MEET THE CHEFS - TOM NAGELIN

Tom has been cooking just about as long as he's been eating, and that's nearly all of his life! Food has always been a major preoccupation for Tom and his culinary career probably began with that first, dripping peanut butter and jelly sandwich from his childhood. He learned in the kitchen while helping both of his parents put together delicious dishes from around the world. Also as a youth he learned his first lessons of nutrition while he worked as a cook's assistance, preparing and serving specialty diets for more than a hundred residents of a convalescent home.

Tom has experienced cuisines from around the globe, having visited every populated continent and studied nearly every major culture around the world. He grew up in California and Hawaii, and has lived in a dozen states. He has traveled extensively throughout the entire United States and has spent time visiting more than 250 American cities and towns. All this thanks to 34 years of service in the U.S. Navy.

During his long navy career, he flew F-14 Tomcat fighter jets from aircraft carriers at sea, commanded a jet squadron, and commanded an air base. Captain Nagelin served in the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill where he was Director of Legislative Affairs and Public Affairs for the U.S. Navy's Reserve Force. In his last assignment, Tom led the national recruiting effort for the U.S. Navy Reserve.

Tom is an experienced motivational speaker and skilled team builder. Through these skills he has helped guide numerous organizations to improve. Tom has experienced the life of New Orleans through visits here every year for the past 30 years and has now made it his home for the last 5 years. Out of his deep appreciation for the history, culture, and cuisine of Louisiana, Tom earned his license as a Professional Tour Guide and loves to tell the story of the people of Louisiana.

Tom has always enjoyed entertaining, especially getting to know people over a good meal. He's passionate about experimenting with foods, creating different tastes and he enjoys the experience of exotic cuisines.

Kevin Belton | Michael W. DeVidts | Anne Leonhard