About J. P. Amateau

J. P. Amateau brings an interesting and varied background to his cooking career. Before entering the world of food, J. P. followed in the footsteps of his father, writer/director Rod Amateau, and became a Hollywood stuntman. He worked on the movie "Sunset" with Bruce Willis and James Garner, "Pee Wee's Big Adventure," and many movies for television.

In true Hollywood fashion, J. P. augmented his income by working as a waiter. At the Chaya Brasserie, esteemed chef Shigefumi Tachebe encouraged J. P. to do prep work in the kitchen and learn more about food and cooking... and a career was born. While working with Mr. Tachebe, J. P. helped open the Chaya Diner and refined his skills in wok and sauté cooking.

He enrolled in the prestigious Culinary Institute and after graduating went on to work in France, near Dijon, and then at the famed Victorian Restaurant in Düsseldorf. J. P. tested the recipes for Michael Roberts' (Trumps Restaurant) cookbook, What's For Dinner? and participated in two special dinners at the James Beard Foundation in New York.

At the helm of the kitchens at Trumps, Renaissance Stouffer Stanford Court, Eclipse, Regent Beverly Wilshire and Parkway Grill, J. P. has established himself as an innovative, "top-notch" chef with superb management skills. He builds a strong sense of teamwork among the cooking and wait staff, and takes time to provide detailed instructions on ingredients and menu choices. He is known especially for his Rustic and Asian fusion cooking, and plans menus with both flavor and nutrition in mind.

With annual trips to Thailand and extensive culinary excursions throughout Asia and Europe, J. P. brings a world of flavor to every dining experience. He approaches food and life with zest and a great sense of humor. "It makes everything taste better," he says.

To discuss your restaurant needs, contact J. P. at 626-398-1507 or use our Guest Page.