About Taste
01
It All Began...
On a hot June afternoon in 2006, Joel, a Chef from Chicago, ordered a drink from a charming bartender, Heidi. This is where their love story began. As a couple, they enjoy dining out – sampling a variety of appetizers rather than a full dinner each. It was this love of trying various menu items that bred the small plates concept for Taste.
It has been Joel’s lifelong dream to own and operate his own restaurant. That dream also became Heidi’s when they fell in love and married in April 2012. Tanner Michael and Keaton Edward completed their family in 2015 and 2017.
Their love story continues, where it all began, right here at Taste. Chef Joel and Heidi Gesiakowski are enthusiastic to be sharing their dream with you.
01
It All Began...
On a hot June afternoon in 2006, Joel, a Chef from Chicago, ordered a drink from a charming bartender, Heidi. This is where their love story began. As a couple, they enjoy dining out – sampling a variety of appetizers rather than a full dinner each. It was this love of trying various menu items that bred the small plates concept for Taste.
It has been Joel’s lifelong dream to own and operate his own restaurant. That dream also became Heidi’s when they fell in love and married in April 2012. Tanner Michael and Keaton Edward completed their family in 2015 and 2017.
Their love story continues, where it all began, right here at Taste. Chef Joel and Heidi Gesiakowski are enthusiastic to be sharing their dream with you.
02
Convenient & Friendly
Taste is conveniently located in downtown South Haven, MI. Located just a few blocks from South Beach and the Marina at the corner of Phoenix and Kalamazoo, Taste is an easy to reach destination.
We employ an amazing staff that is knowledgeable, friendly and always willing to help. Whether you have a question about our menu, the area or just need a suggestion for an activity, they are always eager to answer any questions you have.
From Scratch
Chef Joel has spent years learning the trade and cultivating his own recipes. Everything we serve is made from scratch and prepared as fresh as possible. You are not going to find anything similar in the area.
Awards & Recognition
- 2020 Golden Trowel Award, Rotary District 6360
- 2020 Citizen of the Year Award, South Haven Rotary
- 2018 Top Chef Winner, Al Van Humane Society Fundraiser
- 2017 Featured Chef, Michigan Home & Lifestyle Magazine
- 2015 Featured on "Under the Radar"
- 2013 to Present Multiple "Best of" Awards, South Haven Tribune
- 2013 New Business of the Year Award, South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce
Michael Hummel
Operations Manager
20 years in the restaurant industry, Michael Hummel joined the Taste team in November of 2016. Starting as a dishwasher at 16, he worked his way through almost every position in a full service restaurant. Michael moved to Southwest Michigan from Grand Rapids, where he is originally from. He continues to be impressed by both the customers and the community members in the area. Aside from hospitality podcasts and magazines, he enjoys craft beer, Willamette Pinot Noirs, and any cocktail that includes Campari.
Emily Hannum
General Manager
Emily got a summer job hosting at Taste in June 2013 as a way to pay for college. She fell in love with guest service and made the decision to become a permanent member of the Taste team. Emily earned her Hospitality Management Degree from Lake Michigan College while working every position in the front of the house before she was made General Manager. She met her husband, Nick, while they were both working at Taste. They hit it off and were married in November 2019. Her and her husband decided to make South Haven their permanent residence and bought a home in town. They adopted two dogs and two cats, which keep them incredibly busy. When Emily is not providing quality service to the wonderful guests at Taste, she enjoys walking her dogs downtown, reading, and sampling unique food and drink at new restaurants.