Les Cheneaux Culinary School Review: A Hidden Culinary Gem in Northern Michigan

There are meals you enjoy, and then there are meals you find yourself describing to strangers weeks later.
My Valentine’s Day dinner at Les Cheneaux Culinary School in Hessel, Michigan, fell firmly into the second category. If you’ve been searching for a truly special dining experience in Michigan, something beyond supper clubs and steakhouses, this intimate culinary school tucked along the waterfront of the Les Cheneaux Islands region deserves a spot at the top of your list.

What Is Les Cheneaux Culinary School?
Most people driving through the Upper Peninsula don’t know this place exists. That’s exactly what makes it special. Les Cheneaux Culinary School is a working culinary institution located in the charming waterfront village of Hessel, Michigan. But it’s far more than a cooking school, it’s a gathering place for serious food lovers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

It’s the kind of place that quietly punches above its weight, bringing globally-inspired technique and restaurant-quality menus to a part of Michigan most people only visit for the scenery.
(Spoiler: the food is worth the drive on its own.)

The Valentine’s Day Tasting Dinner: Course by Course
I attended the Valentine’s dinner, which was a five course tasting menu, and every single dish was better than the last.

Here’s what we had, and what made each course memorable:

Tom Kha Kai — Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
I’ve ordered Tom Kha Kai at Thai restaurants, and nothing has come close to this version.
The broth was silky and deeply aromatic, It’s the kind of soup that makes you slow down. You don’t rush through it.

Soba Salad — The Dish I’m Still Thinking About
Nobody walks into a tasting dinner expecting the soba salad to be the most memorable bite of the night.
This soba salad changed that for me. The textures were ideal: light enough to feel refreshing between courses, satisfying enough to stand alone. It was simple. It was perfect. I’ve thought about it since.

Pork Belly Bao — The Best Bao I’ve Ever Eaten
I’ll say it plainly: this was the best bao bun I’ve ever had. The bun itself was pillowy and airy with a faint sweetness. Every element in the bite balanced richness, softness, and a bright finish that kept it from feeling heavy. For a dish that sounds simple on paper, the execution here was extraordinary.

Poached South African Lobster Tail — Quiet Elegance
The main course arrived with no fanfare, and it didn’t need any. Poached South African lobster tail, buttery, tender, and perfectly cooked. Poaching preserved the lobster’s natural sweetness in a way that high-heat methods rarely do. This dish was refined and restrained, letting world-class seafood speak for itself.
It was the kind of course you eat slowly because you don’t want it to end.

Lemongrass Posset — A Perfect Finish
Dessert closed the evening with a lemongrass posset. Silky, aromatic, and just the right amount of indulgent. The citrus and lemongrass were present without being sharp, and the creamy texture felt luxurious without sitting heavy. It was a thoughtful way to end a meal that had taken you through bold, layered flavors all evening.

Why Les Cheneaux Culinary School Is Worth the Trip
What separates a great restaurant meal from a great culinary experience is intention. At Les Cheneaux Culinary School, every detail of these curated dinners feels considered. The progression of courses, the sourcing of ingredients, the way global techniques are applied without feeling out of place in a small Michigan waterfront town.

The atmosphere is intimate and warm. The chefs are genuinely talented. And the setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Les Cheneaux Islands, makes the whole evening feel like a special occasion even before the food arrives.

For anyone visiting the Upper Peninsula, this is one of the most underrated dining experiences in all of Northern Michigan.

Coming Up: Memorial Day Weekend Dinner
If you missed the Valentine’s dinner, the next opportunity is just around the corner. Les Cheneaux Culinary School is hosting another curated tasting dinner during Memorial Day weekend, and early word on the menu sounds just as impressive. These events fill up fast, the intimate format means limited seating. If you’re planning a trip to the Les Cheneaux area or looking for something special this spring, reserve your seat early. Register for the Memorial Day Weekend Dinner.

Where is Les Cheneaux Culinary School located?
The school is located in Hessel, Michigan, in the Les Cheneaux Islands region of the Upper Peninsula.

Is Les Cheneaux Culinary School open to the public for dining?
Yes, their curated tasting dinners are open to the public and held as special events throughout the year. Seating is limited.

Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes. These events sell out quickly. Check their website for upcoming dates and booking information.

Is it worth visiting just for the food?
Absolutely. The Valentine’s dinner was one of the best meals I’ve had anywhere, not just in Michigan. The Les Cheneaux Culinary School Restaurant opens Friday, June 19th for the season and I cannot wait to check it out.