Executive Chef Michael Banks joined CaterArts in 2007, bringing his talent for catering with style and elegance. His pursuit of culinary excellence began many years ago when he arrived in Seattle to partner with an old friend at the Dexter & Hayes Public House. Enticed by the daily specials and upscale pub fare, the neighborhood soon made the D & H its favorite place to eat. After a brief stint at The Ribmeister's Tennessee Barbecue, Chef Michael spent two years at Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering in West Seattle, where his passion and genius for off-premise events became evident. After flawlessly executing a wedding for 400 guests out of a tent in a field near Port Townsend, he and his colleagues received the award for Best Off-site Caterer from Seattle Bride Magazine.

Wolfgang Puck beckoned next, and Chef Michael spent a short time as part of the Puck Catering and Events team at Benaroya Hall, after which he briefly gave up employment to volunteer as the chef for Habitat for Humanity's Interfaith Project.

The next stop on the journey was the legendary Ray's Boathouse on Shilshole Bay. Working with Executive Chef Charles Ramseyer, Chef Michael's enthusiasm for Mediterranean and regional American cuisine meshed with the Boathouse's passion for Northwest seafood to produce such dishes as Salmon Painted Desert and Scallop and Leek Tiers with Saffron Riesling Sauce.

Chef Michael has traveled throughout the United States and is currently engaged in a multi-year project to eat his way from one end of Italy to the other.

"Waterways Cruises offers spectacular venues, and my goal is to bring to your guests food that exceeds your highest expectations. In the tradition of Italian culinary masters, we use the freshest ingredients, buying locally whenever possible, preparing each dish to bring out its natural flavors and textures. Drawing on my experiences across the United States, around the Mediterranean, and here in the Northwest, I have created delicious menus that balance simplicity and extravagance, each of which is offered to your guests in visually exciting presentations. Buon Appetito!"