Welcome Our New Executive Chef, James Corwell, CMC

We are excited to introduce James Corwell, CMC as our new Executive Chef. After an extensive search with candidates from across the country, we are delighted to bring a Chef of this level to Mayacama and know that he will bring our culinary program to new heights.

James is recognized as one of only 69 Certified Master Chefs in America. The American Culinary Federation's Certified Master Chef program is an arduous certification representing the pinnacle of the culinary profession.

"The Bay Area is like my second home, and I couldn't be more excited to work with the exceptional team at Mayacama. The region is rich with diverse ingredients and culinary experiences, and I look forward to bringing my passion for food to Mayacama," says James.

James' background is rooted in the private club industry. He began his career at Cherokee Town & Country Club in Atlanta, which was then rated the #1 Platinum Club in America. He has since worked at other notable clubs, including Portage Country Club in Akron, The Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, and most recently at the Pacific-Union Club in San Francisco.

Chef Corwell also brings extensive restaurant experience. In 2005, he became the Executive Chef at The Culinary Institute of America at the Wine Spectator Greystone restaurant, where he worked with our General Manager, Dan Michael. James then worked at a Conde Nast Traveler designated Top 100 Boutique Hotel Restaurant, The Purple Palm in Palm Springs. James has also been a successful restauranteur. In 2010, he was awarded Best New Chef and Best New Restaurant by New Orleans Magazine as the owner of Le Foret in New Orleans.

James is passionate about sustainability, as the founder of Ocean Hugger Foods, he created healthy and sustainable plant-based alternatives to popular seafood dishes that aim to limit the overfishing of our oceans.

When James is not in the kitchen, he can usually be found mountain biking or spending time with his wife Caroline and their family. He is looking forward to starting next week, so please join us in welcoming James to the Mayacama family.