Michael Hoobler, Executive Chef Michael Hoobler joined Desert Highlands in 2005 as executive chef and is responsible for all menu development, overseeing the fine dining and casual restaurants as well as the special events, weddings and private catering for the club members. Michael is highly regarded amongst culinary experts both on a local and national level, and he brings a wealth of talent to Desert Highlands. Hoobler came to Desert Highlands with over twenty years of experience in luxury resorts, hotels, restaurants and private clubs.  Most recently he served as executive chef for The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa, responsible for menu development, overseeing their eight restaurants and banquet facilities.  Prior to this Hoobler was executive sous chef at The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, where he supervised all dining activities and banquet functions.  Earlier in his career, Hoobler was executive chef at The Royal Palms Hotel as well as the creator of the hotel’s award-winning restaurant T. Cook’s.  During his tenure, the restaurant was repeatedly touted as a top destination for fine dining in the Phoenix area by magazines such as Gourmet and Food & Wine.  Hoobler was also executive chef and owner of Valencia Lane, a fine dining establishment in Phoenix, Arizona.  Hoobler’s interest in cuisine began while working at his parents’ supper club at age 11.  During this period, he quickly developed a fondness for the culinary arts and started devoting his time to the study of food and cooking.  Throughout his career, Hoobler has received numerous awards, recognitions and honors from prestigious sources such as Food & Wine, Zagat Survey and Gourmet, as well as lavish praise of local food critics and gourmets.  In addition to his work in restaurants, hotels and private clubs, Hoobler has showcased his talents at The James Beard House on several occasions, appeared on many local and national television shows and participated in numerous culinary festivals and charity events.