From Corpus Christi, Texas, Arthur Durham studied the culinary arts at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. After graduating with top honors in June, 1992, Arthur started working at The Ritz-Carlton Houston in August of the same year. After a year and a half, he earned the position of Banquet Chef, which he held until late 1997. Mohamed and Arthur purchased the former Chez Oca in Lake Charles, January 1998 and opened La Truffe Sauvage the following October.