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Get to Know Chef Julian Perrigo-Jimenez of Folsom

Feb 22, 2017 12:15PM ● By Megan Wiskus

 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

Q&A

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Travel more, don’t doubt yourself, and work on getting better grades.

What’s your biggest pet peeve? When someone sneezes and no one says bless you!

Are you high or low maintenance?
Low maintenance. I like to think I’m a pretty easygoing guy.

What are you most proud of?
My family. I’m grateful to work with my wife and to have our kids hang out with us at the shop. My two favorite things are rolled into one—family and pastry!

Best words of wisdom you’ve received?
“You miss all the shots you never take.” I’ve had such an amazing and adventurous career up to this point, and I have never regretted any chance I’ve taken.


Favorites

Author/writer:
Stéphane Leroux

Escape:
Europe

Guilty pleasure:
Ice cream

Meal in town:
Chili Verde Burrito at Sutter Street Taqueria

Local landmark:
Rainbow Bridge

Memory:
The luau where I met my wife

Movie:
 Big Fish

Musician/band:
The Shins

Place to buy a gift, locally:
Snooks Chocolate Factory

Local nonprofit:
Twin Lakes Food Bank

Do you know someone in the community who makes a difference or is particularly interesting that we should Get to Know? Email their name, where they live and why they should be featured to [email protected].