New Executive Chef: Michael Mangano

Kalamazoo Country Club (KCC) is excited to announce the hiring of new Executive Chef Michael Mangano.

Michael Mangano is a graduate of the International Culinary Academy La Cordon Bleu where he studied culinary arts, receiving his degree in 2003. Mangano’s culinary journey began at the age of 15, and his passion has continued his unquenchable thirst for culinary knowledge ever since.

Most recently the Executive Chef of the Rivers Casino in Philadelphia, PA, Mangano’s professional success has been a result of his “Whatever It Takes” personal mission statement. “Michael’s dedication and passion to his trade, as well as commitment to training the next generation of culinary professionals is what sets him apart” according to Kalamazoo Country Club General Manager Andrew Tkach.

Prior to Mangano’s tenure at the Rivers Casino, where he managed seven outlets and over one hundred culinary professionals, he lived with his wife, Kath, in Puerto Rico. While there, he served as both a private chef for local and seasonal clients as well as the proprietor of Il Leone, an independent artisan business specializing in handmade, organic pasta and Italian cuisine. Mangano believes “Great kitchens are more, much more, than just great food; they are about culture.

Mangano’s other professional experiences include Roia, a New Haven, CT restaurant focused on cuisine of French and Italian influence and Presque Isle Downs and Casino, where he served as the opening Sous Chef for the properties award winning fine-dining restaurant, La Bonne Vie. KCC will not be Mangano’s first experience with a private club as he began his career at the Erie Club in his hometown of Erie, PA.

Mangano looks forward to not only sharing his culinary knowledge with the team at KCC, but more importantly sharing his creations with the members and their families. He will assume his responsibilities at KCC the week of June 22nd, partnering with Executive Pastry Chef Casey Konkol, Sous Chef Tyler Godrey and Dining Director Craig Bowman.

“My expectations are that the addition of Chef Michael with the other members of our food and beverage team will make our dining at KCC the number one choice for our deserving membership, and the sought after dining experience for our community here in Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan.” -Andrew Tkach, KCC GM