about your host
A longtime member of the Slow Food movement, Chef Michael Howell has spent more than 20 years leading intimate culinary journeys around the world. While his travels extend to France, South Africa, and beyond, Italy remains at the heart of his work—drawing him back time and again to its rich food culture, regional traditions, and remarkable wines. From the northern hills to the southern coasts, he guides guests beyond the expected to hidden markets, seaside escapes, wild foraging grounds, and small artisanal producers, crafting thoughtfully curated experiences that reveal the true soul of Italy—while the rest of the world continues to beckon.
Chef Michael Howell
Chef Michael Howell is a Canadian chef based in Nova Scotia, with a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years in cities including Chicago, New York, Boston, Toronto, and The Bahamas. He is the former owner of Tempest Restaurant in Wolfville—widely regarded as one of Canada’s finest—and currently serves as Consulting Executive Chef at the Green Turtle Club in Abaco, The Bahamas. Michael is also the Founder and Executive Director of Devour! The Food Film Fest, the world’s largest culinary film festival and, in 2025, opened Devour! Studios: A Centre for Culinary & Cultural Innovation in downtown Wolfville, Nova Scotia. His contributions have been recognized with Nova Scotia’s Local Food Hero award and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
A longtime member of the Slow Food movement, Michael’s cuisine reflects a deep commitment to fresh, local ingredients and the artisans behind them. His passion for Italy began in 2003 and has since led to frequent travels across the country, where he explores regional food traditions, small producers, and hidden culinary gems.
Travelling with Chef Michael offers a true insider’s experience—guided by a chef’s curiosity and connection to place. Each journey balances exceptional food and wine with cultural discovery, whether through market visits, cycling through the countryside, exploring historic towns, or simply enjoying a relaxed aperitivo.
A longtime member of the Slow Food movement, Michael’s cuisine reflects a deep commitment to fresh, local ingredients and the artisans behind them. His passion for Italy began in 2003 and has since led to frequent travels across the country, where he explores regional food traditions, small producers, and hidden culinary gems.
Travelling with Chef Michael offers a true insider’s experience—guided by a chef’s curiosity and connection to place. Each journey balances exceptional food and wine with cultural discovery, whether through market visits, cycling through the countryside, exploring historic towns, or simply enjoying a relaxed aperitivo.
