Paul & Amanda Danielson, Proprietors
Paul Danielson, together with his wife Amanda, moved to Traverse City from Royal Oak, Michigan in early 2000 with the intention of opening their restaurant within five years. In July of 2004, they realized their dream with the opening of Trattoria Stella in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
Originally from Chicago, Paul grew up in Birmingham, Michigan where, after college, he began an impressive career in hospitality that put him at the helm of some of southeastern Michigan's most notable restaurants. To name a few, he managed Sweet Loraine’s (Southfield), Big Rock Chop & Brew House (Birmingham) and D'Amato's (Royal Oak) before opening the second D'Amato's in Ann Arbor where Paul first worked with Executive Chef Myles Anton.
Amanda, also from Birmingham, was raised in restaurants and driven toward hospitality education early in her career. Her passion for training took her around the world to open new restaurants with Dallas-based T.G.I. Fridays, Detroit-based Elias Brothers Corporation and several independent operators. In addition to her skills in general hospitality staff development, Amanda is a certified trainer for the state recognized TIPS alcohol awareness program and for ServSafe, the safe food handling and sanitation program from the National Restaurant Association that is recognized by the state health department and Department of Agriculture.
Upon moving to northern Michigan, Paul and Amanda obtained jobs with the intention of experiencing different aspects of the hospitality industry in and around their new home of Traverse City. Paul immediately went to work for the Schelde organization where he managed Auntie Pasta's for two years. He then moved to Windows to fill the opening left by long-time dining room manager, Mari Chamberlain. Amanda worked for Grand Traverse Resort and Spa as its training manager before taking over fine-dining operations at the Trillium Restaurant and management of the Resort's wine program.
Paul now runs the operations of Trattoria Stella with the support of a hand-picked team of professionals while Amanda focuses on the education of their staff and the community through a series of wine and service classes. She continues to pursue her own education and more certifications in the vast field of wine. Paul and Amanda recently co-founded the Grand Traverse Convivium of the Slow Food Movement. Beyond their professional focus, their two dogs and daughter, Sofia Adele, Paul and Amanda support education, arts and conservation related causes throughout the community.
Myles Anton, Executive Chef
Executive Chef Myles Anton returned to his native Michigan from Winter Harbor, Maine in April of 2004 to open Trattoria Stella in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. His focus on fresh, local ingredients and blend of traditional and innovative styles has made Trattoria Stella the place to go for great food from a menu that changes daily.
Originally from Farmington Hills, Michigan, Chef Myles completed culinary school and went to work as the sous chef at the famed Townsend Hotel in Birmingham and then the Oakland Grille. After four years as first mate, Chef Myles earned his own kitchen with D'Amato's Restaurant in Ann Arbor, which was named one of the top five new restaurants in the state by AAA. While at D'Amato's, Myles cooked with the likes of Ming Tsai and Emeril Lagasse at special Food Network events in Chicago. In June of 2003, Chef Myles took on the challenge of opening a sixty-seat fine dining restaurant in Winter Harbor, Maine where he received outstanding reviews from some of the most notable New York City food critics.
Chef Myles is very close with his parents, sister and little brother all of whom still reside in southeastern Michigan. He coached the swim team for the Special Olympics for three years on which his brother was, and still is, an athlete. On days off, Chef Myles takes advantage of our unique and beautiful natural features by hiking, swimming and sometimes just sitting in appreciation of all that Northern Michigan has to offer.
Jon Ingham, Bar Manager
Jon has been behind the bar as a professional since 1990 when he began a five-year stint at the Pontiac night club, Industry just north of his hometown of Royal Oak, Michigan. Desiring a more refined setting where he could expand his palate, Jon went back to Royal Oak in 1995 and opened up D'Amato's & Goodnite Gracie as the bar manager. He departed in early 1997, leaving an impression of impeccable service and management ability that endured through the team of managers that came after him, including Paul.
For the next six years, Jon continued to explore and expand his knowledge in the market of fine imbibables, with a particular emphasis on beer and Scotch whiskey. As this passion developed, so too did those of Alpine skiing and fly fishing in the beautiful resort town of Jackson, Wyoming home of Jackson Hole and the Mangy Moose, where Jon worked as the bar manager and liquor store manager. In his off time, Jon enjoyed talking shop over fine brews at Snake River Brewing Company prior to returning to Michigan in late 2003.
Timing is everything, as they say, and upon his return to southeastern Michigan, Jon was told of an exciting new restaurant opening in an area much more conducive to his recreational desires and only a few hours from his family. Jon saw the potential and the vision of Paul and Amanda; and in spring of 2004, made what could prove to be his last big move to northern Michigan as the Bar Manager of Trattoria Stella. In his pursuit of a well-rounded and deep knowledge of fine beverages, Jon recently sat and passed the introductory certificate course of the Court of Master Sommeliers.
The Staff
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Bartenders |
Servers |
Service Support Staff |
The Culinary Team |
