James Gibson is the loveliest man. He exudes warmth, friendliness and absolute passion for food and chef life. Originally from Leeds, James got into the kitchen as a way to get out of school and hasn’t looked back. After six years working for the Arbory crew and working his way up through the ranks, he is now Executive chef of Arbory and Afloat, the seasonal venue on the Yarra. This year Afloat is Afloat Viva Mexico and James joined the team on a research trip to Mexico to source the best of the best to bring back to a potentially hot Melbourne summer. Afloat opened for the season a week ago and the balmy weather has already come to the party. There are cocktails on tap and an extensive menu of tacos, raw dishes, tortas and tostadas. I can highly recommend the mojito and the baja fried fish taco and I’m already looking forward to going back for more.