All it takes are the right ingredients.

Michael loves food. He loves to talk about it, eat it, learn about it and teach people about it, but his favorite thing to do is feed people.

As in any great culinary story, Michael’s beginnings were humble. In the early eighties he was slinging burgers at the “Royal” fast-food spot at Crossroads in Vail Village, and in high school he’d run across I-70 on his lunch break to grab a bite at Ruby’s, then Paddy’s. From there he learned the ropes and worked his way up at Blu’s, The Menu and many other classic Valley eateries. After a college-sized stint in Gunnison, he came home and began a 30-plus-year journey through the Golden Eagle, Balata, the Wolcott Yacht Club and Mirador, and on to his last stop, Pickled Kitchen + Pantry.

Pickled was built so Michael could get back to doing what he loves best: feeding people. He wants to share his love of food with fellow food lovers, and nothing makes him happier than surprising you, whether that’s introducing you to something new or putting a fresh spin on something old. Even better if he helps you discover something you never imagined you could love.

Along the way, Michael has gathered a collection of his favorite people: talented culinarians and some of the hardest workers he’s had the pleasure of working with over his career. A steady rotation of local high school and college students fills in, keeping smiles on all our faces with their zany antics behind the counter.

Our general manager, David, keeps the whole operation running. With his own illustrious career in the Valley’s food scene, he brings the special sparkle that gives Pickled its warmth. Then there’s our Bonita, the steadiest, most efficient, most consistent line lead in the land, and the proud mom of a local high school football star who will soon be on his way to a medical degree, an NFL career or truly anything he puts his mind to. Our dynamic mother-daughter duo glide around each other like trained dancers, with exceptional knife skills and supreme taste buds. And last but not least, there’s our customer experience team: Valley legend Christiana, who got her restaurant start at Gorsuch in the heart of the Village, and our sweet Maddie, a local high school graduate with the kindest temperament and the sweetest sense of humor.

We love the team we’ve built, and they love turning out food we’re proud of and that people clearly love. We’re so grateful for our steady locals and Valley regulars, but nothing compares to the stories and anecdotes from our I-70 road warriors. We hope we can be a little bright spot in your travels, whether you’re from near or far.