Michael Joseph Felix passed away on December 20, 2023, at the age of 39. 

  Michael, of proud Mexican and Korean heritage, was born in Los Angeles, CA to Hortensia Rhee and Guadalupe Felix Castano. He doted on his five sisters, Kristine, Lynette, Erica, Alexandria, and Katie, and adored his older brother, Jesse. Michael graduated from Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, CA in 2002, and along the way developed a passion for cooking, which led him to study culinary arts at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, graduating in 2005.  

Wanting to prove himself in one of the premier dining destinations in the world, Michael moved to NYC and worked in restaurants all over the city. While honing his skills and getting invaluable experience, he made treasured friends wherever he worked. Among them were Matthew Lief and Maria Dela Cruz, whom he met while all three were employed at Le Caprice in The Pierre Hotel. They partnered to form Landhaus, a successful event and corporate catering business, which earned a reputation for “great food made by great people.” After the pandemic, they partnered again on Three Maples, a popular Bed/Stuy neighborhood bar/restaurant which was the realization of a long-held dream.