Chef leaves NYC to serve Spokane

[Food Network Fan]

Chef leaves NYC to serve Spokane
Posted: Nov 27, 2008 02:14 AM EST
Updated: Nov 27, 2008 02:24 AM EST

SPOKANE -- Thanksgiving came a night early for those at the Union Gospel Mission in Spokane. About 300 people were served dinner Wednesday night, each one with their own story, but the man who prepared their meal has a unique story of his own. Two years ago Kris James was living a chef's dream.
"I graduated culinary school in upstate New York and started working for Mario Batali in New York City at one of his smaller restaurants," said James.
Yes, James is talking about the famous Mario Batali, who is often featured on the Food Network.
"I saw Food Network stars, the whole lifestyle," said James. "There was an emptiness still there."
But something pulled James away from that lifestyle and drew him to the Union Gospel Mission in Spokane.

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