Chef Michael was born into a poor family on the Island of Madeira in Portugal.  He was raised until the young age of 12 in a two-room home with his parents and seven brothers and sisters.  Michael's Dad left his expectant wife and his youngest children in Portugal to come to America in December of 1978 with his oldest son and two oldest daughters to work and earn enough money to set up a home that would eventually allow Michael and the rest of his family to join them.  In December of 1979, the family was reunited in Somerville, Massachusetts with a new baby brother.

Michael attended Somerville public schools; and at the age of 15, he joined his father and brother-in-law at Schroeder's Restaurant in Boston where he held a dishwashing position.  Although he was being paid to wash dishes, he could often be found intently watching the chefs as they prepared exquisite dishes for the patrons.  Michael knew then that his all American dream was to become a chef.  Michael's interest in culinary arts did not go unnoticed.  After working as a dishwasher for a year, a chef's position opened up and Dean, the then Manager of Schroeder's, offered Michael the opportunity of a lifetime.  At the young age of 16, Dean gave Michael two weeks to observe and learn how to cook.  A culinary degree was not required at that time.  Michael completed the training he was offered and became a chef.

Since Schroeder's, Michael held positions at other well-known establishments such as Locke-Ober Restaurant, The Exchange Restaurant and the Caliterra Bar and Grille at the Wyndham Hotel, all located in Boston, Massachusetts, as well as The Paddock Restaurant in Somerville, Massachusetts where he worked for fifteen years.  The creative dishes and new ideas that Michael brought to The Paddock Restaurant gave Michael the recognition that he deserves.

In May of 2003, Michael was presented with the opportunity of leasing space at 123-125 Boston Avenue in Medford.  After a few months of endless paperwork, equipment upgrading, shopping and hiring of staff, Michael and his wife, Colleen, were finally ready to open Giuseppi's Kitchen.  A grand opening was held on October 2, 2003.

In August of 2007, Jim Wakely, the then owner of The Paddock Restaurant approached Michael with an offer to take over the restaurant.  Negotiations went underway for several months and an agreement was finally reached.  On December 26, 2007, Jim Wakely and Michael DaCova finalized the paperwork on the restaurant transfer; and Michael and Colleen became the proud new owners of The Paddock Restaurant.  A grand opening was held on January 2, 2008.

About the Chef