Dish: Red Beans & Rice with Smoked Turkey and Andouille Sausage

Chef Mike Tramber

Company: Precision Ocular Network

Title: Chief Clinical Officer

What can we find you doing when you're not whipping up a dish for Men Who Cook?

When I’m not whipping up a dish for Men Who Cook, I’m either being joyfully outnumbered by my five grandkids, pretending I know what I’m doing while cooking food from random parts of the world, sampling wines strictly for “educational purposes,” surviving CrossFit workouts, or traveling with my wife of 30 years —who still agrees to go places with me, remarkably.

Why is it important to you to give back (to the SECU Family House)?

Giving back to the SECU Family House is important to me because I’ve seen how overwhelming—both emotionally and financially—a serious illness can be for families. When your focus should be on a loved one’s recovery, the added stress of travel, lodging, and expenses can feel unbearable. The support provided by SECU Family House helps ease that burden, making travel more manageable and reducing the financial strain, so families can focus on what matters most—being together during a very difficult time.

What was the first thing you remember cooking?

I was lucky enough to have a mother who taught me to cook at a very early age. While I can’t recall the very first thing I made, I do remember being in first or second grade and being asked to write a recipe for class. Many of my classmates proudly turned in instructions for making a PB&J. I, on the other hand, submitted a very detailed recipe for frying chicken—which probably raised a few eyebrows and, in hindsight, explains a lot.

Name a fun fact people may not know about you.

A fun fact people may not know about me is that my wife and I are on a mission to visit every winery in North Carolina—approximately 200 of them. So far, we’ve made it to around 130, and along the way we’ve learned a lot about different varietals, growing regions, and the winemaking process. As a result, you’ll find that my wine selection leans heavily toward local North Carolina wines—all thoroughly “researched,” of course.

Chef Cherie Tramber

Company: Retired school teacher

What can we find you doing when you're not whipping up a dish for Men Who Cook?

Recently retired from teaching and loving life! You’ll find me in the pool at water aerobics or happily making memories (and a little mischief) with my grandchildren.

Why is it important to you to give back (to the SECU Family House)?

My parents instilled in me a lifelong passion for giving back—through visiting the elderly, creating gift bags for those in need, and feeding the homeless. Today, SECU Family House allows me to continue that mission by supporting and uplifting families in our community.

What was the first thing you remember cooking?

Some of my fondest memories are of baking with my granny—sneaking bites of cookie dough and savoring the comforting aromas of vanilla, butter, and sugar that made our house feel like home.

Name a fun fact people may not know about you.

I once told my husband I couldn’t cook—and got away with it for years! That is, until my mom fell ill the day before a catered event and I stepped in to save the day. Dinner was served, the truth came out… and my secret was officially out of the kitchen.

Chef Mike Tramber II 

What can we find you doing when you're not whipping up a dish for Men Who Cook?

Proud parent of two terrific kids—I’m either spending quality time with them or you’ll find me happily under the hood of a car, getting my hands a little dirty.

Why is it important to you to give back (to the SECU Family House)?

Volunteering? Let’s just say my dad didn’t exactly ask… he voluntold me—and I’ve been all in ever since.

What was the first thing you remember cooking?

Cooking with my dad sparked my love for the kitchen, but my first big solo moment was making Italian carbonara in high school. I proudly served it to my family—and thankfully, it was a big hit!

Name a fun fact people may not know about you.

I graduated high school early and got a head start as an auto tech… but when it came time for my first apartment, I still needed my parents to sign on the dotted line because I wasn’t even 18 yet!