In 2006 Pataran received his Sakemaster certification from Sake Service Institute. He has written sake articles in CityBites Magazine and for True Sake in San Francisco. In the year 2007, he received his Professional Sakemaster Certification from the world-renowned sake educator and taster, John Gauntner.

Michael is a passionate chef and food aficionado who has challenged traditional culinary boundaries with his 'Faith' tasting menus. His use of speciality ingredients, cooking techniques and food textures led to his cooking both, lunch and dinner at the James Beard House in New York City. Shogun Revolver, his modern Japanese inspired restaurant by the sea, will be opening in January 2008 in the Bahamas.