Our Team
Michael Catania – Executive Chef
My passion for food began as a child spending time in the kitchen with my family. I am the youngest in a family of all boys, and I would rather be making meatballs with my mom and Italian grandmother, than getting picked on or teased. I was always interested in helping my family around the house. I grew up in New York and instead of playing in the neighborhood; I would hang out with the ladies in the kitchen, and was amazed with the food that was prepared. All of my family can cook, and there were many get-togethers or celebrations where food was the central focus. This happens when you grow up in an Italian family!
I have always enjoyed cooking and wondered what it would be like to be a Chef. Possessing the passion for food that I encompass, and attention to detail has made this career not only enjoyable, but very rewarding. I am self taught and continue researching every day honing my culinary skills to be as cutting edge as possible. When you like food as much as I do, coming up with ideas or recipes almost comes naturally. I use a lot of what I was brought up on, what the people of this area like, and what I think is going to work, to create the dishes I serve at Plae Bistro.
I have many aspirations that I would like to achieve in this industry. I would like to keep my ideas fresh and innovative to satisfy the steady flow of customers we have at Plae. I would also like to have my own restaurant some day. I have been cooking for seven years now, and if asked if I would change anything, my only response would be that I should have started this career earlier.
Bon Appetit!
Chef Michael Catania
Jill Bassett – Owner/Operator
A native of Green Bay and the Owner of Plae Bistro, Jill Bassett has created a dining experience second to none in Green Bay. Inspired by Jill’s travels, Plae Bistro’s contemporary style, subdued elegance and energetic vibe are reminiscent of popular eateries on the coasts.
Jill’s expertise in the restaurant and catering industry started at age 16 when she took on her first job and enjoyed her shifts in the kitchen. While putting herself through college Jill gained lots of restaurant experience by bartending, serving, catering and event coordinating. After college and earning her degree in Marketing, Jill spent time working for the American Red Cross where she continued to develop her outstanding commitment to serving others. Always hoping to return to the hospitality industry, Jill accepted the position of Catering Manager at with a local catering company and helped maintain a very successful catering operation.
When Jill isn’t greeting her guests, hosting or bartending, she is responsible for overall business management, catering, food preparation supervision, marketing, public relations and philanthropy.
As a 17 year veteran of the restaurant and catering industry, Jill’s vision has been to create a dining experience that emphasizes quality, freshness, authentic recipes and menu innovation at affordable prices. Her hard work and dedication has already been recognized and rewarded. Plae Bistro has been the recipient of numerous awards including: The 2007 Green Bay Chamber Business Expo People’s Choice for Best Appetizer; the 2008 Urban Hope Shooting Star Business Award; Bank Mutual’s Business of the Month in December 2007 and the Independent Restaurant Association’s Best Dining Experience of 2008.