Jim Hughes is a seasoned professional and Executive Chef having opened several full service restaurants including the "flagship" J.W. Marriott in Washington DC, Marriott Rivercenter in Austin, Texas and the Marriott Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, California. He is a Chef Rôtisseur of the Chains Des Rotisseurs a professional culinary association whose membership is by invitation only. He has participated in nation-wide culinary competitions receiving over 12 medals and awards from the American Culinary Federations including Best in Show, Special Judges Award and Gold and Sliver medals. He has catered events in the White House to include President Ronald Reagan, Egyptian President Mabarak, German President Kohl, King Fahad of Saudi Arabia, then Vice President George Bush, First Lady Nancy Reagan and Mr. James Brady. He was recruited by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore's School of Hotel and Restaurant Management to establish its Culinary Arts program in 1994. He cooked and studied under Roger Verge at the three-star (highest Michelin rating), Le Moulin de Mougins restaurant in Mougins, France.