Julian Perrigo-Jimenez knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue a career in culinary arts. Growing up in Folsom, his grandmother and uncle were avid cooks, and he would help in the kitchen whenever he could—especially when it came to bread and desserts. “I fell in love with the artistic side of baking,” he explains. “I like to create different flavors and presentations…to innovate.” After high school, he went to culinary school to become a pastry chef; and following graduation, honed his skills in a virtual cornucopia of kitchens—from cruise ships to multiple hotels and resorts in Las Vegas. He also traveled the world, taking continuing education classes and working under the discerning eye of quite a few famous chefs. Last December, his confectionary skills were even featured on Christmas-themed episodes of Cake Wars. 

These days, Chef Julian is happy to find himself back home in Folsom, where he lives with his wife and two children, ages four and five. He’s also the owner and pastry chef of Julian’s Patisserie and Café (jppastryarts.com). Having his own place is a dream come true, yet it also represents the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication. “You’re not a chef after [culinary] school...it’s a title you earn.”  

Article by Amber Foster // Photos by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group