Behind the Experts
Dushan Zaric
Mixologist/Partner, Employees Only/Macao Trading Company
Since arriving on American soil from his native Yugoslavia in 1996, Dushan Zaric has become one of New York's best professional bartenders, bringing together potentially harmonious spirits on both sides of the bar over the last 13 years. With his...
Joe DiMaggio
Chef, Zanaro's Italian Restaurant
A distant relative of baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, Chef Joe DiMaggio, Jr. is a 30-year veteran of the industry who has conceived and built restaurants, hotels, casinos spanning the globe. As a child, Chef DiMaggio spent six months a year in...
Antonio Gonzáles
Owner, Restaurante Botín
In the 20th century, Restaurante Botín fell into the hands of husband and wife Emilio González and Amparo Martín. At that time, Botín was only a small family business with just seven employees, including the couple and...
Celestino Drago
Chef, Drago Centro
Frequently featured on local and national radio and television programs, James Beard Foundation honoree Celestino Drago ranks with the top celebrity chefs of the 90's yet reminds one more of a favorite relative.
From the defining kitchen of...
Victoria D'Amato-Moran
Mixologist
Victoria D'Amato-Moran has been in the restaurant/bar business for over 18 years, managing a small neighborhood pre-prohibition bar for a cousin in San Francisco, CA. Victoria was invited to participate in her first cocktail competition in 2003...
Donatella Arpaia
Restaurateur, Mia Dona, Donatella
Donatella Arpaia, the dynamic attorney-turned-restaurateur, is an influential force in the New York dining scene. Not only a food expert and authority on entertaining, she is also a successful businesswoman who has changed the face of dining with a...
Michael Ferraro
Executive Chef, Delicatessen
As early as childhood, Chef Michael Ferraro's interest in food took flight revolving around his family's kitchen table. With Southern Italian parents, Michael was exposed to a style of cooking that fused fine Mediterranean flavors with the quality...
Kiley Holliday
Tea Master, L'Âge de Thé
Kiley Holliday, the youngest female Tea Master in the U.S. (as certified by the American Tea Masters Association), was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from New York University in 2005 with degrees in History...
Claire Winslow
Executive Chef/ Owner
Claire Winslow was born to be a chef. She began cooking at the age of ten and never thought about doing anything else. She currently owns a restaurant and catering company in upstate New York and has expanded her love of food into a visual art form...
Osman Cakir
Owner, Turks and Frogs, Orient Express
Osman Cakir was born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1971. After high school, he studied Tourism and Hospitality Management for four years. He then moved to the U.S. in 1992 to study finance and banking at Columbia University. A man with many hobbies, Cakir...
Victor Marcantoni
Wine and Technical Director, Graffigna
Victor Marcantoni graduated with a degree in oenology in 1981 from Juan Agustín Maza University in Mendoza, Argentina. Immediately after graduation, he joined Bodegas Etchart winery. While at Etchart, Marcantoni gained experience by managing...
Barry Wine
Restaurateur/Chef/Resaturant Consultant
Barry Wine was the chef and owner of the legendary Quilted Giraffe Restaurant, a trend setting restaurant in NY from 1975 until it closed in 1992 as part of the transaction in which Sony Corporation bought the AT&T Building where the restaurant was...
Scott Elder
Winemaker, Grande Dalles
Scott Elder is the big dreamer of the husband-wife team (often to Stephanie LaMonica's chagrin) and has spent nearly 20 years exploring the beauty and intricacies of wine. His palate and perspective, shaped with the guidance of a noted French wine...
Dave Martin
Chef, Vynl
Dave was a Chef-testant on the first season of Bravo's Top Chef. Fans will never forget his famous Black Truffle Mac n' Cheese and, of course, Dave's success in making it to the finals in competition. After appearing on Top Chef, Dave made the leap...
Cathal Armstrong
Chef/Owner
Cathal Armstrong, Chef and Co-Owner of four-star rated Restaurant Eve (110 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 703.706.0450, www.restauranteve.com) was born into a family with a passion for food. A Best Mid-Atlantic Chef nominee by the James Beard...
Dana Seabury
Bartender, Tamo Bar
Dana is a veteran bartender who creates delicious cocktails with ease, and has been doing so at Tamo Bar in Boston's fabulous Seaport Hotel for ten years.
Erin O'Shea
Chef, Marigold Kitchen
Executive Chef Erin O'Shea takes the reins at Marigold Kitchen in January 2008. She has been Sous Chef at Marigold since moving to Philadelphia in 2006 to work under current Executive Chef Michael Solomonov. Before her arrival, Erin worked in...
