James Tolin grew up in Lake Charles, La. Attended A. M. Barbe High School. Graduate of 2006. Has loving parents, two older sisters, and a rabbit. He is currently attending the Culinary Insitutute of America in Hyde Park, NY. His hobbies include skateboarding, listening to music, reading, and writing. On his down days you can find James off exploring or in the library reading a new culinary book.
James started his culinary journey as a sandwhich maker at McAllisters Deli after hurricane Rita. He worked his way up to becoming shift leader. He soon moved on for longer hours and pay at Sonic Drive-Inn. This is where James learned how fast and hard he could push himself. When he turned eighteen, he moved on to the professional kitchen at L'Auberge Du Lac's Buffet. He started as a stock boy and worked his way up to the production line. he would volunteer his off time to working in the banquets kitchen Soon transferring to L'Cafe for more training and experience. There is where he met Chef Matthew Beaudin who pushed him to attend the Culinary Institute of America and pursue his dream.
