James Rigato

Birth Name:

James Rigato

Birth Place:

Howell, Michigan, United States

Food & Wine nominated him to be "The People's Best New Chef: Great Lakes․"
Earned the title of Best Chef by Hour Detroit in 2013 and 2014
Has worked with schools, hospitals, libraries and other organizations to achieve sustainable change in the food economy for the state of Michigan
Graduated from Schoolcraft College's Culinary Program
Spent his teenage and early adult years working in fine restaurants around metro Detroit, including Morel's, Shiraz, Rugby Grille and The Townsend Hotel and Bacco Ristorante
Took his first job as a dishwasher on his 14th birthday
Was exposed to Italian food and culture from an early age and grew up around hand crafted food and wine
Opened The Root Restaurant & Bar when he was 26 years old
Put himself to the test as a chef by joining the season 12 cast of "Top Chef․"
Cited his all-time favorite junk food as Mallo Cups
Enjoys writing poetry, cycling, kayaking, eating and camping

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