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Print this pageChef James Lydon
Asia / Pacific
Chef James (Jim) Lydon moved to Australia from Ireland in 1989 and has spent the last 17 years in airline catering.
He started with Steels Aviation as Head Chef of the First Class passenger restaurant at the Sydney International Airport. From there, he transferred to the Cathay Pacific kitchens, which were later purchased by Gate Gourmet in 1992. Chef Jim’s original role was Sous Chef of the hot kitchen, and in 1997 he was promoted to Shift Manager, a role he still holds today. Jim enjoys his role at Gate Gourmet immensely, especially the many interesting people he meets and the relationships he has formed with his customers.
Jim was born in Ireland, and his love of cooking began as a boy, when his sisters needed his and his brother John’s strength to cream the sugar and butter for cakes. His sisters weighed out all the ingredients, and then the hard work was left to Jim and John. Both of his sisters were Home Economics teachers, so there was keen interest in food about the house. At the age of 13, Jim got his first job – as a kitchen hand at the local restaurant. Jim loved his work. In addition to the pocket money (he bought his first push bike at the end of his first three months), Jim could really see how his contribution resulted in the end product. The same process motivates him today: He loves seeing the end product as a result of so many people’s contributions.
Jim loves Australia and the culinary offerings of the region. When he’s not cooking, he enjoys dining out with his family; their favorites are Thai seafood and Chinese. Jim says his 7-year-old son Lucas already is a discerning eater of Asian food. Jim’s other interests include working out at the gym and reading.
