Visit Buffalo Niagara - Toutant
Visit Buffalo Niagara - Toutant
In collaboration with tourism bureau Visit Buffalo Niagara, I recently photographed Chef James Roberts of Toutant for their new 2025 dining guide, a celebration of Western New York's diverse culinary landscape, highlighting the region's talented chefs and their unique approaches to food. Chef James Roberts, with his Louisiana roots and passion for local ingredients, brought a distinctive Southern flair to Buffalo's dining scene when he opened Toutant a decade ago.
Chef Roberts' culinary journey began in Louisiana, where he developed a deep appreciation for food, service, and the kitchen brigade system. He honed his skills through extensive travel and rigorous training, ultimately graduating top of his class from Johnson & Wales University. After relocating to Buffalo, he quickly became a respected mentor, guiding many young chefs towards successful careers.
Toutant (Pronounced Two-Tawnt), named after his great-grandfather's Louisiana hunting camp, offered a taste of contemporary country cuisine. The menu showcases Southern comfort food like Gulf seafood, buttermilk fried chicken, and authentic jambalaya - and features the finest seasonal produce from WNY farms. As well as a top notch selection of bourbons and scratch cocktails.
It is with a bittersweet feeling that I share the news of Toutant's impending closure. While I was preparing for their release of these images as part of the new dining guide, Chef James announced that the restaurant would be hosting its final service shortly — marking the end of its long-standing presence as one of Buffalo's most beloved and vibrant eateries. It will be a dearly missed venue, and my team and I wish Chef James all the best on his next adventure.
