J.C.’s first memories of cooking were as a child helping get a large Thanksgiving ready for family and friends. Even though his only task was to cut onions equipped with a dull knife and plastic goggles it made an everlasting impression on him. His passion for culinary followed into middle school where he’d bake for family and friends. But his true love came in college when he decided to make his passion a career. He dropped an international business major at a prestigious university to go to culinary school and hone his craft. Upon making this decision he knew he had found his life’s work.

His first job after culinary school was at River Oaks Country Club, where he worked in one of the most exclusive and experienced culinary programs in the nation. Since then he’s worked in almost every different avenue the culinary industry has to offer. He has done caterings, fine dining, corporate dining and was a personal chef for 5 years to name a few. He equates his success with the flexibility his multitude of jobs had afforded him. With the experience J.C. has obtained over the years there isn’t much in the culinary field that he hasn’t seen or experienced.

Late last year he took over the kitchen at Dandelion Cafe, and revamped the menu at the local Bellaire favorite cafe. Adding weekly and seasonal specials along with some permanent menu standouts. When he’s not in the kitchen, J.C. focuses his time on his 2 year old daughter and spending as much time with family as he can.