Leadership Team
Michael Halpin
Mike joined the Hearthstone culinary team in 2005, serving as our executive chef until the spring of 2012, at which time he followed his passion for music and spent a year in Steamboat Springs managing a live music venue. In the spring of 2013 Mike and his wife Kristin returned to Breck, and Mike resumed his role as the Hearthstone’s executive chef. Originally from Chicago, Mike attended culinary school at Kendall College, and later worked as chef de cuisine at Merriman’s, on the big island of Hawaii. Mike’s culinary passions center on great taste first and foremost, followed by freshness of ingredients, a belief that simple is often better, and a commitment to using locally sourced and sustainably raised foods whenever possible. Mike is a lifelong and always believing Chicago Cubs fan, and would tele ski right through the summer, if there was only enough snow still left to do it.
Jordan Kuhry
Jordan’s journey in culinary arts started in Omaha, Nebraska and since has taken him through Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Talkeetna, Alaska; Bend, Oregon; McCall, Idaho; and now residing in Breckenridge. Each new location has provided him with unique experiences and challenges that have helped him grow and develop as a professional in the culinary field.
Jordan's passion is creating delicious and traditional dishes that satisfy and delight diners. Outside of work, Jordan is passionate about staying current on culinary trends, exploring new flavors and techniques, and furthering his culinary knowledge. He also enjoys spending time snowboarding in the beautiful mountains of Colorado, and living a balanced lifestyle with his girlfriend and two beloved dogs.
Erik Entrada
Erik’s passion for athletics and snowboarding drew him to CO in 2019 from NYC, where he cut his teeth at a Michelin 3 star, Forbes 5 Diamond, and a 4 star NY Times restaurant for over half a decade.
An avid tennis player born and raised in the Garden State, he sidelined his dreams of playing pro tennis and redirected that passion into food & wine. He attained his Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts Management at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) with a “High Impact Leader Scholarship.” His focus in Advanced Wines allowed him to complete his wine training in Italy and became a member of The Court of Master Sommeliers. While pursing his studies, he also was able to continue his competitive tennis career on the CIA Tennis team as a #2 singles/#1 doubles player.
In addition, Erik has a decade of personal chef experience, which he explains “comes naturally to me. I grew up in a house where we frequently entertained large groups, and hospitality is ingrained.”
Erik is living his best life in Breckenridge. Outside of The Hearthstone he is either fine-tuning his tennis game, snowboarding with friends, or curating and aging a large collection of premium cigars.
Whether it’s athletics or fine dining, he enjoys applying the same discipline, creativity, collaboration, attention to detail, and goal setting to all his pursuits.
Benji Farrow
Benji grew up in the mountains of Vermont and Colorado, calling Summit County home since age 14. After a career in snowboarding he joined the Hearthstone Team for the 2015/16 winter as support staff. Since then, he has found a home at our restaurant and a passion for food and wine. When he isn’t working in the wine cellar or behind the bar, Benji can be found in the backcountry on his snowmobile or with his family. With a passion for the outdoors, western culture, and open space, Benji hopes to welcome everyone to the Hearthstone to show that fine wine and food can be enjoyed by all lifestyles.
Daniel Taratut
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Daniel has always been drawn to the outdoors and the rich connections that food and nature foster within a community. A lifelong skier, he started on the slopes at the age of four and has continued to explore the world through climbing and travel. Along the way, he developed a passion for discovering new cultures, foods, and experiences.
Daniel holds a master’s degree in biology with a focus on agricultural pest management, specializing in sustainable solutions for specialty crops like grapevines and hops. His studies also included a strong emphasis on microbiology, where he mastered sterile techniques and food sanitation practices—knowledge he carries with him in ensuring safety and quality in food service. Working closely with vineyards across Pennsylvania, he developed environmentally friendly, organic pest management practices using biopesticides to preserve both crops and ecosystems.
Having spent many years in the service industry, Daniel is no stranger to working with diverse teams, cultivating hospitality, and celebrating the intersection of food, culture, and community. He is thrilled to bring this combination of passion for great food, expertise in sustainable agriculture, and a deep understanding of food safety to the team, always striving to create an unforgettable experience for each guest that walks through the door.
