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J A M E S G O P
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Chef James Gop is the founder and creative force behind Heirloom Fire, an open-fire culinary experience rooted in his upbringing in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts. Raised alongside working farms and forest land, James learned early to revere the primal relationship between fire, food, and connection.
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Trained at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, he returned home to immerse himself in the regional food scene—working with small farms, butchers, and kitchen incubators to deepen his understanding of the land and its rhythms. His culinary approach evolved naturally: each dish a reflection of place, each fire a stage for human connection.
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Part artist, part scientist, James brings a relentless curiosity to every project. His background in art and special-effects design informs the immersive nature of his events—every element, from team attire to dramatic plating, is considered and purposeful. From wild-foraged ingredients to preserved pantry staples and open-fire techniques, James blends instinct with experimentation to create food that evokes memory, season, and place.
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His commitment to sustainability is not a trend but a way of life. He embraces a no-waste philosophy—cooking nose-to-tail and stem-to-root, using every part of the animal and harvest with intention and respect. Wild ingredients foraged from the surrounding landscape often find their way into the menu, bringing untamed, ephemeral flavors to the table. Even the serving pieces and event props are often built from salvaged wood, reclaimed metal, and repurposed materials, reinforcing the belief that nothing is disposable and everything has a story.
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James has been featured on Netflix, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart for his evocative, fire-centered culinary storytelling. While he has quietly crafted wedding feasts for celebrity clientele, he believes discretion is part of true hospitality—and that the food, not the guest list, should do the talking.
He continues to build a reputation not through trends or gimmicks, but through reverent, sensory-rich experiences that leave guests feeling deeply connected to the land, the fire, and one another.
