04

March

Orlando Sentinel Honors Chef Jamie with Hall of Fame Induction

jamie-mcfaddenChef Jamie McFadden, owner of Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine & Events, has a youthful outlook and appearance that often belies his experience in the Central Florida culinary scene.

Almost 20 years ago, he was one of the first local chefs to cook at the James Beard House in New York. McFadden, then the sous chef at Downtown Disney‘s Fireworks Factory, and other members of the so-called Swamp Cabbage Country Club headed to the Greenwich Village landmark to tout Florida agriculture.

McFadden returned to the Beard House in 2010 to cook with a new generation of young guns including Central Florida chefs James and Julie Petrakis (Ravenous Pig), Kevin Fonzo (K Restaurant & Wine Bar) and Scott Copeland (Antonio’s La Fiamma).

Always content to work under the radar and out of the spotlight, McFadden, 43, remains a tireless mentor to other chefs and champion of social issues.

In 2010 he co-founded The Peas Foundation that helps provide fresh fruits and vegetables to local homeless shelters, soup kitchens and other charitable organizations.

And this spring, his catering operation will move from Winter Park to Orlando’s East End Market, a showcase for local food artisans and cuisine in Audubon Park. BarJMe, his chef’s table gastropub, will remain in Winter Park.

McFadden — who owned the acclaimed Mimi’s Café & Wine Bar in Longwood, led the kitchen at Orlando’s Beragamo’s and worked as part-time chef instructor at the Disney Institute — is one of Orlando’s quiet culinary local heroes.

For more information about the Culinary Hall of Fame, click here.