Profiles
Michael Paley
As executive chef of Proof on Main at the 21c Museum Hotel, Michael Paley is part
of the resurgence of historical downtown Louisville. Paley has made Proof on Main
a showcase for the bounty of the Ohio River Valley. His exciting, accessible menu
pays homage to urban gardening, local farmers, artisanal producers, and sustainable
agriculture.
This rising star's professional cooking odyssey began in the front of the house,
as busboy, in his hometown of Washington, New Jersey. However, it was the excitement
of what was going on behind the curtain that quickly drew him to the kitchen. He
enjoyed the camaraderie among all levels of the kitchen staff, and realized that
no restaurant operates successfully without passion and teamwork.
While majoring in film at Florida State University, Paley continued honing his culinary
skills and landed a job with Club Corporation of America. The University Center
Club at Florida State's Doak S. Campbell Stadium introduced him to a large scale
culinary operation: two restaurants, banquets, and catering. At the young age of
22 he took charge of the club's casual grill restaurant, where he learned how to
supervise a staff, create a menu and execute it while maintaining high quality standards.
South Florida allowed Paley the chance to work with some of the nation's top restaurateurs
and get classical training. While attending Florida Culinary Institute he worked
under Chef John Belleme at Zemi, a Boca Raton hot spot. Paley also worked behind
the stoves for famed chef Daniel Boulud, opening Cafe Boulud Palm Beach. Upon learning
that Drew Nieporent's Myriad Group was operating Lucca at the Boca Resort, he jumped
at the opportunity to take part.
Under executive chef Carey Savona, Paley embraced the Italian approach to cooking;
utilizing only the freshest seasonal ingredients to create simple, elegant dishes.
As sous chef, Paley spent the following years setting the benchmark for south Florida
dining with Lucca's stunning food, great service and award-winning wine list.
In 2005, Paley was tapped to head Proof on Main at the 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville,
Kentucky. Owned by Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown, 21c houses an over 9000 square
feet art museum as well as restaurant and event facilities. Paley is honored to
join Louisville's group of dedicated and skilled restaurateurs, and together continuing
Louisville's growth on the national culinary stage.