CHEF JIM LEIKEN

EXECUTIVE CHEF JIM LEIKEN, BARDESSONO

Jim Leiken is the executive chef of Lucy Restaurant & Bar in the Bardessono Hotel & Spa, the luxurious, LEED Platinum-certified wine country retreat in the heart of Napa Valley.

A native New Yorker growing up just outside of New York City, Chef Jim’s culinary journey began with an affinity for gardening, growing through experiential training, melding the cultures and cuisines that are found throughout the city. Inspired by the level of refinement and artistry with food he observed in the kitchens of Chef Daniel Boulud, he pursued his passion for cooking for 15 years in New York City before moving to Napa Valley 6 years ago.

Chef Jim’s mindful approach to cuisine is appreciated in his unique preparation of plates, focusing first and foremost on respecting the ingredients in each dish and showcasing them in their best light. He takes conscious cooking to a new level with his locavore ideology by building relationships with local farmers and purveyors which reaffirms the direct connection between land and plate.