(photo: Jim Bush)

It’s been a long, painful road for Mike Andrzejewski, owner and head chef of Tsunami Restaurant, since he suffered horrendous injuries in a motorcycle accident last August.

However, in a truly amazing recovery fueled by his own stubborn determination and an outpouring of community concern, Mike defied his scrape with death. Unconscious for three weeks and having had his leg amputated at the knee, he battled back and returned to doing what he loves best—creating delicious dishes.

On Sunday, January 15 from 1 to 4 pm, a benefit called “Stand Up for Mike A.” will be held at Kleinhans Music Hall’s Mary Seaton Room (71 Symphony Circle, Buffalo). The cost is a suggested donation of $75/$125 a couple, and includes food representing nearly 20 Buffalo restaurants, plus live music and an open bar. You’ve probably seen the tongue-in-cheek advertising campaign for the event. Mike was behind it all, including this amazing photo by Jim Bush of the triumphant chef holding the catch of the day—in this case, not just fish, but inspiration for everyone who is “handicapped” but not “disabled.”

On the event website (www.sufmikea.com), Mike relates what he can and cannot recall from the horrific crash. “I really don’t remember anything,” he says. “Just bits and pieces of the accident… even after I woke up, I didn’t realize I had lost my leg for two or three days.” Andrzejewski had been a chef for 30 years, and he wasn’t going to take such a life-altering change “lying down.” By early October—only two months after the accident—he left the hospital and returned to his kitchen at Tsunami the very same day.

This type of work ethic, say friends and family, is classic Mike A. From his days bussing tables at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens in the late ‘70s, Mike quickly learned that his true place was in the kitchen, so he eventually became a line cook at Salvatore’s and “the rest was history.” Since then, this creative and versatile chef has made his mark on Buffalo’s competitive culinary scene at several top-shelf restaurants, including Oliver’s, Rue Franklin and Warren’s.

Tsunami was the next level. Mike struck out on his own and launched the Asian fusion restaurant to much critical success, and it’s where you’ll find him day in and day out. And although the old Mike still exists, he’s definitely a changed man.

“I can’t change my physical problems, but there are things I can change,” he added online. “I can be a lot more compassionate and understanding; I can give back as much as I take, if not more.”

Both live and silent auctions will also be held this Sunday to raise money for Mike’s ongoing recovery. To make a live auction donation, contact Paul Jenkins at 830-6555 or tempo@adelphia.net.