Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Harms.
Jared, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in a big family in south Texas where the family meal experience played a huge role in my development as a young person. I graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Nutritional Sciences in 2005 and completed an internship in University Food Service at Penn State directly after.
My first cooking job was at Buca di Beppo. After 9 months on the line, I found an entry level position at the Mansion on Turtle Creek. I was fortunate enough to arrive at the same time as Chef John Tesar and learned a tremendous amount over 2.5 years as I worked every station on the line, eventually earning a spot in the short-lived, but spectacular Chef’s Tasting Room.
In 2008, I joined a small team at York Street Restaurant under the leadership of Chef Sharon Hage. Over a period of two years at York Street I learned more about food, family, and the restaurant business than I thought possible. When York Street closed in late 2010 I decided to stay in Dallas and to continue developing myself at the Mansion. Over the next 4 years I worked my way up to Executive Sous Chef, and under the mentorship of Chef Bruno Davaillon, gained invaluable experience along the way.
In September of 2016, I was excited to take on my first Executive Chef role and join the stellar team at The Fairmont Hotel. It’s been an extremely rewarding experience thus far and I feel so privileged to be leading this team in creating amazing memories for so many people at this legendary property!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has rarely been smooth, timing has never been perfect and nothing that I’ve ever experienced that has had a lasting effect on the person I’ve become has been remotely easy. I’m lucky to have always had people around me who value hard work and aren’t afraid to give me a good slap (verbal or otherwise) when I’m being stupid. I’ve done a whole lot of growing up along the way.
Please tell us about Fairmont Dallas.
At Fairmont we’re in the business of turning moments into memories. That’s something we say over and over again. We’re a second home for tens of thousands of travelers throughout the year and we strive through amazing service, comforting surroundings and delicious food to provide the most welcoming experience possible.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I probably would have opted to use the money I spent on a 4 year degree on travelling and staging in Europe, and attending culinary school.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1717 N Akard St
Dallas, TX 75201 - Phone: 9729993095
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @chefjaredharms, @pyramidrestaurant, @fairmontdallas
Image Credit:
Food & Garden pictures taken by Luke Mathot.
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