James Holmes

A proud Texan, James Holmes was destined from youth to make his greatest mark at home. Bon Appétit chose Olivia, his first establishment, opened in 2008, as one of 2009 Ten Best New Restaurants — an award this native son justly deserves, having traveled and worked far and wide before reclaiming his roots. After graduating from ICE, Holmes headed west to Taos, NM, where he completed his externship at Joseph’s Table, under ICE alum Joseph Wrede. He returned to New York City to work with Tom Colicchio at Craft and Terrance Brennan at Picholine before making his way to the intimate, market-driven Le Panier du Marché in Strasbourg, France. Upon returning to Texas, Holmes quickly rose to the top in the Austin dining scene. He has even cooked for his idol, singer-songwriter Willie Nelson. At Olivia, the menu celebrated the worldly but comfortable aesthetic that characterizes the city's hip music culture. Most recently Homles has opened up the fast casual Lucy's Fried Chicken, with several locations in the Austin area.