www.GardenCounty.info

Author and chef, John Michael Lerma, can be seen on the Food Network.  He recently completed filming a Food Network Challenge--The Great Pie Cook-Off. 

His cookbook Garden County—Where Everyone is Welcome to Sit at the Table was nominated for cookbook of the year in Washington, DC at the Independent Publisher Book Awards. 

 John Michael is a corporate chef at Cooks of Crocus Hill in Saint Paul, MN and teaches a variety of cuisines including Italian and Mayan/Yucatan recipes.

The director of Caribe Gathering on Isla Mujeres, Mexico and Tuscan Gathering in Cortona, Tuscany, John Michael is also a member of Slow Food USA.  He has presented cooking seminars to the Slow Food general membership and public. 

The recipient of many national awards for cooking and baking, John Michael is most proud of his wins at the 2005, 2006, and 2007 National Pie Championship.  In 2007, he won first place in the professional division for his Coconut Cream Dream Pie.