Chef Michael Parker received his Hotel Chef diploma in 1987 from Bournemouth and Poole College in Dorset, England. He soon worked his way into positions at "high end" restaurants in London, France and Wales. While in London, he was employed by The Waterside Inn, a Three-Michelin-Star restaurant which held it's Three-Star status for 22 years; a British record. It was also a two-time winner of Restaurant of the Year.

Chef Parker joined The Club at Carlton Woods culinary team as Executive Chef in 2003. Prior to that time, Parker was Chef de Cuisine at The Lodge at Sea Island in St. Simons, Georgia. During his tenure there, Sea Island was awarded the AAA Five-Diamond award and the Mobil Five-Star award. At that time, only 17 properties in the United States held the status of having earned both awards.

Prior to Sea Island, Parker was employed as a chef at the Century Plaza Hotel and Tower in Beverly Hills, and Caesar's Palace and Gallagher's Steak House, both in Las Vegas.

Chef Parker has had the honor of cooking for the Queen of England, Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, the Duke and Duchess of York, Gloucester and Westminster, former President Reagan, former President Bush and former President Clinton.

Parker enjoys golf, running and working out. He and his wife, Ruth, have three daughters: Kerale (19), Merilee (18) and Sydee (12.)