Meet James Chien of Peachtree Corners

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Chien.

Hi James, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my career 38 years ago working for a New Orleans style restaurant located in Midtown Atlanta. The chef owner worked directly under Paul Prudhomme while in New Orleans. Through the years I worked 2 and 3 jobs simultaneously to gain much needed exposure and knowledge. Both front and back of the house. I opened my first restaurant in 2001, Some Like It Hot, New Orleans cuisine. Then a second restaurant, Alligator Blues. Through 2008, I went back into Corporate and reacquainted myself with the Hotel industry. I became Executive Chef for two major hotel brands. In 2019, I decided I wanted to work for myself again. Hence Eating Americana came to be. Featuring Great American Comfort Food. Unapologetically American. Everything familiar but better! I survived Covid without any assistance from any government agencies. Simply because I just opened and did not qualify. It is only through the generosity and support of my customers that I’ve stayed open now for almost 6 years. Therefore the cooking continues!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Covid. No help. No government assistance. I didn’t qualify.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I began as an artist, sketching, an illustrations. I attended fashion Institute of technology in New York City, receive my associates degree in menswear design and merchandising. I created a list before the idea of a bucket list ever came into existence. On that list, I listed five career objectives. Art, media, food, literature and fashion. I had my own menswear label and worked in the fashion industry for almost 8 years in NYC. Moved to Atlanta and pursued my culinary career. And along the way, I was commissioned to paint murals, silk screen tee shirts, make aprons, artwork for signage and menu covers.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Ambition, drive, motivation and pure passion mixed with a hint of stubbornness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eating-americana.com
• Instagram: eatingamericana2020
• Facebook: Eating Americana
• Twitter: Eating Americana
• Yelp: Eating Americana
• Other: Nextdoor app

Image Credits
All by me.