Fly N Fish's storyteller keeps me entertained as I wrap up our chef interview. Julio's interests and talents are as varied as ice cream flavors in a liquid nitrogen shop.
To catch up on all things Julio Hawkins, start the interview by clicking here.
Then you'll be good to continue.
Hardest lesson you've learned:
Assuming prep was getting done prior to a large event, and then finding out it didn't get done moments before the event. CHAOS!! So I live by this creed, “You get what you inspect, not what you expect.”
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Do you have any skills that have nothing to do with food?
I love art! I love to sketch and photograph, mostly nature. Sunsets and anything water related.
Where did you grow up? If you're not from Orange County, what brought you here?
I grew up in Washington state. While at culinary school in San Francisco, Marriott was conducting on campus interviews. They offered me a position in Southern California, and the rest is history.
What's your favorite childhood memory?
Taking a vacation to Central America in a Jeep Wagoner with my family. It was three months of pure bliss.
Last book you read; how was it?
Michael Crichton: PREY. It was a story about the proliferation of nano technology being unleashed onto society. Great read; the future is here.
Last thing you looked up/searched online:
Tickets to Hawaii.
Did you always know you wanted to be a chef? Did you study anything else in school?
No, but I knew at a very young age that I loved food and was willing to always try new and exciting flavors, textures and, of course, different cultural concepts. My major was computer science in college.
Where do you like to go hiking?
I like to go hiking in Mt. Baldy and Laguna Canyon, and the Cascade Mountain in Washington state.
We hear you have a pet. Tell us about him/her!
I have a Siberian Husky, liver brown with a white chest and ice blue eyes. His name is Lucca, and he loves to do tai chi. I kid you not. He loves to hike and run, and he loves himself some doggie treats!
Is there anything you'd like readers to know that we haven't asked?
I'm in the best relationship EVER!
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A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.