We were lucky to catch up with James Leger recently and have shared our conversation below.
James, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I got to start with saying to keep your creativity alive is tough. To be inventive and original is something you got to have an open mind with and be able to pay attention to what’s going on in your world. For me the farmers markets and the seasons are what do it for me. It keeps me on my toes. On the personal side of things my friends and family are a huge help for me pushing myself. My wife and I do supper clubs and private dinners so with that in mind we don’t like to repeat ourselves and want to bring new dishes to the table for our guests. When coming up with the menu I love to put music on and just let go of everything in my mind and piece new ideas together. find what you love to do, and creativity will follow.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
It’s been an incredible two years of running our own Supper Club. The Baserri Experiment was created to bring a type of dining that focused not only on Spain and the farmers market but also to make a connection with our community. With a communal table we do a five coursed seasonal dinner filled with laughter and good times, and this is where I introduce you to Spanish tapas that are elevated to an art form with my own touch. The growth of Baserri had also become something that has been picked up for private dinners and catering which brings another scale of what we do. The joy of uniting people through the universal language of food had been immensely rewarding.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First, I think the most important thing is to not stop experimenting. Find flavors that elevate each other and get creative. Second, don’t let a bad time take over your emotions. everything we do is a learning process, and we got to keep moving and pushing ourselves as creators. Third one is simple. Find happiness in what you do. That is what makes it all worth it.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Everyone! haha. My life has been filled with people that I look up to and that want me to succeed. My wife is my right hand with our business, so she really is a great partner in our success. With my friends and family by my side I will always keep going and strive to be better. And of course, yourself. self-care and accomplishments are what keeps me wanting more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thebaserriexperiment.com
- Instagram: baserri_la
- Facebook: James Leger
- Yelp: The Baserri Experiment
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