Michael Halpin
Mike joined the Hearthstone culinary team in 2005, serving as our executive chef until the spring of 2012, at which time he followed his passion for music and spent a year in Steamboat Springs managing a live music venue. In the spring of 2013 Mike and his wife Kristin returned to Breck, and Mike resumed his role as the Hearthstone’s executive chef. Originally from Chicago, Mike attended culinary school at Kendall college, and later worked as chef de cuisine at Merriman’s, on the big island of Hawaii. Mike’s culinary passions center on great taste first and foremost, followed by freshness of ingredients, a belief that simple is often better, and a commitment to using locally sourced and sustainably raised foods whenever possible. Mike is a lifelong and always believing Chicago cubs fan, and would tele ski right through the summer, if there was only enough snow still left to do it.
Jordan Kuhry
Jordan’s journey in culinary arts started in Omaha, Nebraska and since has taken him through Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Talkeetna, Alaska; Bend, Oregon; McCall, Idaho; and now residing in Breckenridge. Each new location has provided him with unique experiences and challenges that have helped him grow and develop as a professional in the culinary field.
Jordan's passion is creating delicious and traditional dishes that satisfy and delight diners. Outside of work, Jordan is passionate about staying current on culinary trends, exploring new flavors and techniques, and furthering his culinary knowledge. He also enjoys spending time snowboarding in the beautiful mountains of Colorado, and living a balanced lifestyle with his girlfriend and two beloved dogs.
Erik Entrada
Erik’s passion for athletics and snowboarding drew him to CO in 2019 from NYC, where he cut his teeth at a Michelin 3 star, Forbes 5 Diamond, and a 4 star NY Times restaurant for over half a decade.
An avid tennis player born and raised in the Garden State, he sidelined his dreams of playing pro tennis and redirected that passion into food & wine. He attained his Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts Management at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) with a “High Impact Leader Scholarship.” His focus in Advanced Wines allowed him to complete his wine training in Italy and became a member of The Court of Master Sommeliers. While pursing his studies, he also was able to continue his competitive tennis career on the CIA Tennis team as a #2 singles/#1 doubles player.
In addition, Erik has a decade of personal chef experience, which he explains “comes naturally to me. I grew up in a house where we frequently entertained large groups, and hospitality is ingrained.”
Erik is living his best life in Breckenridge. Outside of The Hearthstone he is either fine-tuning his tennis game, snowboarding with friends, or curating and aging a large collection of premium cigars.
Whether it’s athletics or fine dining, he enjoys applying the same discipline, creativity, collaboration, attention to detail, and goal setting to all his pursuits.
Benji Farrow
Benji grew up in the mountains of Vermont and Colorado, calling Summit County home since age 14. After a career in snowboarding he joined the Hearthstone Team for the 2015/16 winter as support staff. Since then, he has found a home at our restaurant and a passion for food and wine. When he isn’t working in the wine cellar or behind the bar, Benji can be found in the backcountry on his snowmobile or with his family. With a passion for the outdoors, western culture, and open space, Benji hopes to welcome everyone to the Hearthstone to show that fine wine and food can be enjoyed by all lifestyles.
Daniel Taratut
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Daniel has always been drawn to the outdoors and the rich connections that food and nature foster within a community. A lifelong skier, he started on the slopes at the age of four and has continued to explore the world through climbing and travel. Along the way, he developed a passion for discovering new cultures, foods, and experiences.
Daniel holds a master’s degree in biology with a focus on agricultural pest management, specializing in sustainable solutions for specialty crops like grapevines and hops. His studies also included a strong emphasis on microbiology, where he mastered sterile techniques and food sanitation practices—knowledge he carries with him in ensuring safety and quality in food service. Working closely with vineyards across Pennsylvania, he developed environmentally friendly, organic pest management practices using biopesticides to preserve both crops and ecosystems.
Having spent many years in the service industry, Daniel is no stranger to working with diverse teams, cultivating hospitality, and celebrating the intersection of food, culture, and community. He is thrilled to bring this combination of passion for great food, expertise in sustainable agriculture, and a deep understanding of food safety to the team, always striving to create an unforgettable experience for each guest that walks through the door.