As graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York, James Van Dyk’s professional accomplishments have won national acclaim from Bon Appétit, Sunset, the Aspen Food and Wine Festival, and television’s Food Network, among many others.

In addition to his mastery of French culinary arts, James worked in the vanguard of the new American cuisine. During the ‘80s he served as executive chef for the Santa Fe Bar and Grill in Berkeley, California.

James was the first American chef to receive a working visa in Japan. He has also worked as the executive chef for restaurants in the Caribbean and New York City, where the local food and culture brought yet greater dimension to his culinary experience and imagination.

James returned to Colorado in 1992. Coloradoans may best recall him as a past owner of the Greenbriar Inn located in Boulder and the Gateway Café in Lyons. Today, we’re lucky enough to have James crafting his inspired American cuisine, showcasing Boulder’s locally grown foods, in Lucky’s Café.