Debby Poe
Personal Chef
Inspired by her gourmet Grandfather, Debby remembers spending hours helping him in the kitchen as he carefully prepared the families impressive holiday dinners. Debby cherishes those special cooking moments with her Grandfather and says that his...
Martha McKittrick
Nutritionist
Martha McKittrick is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. She specializes in weight control, cardiovascular health, polycystic ovarian syndrome, diabetes, sports nutrition, and preventive nutrition. A staff dietitian at The New...
Alex Bollinger
Executive Chef, Urbana DC
Executive Chef Alex Bollinger represents the generation of young and talented chefs in Washington D.C.'s eclectic and evolving food scene. His food leans towards Western Mediterranean, capturing the bold flavors of France, Spain, Italy and Portugal....
Jeffrey Baruch
Chef, London Lennies
London Lennies Executive Chef, Jeffrey Baruch, was born and raised on Long Island New York where he embarked on his journey into the restaurant industry at the age of 14. With over 31 years of culinary experience, Chef Baruch has traveled across the...
Leah Cohen
Executive Chef, Centro Vinoteca
As the executive chef at New York City's popular Centro Vinoteca Leah Cohen offers an innovative Italian menu that blends traditional Italian classics with a modern approach.
Growing up in Scarsdale, New York, Leah's passion for food was...
Shari Boockvar
Registered Dietician
Shari Bilt Boockvar, MS, RD founded Nutrifacts, Inc. in 1993 and specializes in nutrition counseling for pediatrics, weight control, sports/fitness, and medical management. As opposed to dieting, her philosophy stresses healthy eating approaches and...
Wylie Dufresne
Chef, WD-50
Wylie Dufresne was born in 1970 in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1977 he moved to New York. In 1992 he completed a B.A. in philosophy at Colby College, Maine.
After college, Wylie enrolled at the French Culinary Institute in New York. After...
Michael Laiskonis
Executive Pastry Chef, Le Bernardin
As executive pastry chef of New York's Le Bernardin, Michael Laiskonis produces delicate desserts that are a flavorful balance of art and science, both contemporary and classic. Awarded Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2007 by the James Beard Foundation,...
Abe Kupferstein
Appliance Expert
Abe Kupferstein has always been an appliance enthusiast. Three years ago, he accepted a position with AJ Madison in Brooklyn, New York, where Abe currently manages and advises customers regarding sales of home and kitchen appliances.
Skye Gyngell
Executive Chef, Petersham Cafe
Originally from Australia, Skye Gyngell worked at a number of Sydney's culinary institutions before flying to Paris to complete her formal training under Anne Willan at La Varenne. After a stint at the Dodin-Bouffant, Skye moved to London to work at...
Ed Cotton
Executive Chef, Plein Sud
Plein Sud Executive Chef Ed Cotton's earliest childhood memories involve sitting on the kitchen counter in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the restaurant where his father was the executive chef. By seeing the energy of a thriving kitchen,...
Shaun Hergatt
Chef, SHO Shaun Hergatt
Growing up in a culinary oriented family in Cairns, Australia, Shaun Hergatt was enamored with the kitchen. He was exposed to a unique combination of impassioned and professional cooking by way of his Scandinavian grandmother, and his father, a...
Philipp Kauffmann
Co-Founder, Original Beans Chocolate
Philipp Kauffmann co-founded Original Beans in 2008 combining his career as an entrepreneur and a conservationist. Before Original Beans, Kauffmann founded one of the first independent telecom services companies in the Benelux. He also started...
Mark Mendoza
Sommelier, Sona
It is not surprising that Mark Mendoza was captivated by the world of wine given that he grew up in close proximity to some of the countries best vineyards. Mendoza worked during high school and college in one of the finest restaurants in the East...
Robert Craig
Owner and Winemaker, Robert Craig Winery
For over 30 years, Robert Craig has been a pioneer in the development of mountain vineyards from Napa Valley's great appellations and a visionary in creating a new wine style for mountain Cabernets that emphasizes ripe fruit, supple tannins, and...
Jehangir Mehta
Chef/Owner, Graffiti, Mehtaphor
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Mehta has been a pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, including Jean Georges, Union Pacific, Virot, Compass and Aix. Mehta is the owner and Chef at...
Raffaele Miele
Executive Chef, Gnocco
Raffaele Miele began his culinary career at the New York Restaurant School in the late nineties. After working at the Paramount Hotel for over a year and then at a butcher shop, he went on to work at Osteria del Circo where he remained for two and a...
Marc Taxiera
Chef, The Russian Tea Room
Marc Taxiera is the executive chef of The Russian Tea Room. Previously, he was the executive chef at the Tuscan restaurant Beppe, where he started as a sous-chef when it opened seven years ago. After studying at the Institute of Culinary Education,...
