CJ Jacobson

Executive Chef, "Top Chef" Contestant and Cancer Survivor

Travels From Travels From:
Los Angeles, CA, USA
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CJ Jacobson Biography

Orange County-born C.J. Jacobson grew up relatively indifferent to food but his rich life experiences eventually converged to create an intense dedication to cooking. His craft is best described as "rustic-refined" and revolves around a profound respect for the hyper-seasonal, local ingredients he brings into his kitchen at Girasol in Studio City, CA, which he conceptually collaborated on with Jorge Pultera, former manager at The Ivy, Koi and Red O.

Jacobson has always been one for a good competition. Before starring on “Top Chef” he attended Pepperdine University in Malibu on a volleyball scholarship, made the U.S. National Volleyball Team, and just missed an opportunity to compete in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. But a professional volleyball career took him to Belgium, Israel, and the Netherlands, where he discovered food could be exciting and inspiring.

Returning to L.A. after his volleyball career, Jacobson did a three-day immersion at Mélisse, the Michelin two-star restaurant in Santa Monica where he realized the kitchen would be the next arena in which he would compete. He enrolled at the Le Cordon Bleu-affiliated College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, graduating in 2004. Jacobson's first professional job was cooking at Axe, a highly regarded restaurant with an ingredient-driven California menu. He went on to work throughout Los Angeles and as a private chef for VIPs such as Arianna Huffington and Guess clothing's Marciano family.

A bout with testicular cancer didn't slow Jacobson down but fueled his intensity for cooking and love of life. After his first appearance on “Top Chef” in 2007, he assumed the position of executive chef at The Yard, a gastropub in Venice. The following year, Jacobson participated in the renowned James Beard Celebrity Chef Tour. In 2012, he staged at the world-renowned Copenhagen restaurant Noma.

He returns to television and the “Top Chef” family with “Top Chef Duals.”

When he's not in the kitchen, Jacobson enjoys music and has recently rediscovered his passion for the game of volleyball. But leisure time is scarce, as the dedicated 37-year-old chef is consumed by the study and preparation of food.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 12/30/2023.

CJ Jacobson Videos

  • CJ Jacobson of Ema | Bootstrapping in America
  • C.J. Jacobson's Avocado and Sweet Pea Crudité - YouTube

FAQs on booking CJ Jacobson

  • How do I book CJ Jacobson to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for CJ Jacobson

    Speaking fees for CJ Jacobson, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book CJ Jacobson are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire CJ Jacobson, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does CJ Jacobson speak about?

    CJ Jacobson is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Celebrity Chef, Food & Beverage, Health, Olympic Athlete.
  • Where does CJ Jacobson travel from?

    CJ Jacobson generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is CJ Jacobson’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like CJ Jacobson for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book CJ Jacobson for your next private or corporate function.
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CJ Jacobson is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book CJ Jacobson for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. CJ Jacobson generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Richard Blais, Art Smith, Rick Bayless, Adam Richman and Grant Achatz. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling CJ Jacobson for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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