Los Angeles. Today, Chef Michael Reed is the co-owner and executive chef behind Downtown Los Angeles’ beloved brunch restaurant, Poppy + Rose, as well as upscale catering company, Root of All Food.
Born and raised in Oxnard, California – Chef Michael Reed comes from a family with a passion for food. Michael grew up watching his father barbequing and seeing his mother cook pies from scratch. His family had a large garden and cooked every day, inspiring Michael’s passion for food and hospitality. Michael attended University of Santa Barbara on a track and field scholarship – but quickly realized his passion for cooking and enrolled in The Culinary Institute of America in New York.
While in culinary school, Michael Reed cooked at The Modern – the acclaimed restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) in Manhattan. After graduating in 2008 – Reed returned to Southern California and worked for David Myer at Michelin-star rated Sona, as well as Nancy Silverton’s acclaimed Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles – his first Executive Chef position at the age of 26.
In 2011, Michael Reed started his own high-end catering company, Root of All Food, which specializes in high-end boutique catering, in-home cooking and events, catering to Southern California. During the summer of 2014, Michael opened DTLA brunch darling Poppy + Rose – specializing in classic American diner-fare made from scratch, with a seasonal menu. He owns the restaurant alongside his wife, Kwini Reed.
In 2021, Michael and Kwini Reed are launching Poppy + Seed, an elevated American small plates + cocktails restaurant in Anaheim, California. The restaurant, set to open March of 2021, will feature Chef Michael Reed's twists on classic American fare, with refreshing and innovative takes on dishes like hangar steak and potatoes, duck sausage pasta, BBQ octopus and more, bringing new type of dining experience to Orange County, bringing together an earthy, greenhouse ambiance with boutique fine dining.
At home, some of Michael’s favorite dishes to cook include risotto and hand-made pasta. When he is not in the kitchen, Michael can be found gardening, tending to his Koi Pond, and spending time with his wife and young daughter, Mackenzie.
About his restaurants
Poppy + Rose in Downtown Los Angeles, Calif. was founded in 2014 and serves seasonal, elevated country kitchen styled comfort food in a relaxed, floral-themed ambiance. All of the dishes from the restaurant’s extensive menu are made from scratch, with original recipe’s crafted in Reed’s kitchen. In addition to the restaurant’s focus of using quality, seasonal ingredients and bringing hearty brunch favorites to Downtown LA, Poppy + Rose frequently gives back to the community, supporting hospitals, children’s organizations, social justice causes and more through financial assistance and meal donations.
