About Us
Born, raised and trained in Switzerland, Michael Kloeti dreamed of enriching his classical education with that of other cultures. Shortly after meeting his wife, Laura, working in the same Swiss kitchen, they relocated to New York City.
Michael has worked in a variety of settings ranging from New York City’s 4-star Lespinasse, to upcountry comfort food at the award winning Lodge at Koele in Lanaii, Hawaii. The invitation to join the St. Regis Hotel as Chef de Cuisine brought him back to Manhattan, and the decision to raise their family in Vermont led them to the eventual opening of Michael's on the Hill Restaurant in 2002.
His cooking inspiration stems from his childhood--European comfort food, sustainable and unprocessed. By combining this solid foundation with years of diverse training and Vermont’s culinary bounty, Michael has created his own notable cooking style.
As proud members of the Vermont Fresh Network, Local First Vermont and Slow Food, the usage of local, organic products is of premier importance.
Michael has the honor of being recognized as the first “Vermont Chef of the Year” ever selected by the Vermont Hospitality Council due to his contributions within the hospitality industry and the community, and his noteworthy cooking expertise.
He has been a featured chef on various television shows, and international publications and has been invited as a guest chef to locations spanning from the Caribbean on Holland America Cruise Lines to a four-year repeat performance at Disney World’s International Food and Wine Festival. He can be seen on WCAX Television Morning News, and offers custom cooking classes in his restaurant kitchen.
Michael shares his passion for food with Laura. After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Restaurant Management from Syracuse University, she continued her education at The Culinary Institute of America.
She has worked as a chef and manager in various hotels and restaurants in Switzerland, New York City, Hawaii and Vermont. Laura oversees the general operations of the business.
Michael and Laura were awarded Vermont Restauranteurs of the Year, 2011 by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant has received The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2009, 2010 and 2011, Santé Magazine’s Sustainable Restaurant Award, 2009, and is recognized as an Environmental Leader as the first Green Restaurant in the Green Mountain State by the Vermont Department of Agriculture.
They live in Stowe with their two sons, Alex and Eric.
Michael and Laura are grateful for their wonderful staff and all of the devoted local farmers. Many have been with them for years, and have contributed enormously to the success of Michael’s on the Hill.
"Thanks a million for the great dinner and great service… Michael is an artist, and a damn good one. I'm still tasting those fritters in my dreams!" - Connecticut
