Tom Torres grew up in Conesville, just 17 miles from Riverside. There, his grandmother inspired a passion for food and warming hospitality, and his farmer grandfather inspired the values of hard work and using fresh ingredients.

After graduating from the Culinary Arts program at Indian Hills in Ottumwa, Tom's adventures around the world began. He graduated from the International Culinary School in Valladolid, Spain, earning him the distinction of holding culinary certifications on two continents. His travels did not end in Valladolid. He spent 30 months going coast to coast in Spain, then from the south of France to Portugal to the tip of Africa. In that time, he worked in such notable Michelin 2-star restaurants as La Botica and Villa Paramesa. Tom eventually came back to the USA and moved to the Chicagoland area, working at Hotel Arista and Paris Bistro in Naperville. He then spent six years growing as a chef and manager at Market House on the Square in Lake Forest.

In 2019, Tom moved back to Iowa to be closer to family. He worked at Iowa City's Graze before becoming Ruthie's chef de cuisine in 2021.

Fun Facts:

• Cooking inspiration: Chef Miguel Angel de la Cruz at La Botica & Chef Mike Tsonton
• Least favorite food: Corn
• Years cooking: 13
• Previous experience: La Botica, Villa Paramesa, Hotel Arista, Paris Bistro, Market House & Graze