Chef Michael Johnson has used his creative energy to produce an unusual blend of restaurants that have become known for their unique appearance and innovative dishes, restaurants that have changed the dining experience in St. Louis.

Johnson's culinary career began with a degree from the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont, recently voted the best cooking school by the International Association of Culinary Professionals. His goal upon graduating was to work with some of the best chefs in the world, before fulfilling his dream of opening his own restaurant.

He began this journey as a personal assistant to Emeril Lagasse in New Orleans then went on to work with Charlie Trotter in Chicago, Daniel Joly in Vail, Joachim Splichal, in Napa Valley, Phillipe Duvalle in Chartres, France, and then finally inspired by his travels and culinary education he returned to St. Louis in 1997 to open his first restaurant, Café Mira, serving contemporary-global cuisine.  Since then, Johnson has opened a variety of additional restaurants.

He has received numerous awards and honors, including being voted best chef by the RFT and the Business Man's Journal, as well as national recognition from Gourmet Magazine, Bon Appetit and the New York Times

 Johnson's desire is to create restaurants that have a unique and interesting atmosphere, places that people haven't experienced, and to combine that concept with fun service and outstanding food.  He opened Boogaloo in 2005 and we think you'll agree he has succeeded in his mission.