Denver native, Chef Jorel Pierce grew up hunting, foraging, canning and preserving seasonal produce and ingredients from around Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. Inspired at a young age by his mother's insatiable thirst for ethnic and interesting flavors Jorel quickly became enthralled with everything food; technique, combination, history and innovation. After a tour through psychology school Jorel traded in his tweed vest and monocle for a 290mm Misono UX10, an associates degree in Culinary Arts at Johnson and Wales and a stint at the 2-star Michelin Le Manoir aux Quat Saison in England. Returning from England, energized and enthusiastic Pierce joined the ranks of James Beard award winning chef Jennifer Jasinski at Rioja (Crafted Concepts) where a healthy and lengthy career of 13 years resulted in multi-unit director experience, restaurant ownership, 2 James Beard nominations a handful of "certificates of participation" alongside a lifetime of experience. Departing the nest in late 2018 and assuming the role of Culinary Director at Tag Restaurant Group (home of 8 concepts and 12 restaurants) Pierce is constantly pressing for more and honing his craft.