Joey Altman: A Journey Through Culinary Arts and Media
Joey Altman has carved a multifaceted career as a chef, restaurateur, television personality, and educator. From training in the rigorous kitchens of France to launching award-winning media projects in San Francisco, Altman's trajectory reflects a deep commitment to the culinary arts and a talent for bringing food to a wide audience.
Key Facts
- Training: Studied under Bernard Constantin in Lyon and Jean Brouilly in Brittany, France.
- Notable Restaurants: Opened Miss Pearl's Jam House and owned the Wild Hare Restaurant.
- Media Success: Host of the long-running "Bay Cafe" and multiple Food Network shows.
- Accolades: Three-time James Beard Foundation Award winner for Best Local Television Cooking Series.
- Consulting: Worked with global brands like Tommy Bahama and helped launch China Live in San Francisco.
Professional Culinary Foundations
Altman's professional journey began with classical training in France, where he studied under Bernard Constantin at the Hotel Larivoire in Lyon and Jean Brouilly at Tarare in Brittany. This European foundation was further expanded in the United States, where he worked under chef Bob Kinkaide at the Harvest Restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
In 1985, Altman moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, to join the team of renowned chef Emeril Lagasse at the historic Commander's Palace. This period marked a significant step in his exposure to high-level American gastronomy.
Entrepreneurship and Consulting in San Francisco
Upon moving to San Francisco, Altman worked for Jeremiah Tower at Stars and Taxi, and served as a private chef at concert venues for music promoter Bill Graham.
In 1989, he ventured into ownership by opening Miss Pearl's Jam House, located at the Phoenix Hotel in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco. He later owned and operated the Wild Hare Restaurant in Menlo Park, California, from 1999 to 2003.
Beyond his own establishments, Altman has built an extensive career in culinary consulting—the practice of providing expert advice to businesses to improve their food operations. His projects have ranged from working with Tommy Bahama to collaborating with his cousin, chef Alex Sanchez, to open an award-winning restaurant in Mumbai, India. Most recently, in 2017, he served as the Director of Culinary Operations alongside George Chen to open China Live, one of San Francisco's most ambitious Chinese culinary destinations.
Television and Media Presence
Altman successfully transitioned his kitchen expertise to the screen. On the Food Network, he hosted "Appetite for Adventure," a show focused on outdoor travel cooking, and "Tasting Napa," a travelogue exploring the Napa Valley region. He also hosted "What's Cooking with Joey Altman" on the Shop at Home Network.
In 1998, he launched "Bay Cafe," a long-running series featuring in-studio and on-location cooking demonstrations with various guest chefs from the San Francisco Bay Area.
Teaching and Recognition
Dedicated to sharing his knowledge, Altman has taught cooking classes across the United States and serves as a regular guest chef instructor at Rancho La Puerta, a premier spa resort located in Tecate, Mexico.
His contributions to culinary media have been recognized by the prestigious James Beard Foundation. He received the broadcast media award for "Best Local Television Cooking Series" in 2000, 2001, and 2006.
| Category | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Early Training | Lyon and Brittany, France; Cambridge, MA; New Orleans, LA |
| Key Ventures | Miss Pearl's Jam House, Wild Hare Restaurant, China Live |
| Media Work | Food Network, Shop at Home Network, Bay Cafe |
| Corporate Roles | Spokesman for Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines (2002-2017) |
| Major Awards | 3x James Beard Foundation Awards (2000, 2001, 2006) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Joey Altman receive his early culinary training?
Altman trained in France under Bernard Constantin at the Hotel Larivoire in Lyon and Jean Brouilly at Tarare in Brittany.
What are some of the restaurants Joey Altman has been involved with?
He opened Miss Pearl's Jam House in San Francisco, owned the Wild Hare Restaurant in Menlo Park, and served as Director of Culinary Operations for China Live.
Which television shows has Joey Altman hosted?
He has hosted "Appetite for Adventure" and "Tasting Napa" on Food Network, "What's Cooking with Joey Altman" on Shop at Home Network, and the long-running "Bay Cafe."
What awards has Joey Altman won for his media work?
He won the James Beard Foundation broadcast media award for "Best Local Television Cooking Series" in 2000, 2001, and 2006.
Has Joey Altman worked internationally outside of France?
Yes, he collaborated with his cousin, chef Alex Sanchez, to open an award-winning restaurant in Mumbai, India, and teaches at Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico.