James Koskiniemi facts for kids
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| Born | February 16, 1977 Portland, Oregon |
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| Cooking style | French Californian |
| Education | California Culinary Academy, San Francisco 2005 Alumni |
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Current restaurant(s)
ChefJamesSF.com (San Francisco, CA)
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James Koskiniemi is a famous American chef and food writer. He was born on February 16, 1977. He writes for Culinarian Magazine and helped start a place called The Pig and The Pickle. He used to be the main chef at The Bellevue Club. He also led the American Culinary Federation (ACF) for two terms.
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Early Life and Culinary Training
James Koskiniemi started cooking at a very young age. When he was just six years old, he won first place in a cooking contest for adults! He even received an award from a famous chef named Alice Waters.
His father taught him traditional French cooking. His dad had learned from a Master Chef named Ken Wolfe. James's mother also taught him how to bake.
James studied cooking at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. He earned a special degree in culinary arts from there.
Chef James's Career Highlights
Chef James has had an exciting career. He has shared his cooking skills in many different ways.
In 2007, James was invited to teach cooking on a United States Navy ship called the USS Boxer (LHD-4). This was part of a program to help train Navy chefs. He showed them traditional cooking methods. He also helped them prepare over 1,200 meals every day for the sailors!
Awards and Recognition
Chef James has received several awards for his cooking.
- In February 2008, he was featured on the cover of Culinarian Magazine.
- He became the youngest President and Director of the San Francisco Chefs Association.
- In 2010, the San Francisco Chefs Association named him Chef of the Year.
Crabby Chef Competition Winner
James is also a champion in cooking contests.
- On October 17, 2010, he won first place at the 10th annual Crabby Chef competition. This event was held at Spengers Fish Grotto in Berkeley, California.
- He won again the next year at the final Crabby Chef competition. He impressed the judges with his "Crab and Corn Beignets with a Ginger Honey Ver Jus."
Television Appearances
Chef James has even been on TV! He appeared on an episode of the Food Network show Restaurant: Impossible.
Helping Others Through Cooking
James Koskiniemi uses his cooking talents to help others. He works with several charities.
- He supports the Special Olympics, which helps athletes with intellectual disabilities.
- He also works with NFL Alumni For Kids and the East Bay Agency for Children.
- He helps the Raphael House, which provides shelter and support for families in need.
- In 2012, his cooking skills were auctioned off at a Raphael House Gala. He helped raise over $30,000 for the charity!
Starting The Pig and The Pickle
In September 2014, Chef James became a chef and co-founder of a new restaurant. It is called The Pig and The Pickle. It is located at the Ale Industries Marketplace.
