It wasn't by accident that Mike Flowers found himself in the midst of the culinary arena. He's the third generation of food service professionals. Mike's father and grandfather owned and operated ten successful restaurants in North Carolina in the early 60's and 70's.

After absorbing the basics in his earlier years, Mike pursued the finer arts of cooking. While still in his 20's, he was employed by Club Corporations of America in Montgomery, Alabama, Hyatt Regency in San Francisco and Ohio's Governor's mansion. 

Seeking to broaden his culinary education, Mike attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York where he graduated in 1981. Following graduation, Mike was hired as the Executive Chef at the Gatewood Country Club in Greenwood, South Carolina where he met his wife, Melanie.  They moved to Atlanta in 1984 where he was employed by several metro Atlanta upscale private clubs and high-volume foodservice establishments.  Once their son, Jonathan, was off to college, Mike and Melanie launched their own catering business, Eastside Catering Services, Inc. which specializes in weddings, corporate events, political fundraisers, and private parties for many northern Georgia clients. 

Chef Mike is the co-author of "Cater Your Own Wedding; Easy Ways To Do It Yourself In Style."  Mike is also the author of "How To Cater Your Own Rehearsal Dinner", "How To Cater Your Own Hawaiian Luau" and "Classified Recipes; Original Recipes from your Favorite Food Service Establishments."