F&B FLORIDA 2019

Julie Petrakis
Chef/Owner
The Ravenous Pig


Julie Petrakis grew up in Winter Park, Florida and graduated from the acclaimed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where she met her future husband and restaurant partner, James Petrakis. While in New York, she maximized every opportunity, and accepted a position to work as a line cook at Tribeca Grill during her schooling. After graduation, Petrakis headed south and completed her externship at Atlanta’s Bacchanalia (2001), where she grew her passion for baking and using fresh ingredients indigenous to the Southeast. In 2002, Petrakis returned to Manhattan, where she worked as saucier at The Waldorf-Astoria while staging at several local restaurants, including Union Square Café and Union Pacific. Choosing to return to their hometown roots, Julie joined James in Orlando and helped to open Primo at the JW Marriott. Under the guidance of two of Orlando’s James Beard award-winning chefs, Melissa Kelly and Kathleen Blake, Petrakis was able to shape her understanding of working with organic, seasonal ingredients. Today, Julie and James, are culinary leaders spearheading Orlando’s bourgeoning food movement with multiple concepts in Orlando, including: The Ravenous Pig (2007), an award-winning American Gastropub; Cask & Larder (2012), a Southern Public House featuring seasonal ingredients located in Orlando’s International Airport; and The Polite Pig (2017), a fast-casual concept in Disney Springs combining local Florida flavors with wood-fired, smoked modern barbecue. The restaurant duo has received numerous accolades including five James Beard nominations.

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