Pilgrim's Featured Chef October 2011 - Justin Timineri

Chef Justin Patrick Timineri

Executive Chef/Culinary Ambassador
State of Florida Dept of Agriculture

Justin Timineri, certified executive chef, author, award winner, teacher, television personality and international culinary ambassador, is helping the world rediscover simple, healthy cuisine.

Growing up in his home state of Florida, Justin was exposed at an early age to the many cultures and cuisines from this diversified part of the country. His straightforward approach to cooking, relying on simple ingredients combined with fresh seasonal produce, is a model for the new American cook.

Through apprenticeship, certification, practical experience and a natural passion for food and people, Chef Justin is constantly working to improve the way we eat. His teaching efforts go beyond the measuring cup and are firmly planted within the farm. Agriculture and its natural growing seasons are the main inspirations behind his unique creations.

His work experience ranged from event chef for NASCAR, the PGA and the Kentucky Derby to several top level chef positions around his hometown of Tallahassee, including serving as chef at the Governor's Mansion, and led him to his current duty as Culinary Ambassador for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

As Executive Chef for the Department's Division of Marketing and Development, Justin's responsibilities include promoting all of Florida's freshest commodities, creating new recipes, attending trade events around the world, performing cooking demonstrations and educating children on the value of healthy food choices and proper nutrition.

Justin's philosophy on food is a simple one: "Cooking should always be fun, simple, and flavorful." He always keeps nutrition in mind and enjoys cooking with fresh, local and regionally harvested foods.

Recipes