In Focus | Mike Wilkins

Meet Mike Wilkins! Mike is a chef at Krafty Kitchen + Bar, where they just launched a brand new menu!

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born in Toronto, raised in New Jersey. Going on 7 years living in Kelowna.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My girlfriend and partner Tori, because she's the best thing I have going for me.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
It usually fluctuates, when I get out it's usually to eat, probably Thai Terrace. Luke and his team rule.

Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Florida, to see my parents.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Wine touring!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I once walked into a local cafe with sourdough starter hanging from my beard and no one told me. They all just looked at me with strange faces. I only noticed in the window reflection as I was leaving.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
There have been many moments in my life that I've drawn inspiration from, pinpointing one would be tough. A significant moment was winning a gold medal at Skills USA in New Jersey for culinary arts when I was 16 years old. That definitely stoked the fire for food.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Christmas as a kid, spending it with family. Nothing quite compares.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
As someone who spends most of their time at work, I tend to do a lot of teaching. We've recently been working with more students which is very rewarding for me. Anyone that knows me knows I always find a moment to teach something.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Tension. Everything feels on edge these days, whether it be racial equality, gender equality, or political division. A little open mindedness goes a long way in cutting tension.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Definitely home. We love our home. We've put a lot of work into making it the most comfortable place in Kelowna.

Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
The homeless crisis. Working downtown so close to Leon you have many encounters. I can't say I have a solution, but its something that's always on my mind.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Between the community of local businesses that I'm privileged to work with on a daily basis and the shear beauty of the Okanagan, its pretty easy to see Kelowna as great.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Sky diving.
2. Winning the lottery.
3. Buying my parents a brewery.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I was set on being a singer/songwriter before committing fully to cooking. I still play and occasionally write.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram is pretty convenient. I don't spend much time on Facebook anymore.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Krafty Kitchen + Bar and Orchard Room.

Why did you get into this business?
The people, the ideas, the common goals.

What is the goal of your business?
To become a Kelowna staple that the community couldn't live without!

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Caring too much about what people think. I'm getting better at doing me, like Drake says.

If you could start all over again, would you do things the same or would things be different?
I try not to dwell on the past, and I've done a pretty good job at not regretting anything. It's all part of the grand scheme.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't take yourself too seriously. Or yourself. It goes by quickly.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Interesting technique. It's usually my go to line when someone is doing something odd.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
The original Dos Equis guy for sure. He's still the most interesting man in the world to me.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It promotes local pride and a healthy community ecosystem. Also the lesser carbon footprint.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being a cat daddy.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My kitchen team. For their loyalty in dealing with the highs and lows of restaurant life with me.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Tori Lodge. She's the best and people who meet her know it too.

Some general comments I would like to share:
Thanks, KelownaNow!

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!