"Great food has always been close to my heart"

Tim Hammack, chef-owner of Bohemian Elegance Catering, developed a love for food at an early age. His grandmother Nola Lilly Hammack was his first inspiration. She taught her grandson that the most important ingredient in any dish is love. Mrs. Hammack developed some of her signature dishes during this countries harshest time, the Great Depression. She did not have the luxury of fine ingredients and spices yet her food was always wonderful, and the plates were always clean in the Hammack house.

Chef Hammack has carried his grandmother’s philosophy throughout his career. He began his culinary training by attending classes at the Culinary Institute of America in St Helena, Ca. There his culinary skills began to flourish. The introduction of culture and ingredients inspired the young Chef and he decided to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

In the years since, Chef Hammack has trained at such culinary hotspots as Cesar and Chez Panisse, in Berkley, and Thomas Keller’s acclaimed French bistro Bouchon in the Napa Valley. He has come a long way since his humble beginnings sampling Grandmas famous Baroques, and has developed a culinary style that must be experienced.

When he is not creating culinary bliss with Bohemian Elegance Catering, Chef Hammack is the Executve Chef at the Bay Area Rescue Mission in Richmond Ca. As representative and ambassador for Contra Costa College, Chef Hammack trains recovering drug addicts in the vocation of food preparation. The kitchen at the Mission helps feed 300-500 needy persons daily. It is an endeavor that Chef Hammack finds very rewarding.

As the Executive Chef of the Bay Area Rescue Mission Chef Hammack has been featured in the New York Times article "AMERICAN ALBUM:Finding Purpose in Serving the Needy, Not Just Haute Cuisine." He has also been interviewed by The California Report (KQED), and XM Radio.