Executive Chef
Michael Long began his career in the culinary field fourteen years ago. After graduating from Northern Arizona University with a B.A. in Religious Studies, he secured gainful employment as a dishwasher at Woodland’s Plaza Hotel. There he discovered an affinity between himself and the beautiful balance of art and science of the kitchen. Foregoing a formal culinary education, he pursued his craft through rigorous self-study and training on the job. His skills were refined in northern Arizona’s finest restaurants, including Josephine’s Modern American Bistro and Cottage Place Restaurant. His gastronomic delights are exhibited nightly at Pasto, where he now resides as head chef.

Manager
Erin McDonald moved to Flagstaff to attend Northern Arizona University. She has worked for Red Lobster, where she was a server, line cook, bartender and assistant manager. In 2004, she worked for Beaver St. Brewery as bartender. Looking to pursue a more professional career, Erin asked the owner of Beaver St. Brewery about her sister’s new business, Pasto. Erin began work at Pasto in May of 2007 managing the front of the house. She currently lives with her boyfriend Mike Darby, a manager at Beaver St. Brewery, their chocolate lab puppy, Brodee, and cat Cody.

Our Staff
As in all restaurants, the quality of the service and the food delivered to your table is a direct result of owner expectations, training and experience. We hold both the front and back of the house staff to the highest standards. We offer our staff twice monthly training opportunities to learn about the content of all menu items, the food preparation process in the kitchen and the wines which we proudly serve. We feel that our staff has been given the tools to succeed and to provide you with a wonderful dining experience.