Michelle WilliamsChef /Operating PartnerRichmond Restaurant GroupThe Hard Shell, Europa, The Hill Café, deLux and Water Grill

Michelle Williams is Executive Chef and Operating Partner for the Richmond Restaurant Group which makes up five popular Richmond restaurants: The Hard Shell, Europa, The Hill Café, deLux and Water Grill. Each restaurant has a unique concept with a main goal of delivering high quality meals in an attractive and relaxed atmosphere. Michelle shares some of her expertise about cooking and what to expect at her restaurants in this month’s Featured Chef Interview!

What is your favorite style of cooking? What about this style most appeals to you?

“I don’t like to discriminate! I love making small plates so that people can have lots of different tastes. I’m really hooked on seafood right now. There’s something about Virginia in the summertime that just makes you crave fish and shellfish. I also will never say no to Thai food, I can’t get enough of the heat.”

What are the top 5 cooking tips or suggestions you would give a novice cook?

1. Buy a good knife. It hurts my feelings when I see someone sawing away with their ginsu.
2. Take a class. There are so many great places in Richmond offering interesting classes.
3. If you have something in a restaurant you love, ask the chef how he/she made it. We love talking about food with people who are passionate about it.
4. Experiment at home. Don’t feel like you always need to follow a recipe, follow your instinct and you can surprise yourself.
5. Use quality ingredients.”

Who was the biggest inspiration for your career?

“I was very fortunate; the first kitchen I worked in had the most amazing group of guys. They took me under their wing and taught me the ropes. I definitely owe my career to those guys.”

What do you enjoy most about being a chef?

“I love seeing customers happy at the end of a long day, it is very rewarding.”

How long have you been working in the Richmond Region?

“All of my life. Being a chef means that you can work anywhere in the world, but my family is here so Richmond is home.”

What do you think the Richmond Region has to offer culinary-wise over other locations?

“Richmond has an emerging culinary scene. We are fortunate to have an abundance of great non-chain restaurants in Richmond.”

Now we know your favorite style of cooking, but what is your favorite food to eat?

“I have to admit that two things I can’t live without are good bread and cheese!”

How would you describe what customers can expect at your restaurant?

“We have 5 Restaurants, each with its own unique concept. Our main goal in all of them is to deliver a high quality meal in an attractive and relaxed atmosphere. We like to create settings that are unique to Richmond that everyone can feel at home in.”

Is there anything else you would like to share with us about yourself and your restaurant?

“We are excited to be opening our newest restaurant Water Grill later this month. It’s a great space in Carytown with a patio, two beautiful bars and multiple indoor dining areas.”