James Petrakis is chef owner of The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder, two of the South’s most acclaimed restaurants located in Winter Park, Fla. He co-owns both restaurants with wife Chef Julie Petrakis. A Florida native, Petrakis graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and his resume included in stints in Orlando, New York City and Atlanta before the debut of his first restaurant, The Ravenous Pig. Petrakis started his career at the famous Pano’s and Paul’s restaurant in Atlanta. He moved on to work under Chef Clifford Pleau at the California Grill, and then relocated to NYC to open Atelier at The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park under Chef Gabriel Kuether. It was with Chef Kuether where James nurtured his culinary talent and developed the ambition to open a restaurant in his hometown. Returning to Orlando in 2007, James served as a an opening team member of The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and then rejoined Chef Pleau to develop Darden’s Seasons 52 fine dining restaurant concept. James furthered his culinary talent, fostering a passion for exceptional ingredients and passionate techniques, opening as sous chef at Luma on Park under Chef Brandon McGlammery and working there until he discovered the location for his first restaurant. Since its inception, The Ravenous Pig has gained a devoted following as well as numerous accolades from Food & Wine, Saveur and Southern Living, among others. Petrakis, a multiple “Best Chef” nominee from the James Beard Foundation, recently celebrated the first anniversary of his second restaurant Cask & Larder.