About the Chef

Chef James has had a passion for cooking ever since working at his family-owned restaurant.  Drawn to the culinary arts, he always felt that a meal should go beyond routine and be an experience that dazzles the senses.

In 1995, Chef James graduated from high school and enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Orange Coast College.  In 2000, Chef James graduated from OCC with a Culinary Certificate and began to work in the professional field.  In 2002, after working at several restaurants and hotels in the Newport Beach area, Chef James secured an exclusive one year culinary externship in Yorkshire, England.  Chef James returned home in 2003 to continue building his professional career, having worked worked in a number of notable restaurants in the Orange County area, including The Pacific Club, Four Seasons Hotel, Pascal, and The Wild Artichoke. 

In his spare time Chef James enjoys spending time at the local beaches, playing basketball, and gardening.  Chef James also enjoys baking homemade breads and pastries, and is particularly fond of a well-made steak paired with a fine red wine – and course, great company.