James for the Porch Project - A Porch Portrait

James (38). Kent, Ohio.

James only recently moved to Kent in past six months. Not only did he take up residence here but he's also the Executive Chef at beloved watering hole and restaurant, Franklin Hotel Bar, after serving in the same role at his catering company (where he was named Vegan Iron Chef). I'm used to seeing James every Thursday when I would go to the restaurant to photograph the weekend's featured menu items and cocktails.

James is as creative as he is hospitable. When I arrived he sanitized a glass and poured some chilled rum into it. We chatted for a half hour or so. He's hiking a lot these days, and meditating too.

Before locking up Franklin Hotel Bar a few weeks ago, he left his chef's knife on the counter. Anybody in the industry will tell you that if a chef feels he's going to lose a job under any condition, he or she will take their chef's knife with them. To James this is a symbol that he'll return to work at Franklin Hotel Bar - and they'll thrive.