AD:January Chef of the Month is Douglas Wodja - Executive Private Chef - Confidential, TX
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| chefjamescatering@yahoo.com | |
| Ever since I was 6 I knew this was my calling and gift in this world. I love doing charity work to help others, and now I do it on a bigger level, and my dream is to have my own food network show, and continue my charity work as an inspirational, motivational speaker to help others. Being adopted at 4 years old, after living in 12 differnt foster homes, and surviving the worst, coming out on top. I want to give hope and help others, and kids reach their goals and dreams though my gift in life. I love doing wine dinner pairings up to 9 courses, and teaching cooking classes, and especially getting in front of crwods of people shining and doing what I do best giving an amzing performance. Executive Chef James Aptakin was born in Miami, FL, and picked up South American, Spanish influences of food growing up. He has worked in various restaurants in Miami. James joined the Navy after high school, traveling the world on the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), cooking for 6,000 people. James has over 18 years experience in the culinary world. James pursued his education at the California Culinary Academy and Culinary Institute Of America. He has made California his home for the past 16 years, picking up Hawaiian cuisine and all Pan Pacific styles; infusing all his passion into his own creations making him a pioneer of New World cuisine. James has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, radio shows, TV, and now on the Travel channel, and Food Network where he made history for the first time on the show. James has won numerous awards, first place finishes, and local Iron Chef competitions in the Northern California area. James is a local celebrity Chef of Napa and Solano county. He is also well known for his charity work in the community, and gives his time to make a difference helping others. James is the Co-producer for Chefs for Charity. |
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| Well rounded knowledge of all cuisines from around the world, including baking and pastry. Huge accolades in media and press for winning food competitions, year after year, and fund raiser celebrity events through the community to give back, and be a huge team player in raising money, as well as making a name for myself. First place winner in celebrity Jambalaya cook Fest. In Oakland CA (1998). Won first place in Iron Chef Tomato competition in my area 2004, Featured on The Travel Channel Taste of America, for being the Tomato Guru. Food Network Challenge, Gold First place winner of Big Bash Caterers 2008. Featured on Channel 7 ABC live cooking demonstrations and Good day Sacramento, on radio talk shows, Served My Country Proud As a cook In the USS Navy on Board the USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72 Aircraft Carrier cooking for 6,000 ppl. A day. 18 Years experience and love what I do. Co Producer for Chefs for Charity. | |
| ACF, co producer chef for charity | |
| 10 Years + | |
| California Culinary Academy, Culinary Institiute Of America, Cooking School through the USS Navy | |
| infusion asian, South American, Hawiian, california, French | |
| My Mom since I was 6 backing cooking, eaating asian cuisines with chop sticks, and cooking full meals when I was in 5th grade. Thomas Keller, Daniel boulud ,Norman Van Akien,Jean Georges and a good friend of mine Cat Cora, as well as so many others | |
| im a co producer for chef for charity |
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| my food |
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| food network |
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