Jeff Michaud is a James Beard Award–winning chef, restaurateur, author, and co-founder of La Via Gaia. As Chef-Owner of Osteria in Philadelphia, Jeff is known for his ingredient-driven Italian cooking and his deep connection to the regional traditions he discovered while living and working throughout Italy.
Jeff began his culinary journey at just 13 years old in his native New Hampshire and later graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. His passion for Italian cuisine led him from kitchens in Aspen and Philadelphia to Bergamo, Italy, where he immersed himself in Northern Italian food culture, working in respected restaurants and learning directly from artisans, winemakers, and producers. Those formative years continue to shape both his cooking and the travel experiences he curates today. In 2012, he published his cookbook Eating Italy, reflecting that journey.
As your host with La Via Gaia, Jeff brings not only culinary expertise but genuine warmth, curiosity, and a love of sharing Italy beyond the typical tourist path. Whether exploring vineyards, cooking alongside local chefs, or simply enjoying a meal together, his goal is to connect guests to the people, flavors, and traditions that make Italy so special.
When not leading culinary journeys, Jeff enjoys skiing, training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and spending time cooking at home with his wife Claudia and their daughter Gaia — always planning his next return to Italy.