Gregory Zapantis
Chef/Owner, Kellari Taverna
In addition to conducting a private cooking class for The New School Culinary Arts program, Mr. Zapantis is currently writing his first book entitled Mediterranean Secrets and Recipes. Born and raised on rugged Kefalonia, Greece, Gregory grew to...
Jodi Greebel
Nutritionist
Jodi (Citrin) Greebel is a Registered Dietitian in New York City and the President of Citrition, LLC. She is also the co-author of the recently published book, The Little Black Apron: A Single Girl's Guide to Cooking with Style and Grace. Her New...
Nora Pouillon
Chef/Owner, Restaurant Nora
Nora Pouillon opened Restaurant Nora in 1979 and was immediately recognized for creating not only healthy, but delicious organic dishes.
In 1999, twenty years later, the restaurant became the nation's first certified organic restaurant. Nora is a...
Pam Powell
Owner/Creator, Salad Girl
As a young girl growing up in Minnesota, Pam Powell's family would spend summers up in north at their family lake cabin. One summer, feeling all grown up and ready to make her own extra money, Pam got a job at a local resort, Maddens Pine Beach...
Jeremy Bearman
Chef, Rouge Tomate
As a self-taught chef who traded an Ivy League diploma for chef whites, Jeremy Bearman brings his experience running some of the most prestigious kitchens in the U.S. to the position as executive chef at Rouge Tomate. As executive sous chef at both...
Tully Lewis
Pastry Chef & Owner, Tu-Lu's Gluten-Free Bakery
Tully Lewis still remembers receiving the email in July 2008 that contained her diagnosis of gluten intolerance. She immediately thought about pasta, bagels, pizza and cupcakes, all of the foods she would have to give up as a result. This was before...
Ratha Chaupoly
Chef/Owner, Num Pang Sandwich Shop
Ratha Chaupoly was born in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and moved with his family to Massachusetts at the age of 9. Immediately after graduating from Clark University, he started his own company exporting sea urchin to Japan and later entered the restaurant...
Tim Cooper
Brand Ambassador, Cabana Cachaça
Well known in the bar business throughout New York City, Tim Cooper, a BAR Ready Certified veteran mixologist/barman, has 12 years experience in the "game". A passion to experiment and make great cocktails has kept Tim working in some of the most...
Alessandra Rotondi
Sommelier, Serafina Restaurant Group
Alessandra's ancestors hailed from the Chianti Classico area in Tuscany. Even before graduating in Political Sciences, she served as "Liason-Officer" in the Embassy of Ecuador to Italy. In 2005, Alessandra felt the need to honor her ancestors' "wine...
Ed Engoron
Chocolatier, Perspectives
Ed Engoron is an award-winning Hollywood art director, illustrator, restaurateur, chef, food consultant and chocolatier. He studied in Paris at the famed Cordon Bleu and Meraux Chocolate Boutique, and has had a passion for chocolate his entire life....
Chris Salans
Chef/Owner, Mozaic Group
After Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris, l'Oustau de Baumaniere, David Bouley's and Thomas Keller's famed restaurants, Chris Salans set sails for Asia. Asian food influences and French home cooking, with his experience in modern cuisine have...
Jarvis Green
Owner, The Capitol; Defensive Lineman, New England Patriots
Jarvis Green, starting defensive lineman for the New England Patriots, has come a long way from his roots in the small town of Donnelsonville, LA. The former LSU construction engineering major virtually runs through his opponents on the field,...
Robert Irvine
Chef and TV Personality
With more than 25 years in the culinary profession, Chef Robert Irvine has cooked his way through Europe, the Far East, the Caribbean and the Americas, in hotels and on the high seas. He brings his experience to Food Network as host of Dinner:...
Masaharu Morimoto
Executive Chef, Morimoto
Born in Hiroshima, Japan, Iron Chef Japanese Masaharu Morimoto trained in a sushi restaurant before moving to the U.S. in 1985 at the age of 30. After working in several restaurants, he joined the highly acclaimed Nobu restaurant in New York City....
Gavin Kaysen
Chef, Café Boulud
In the fall of 2005 Gavin Kaysen decided to take a few weeks off from his own kitchen to train elsewhere and broaden his perspective. His goal was to spend time in the kitchen of the best chef who would have him. As a result, he did a brief...
Michael Schwartz
Chef/Owner, Michael's Genuine
Chef Michael Schwartz (45), the man behind Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, the Miami Design District dining sensation, has enjoyed both critical and popular acclaim throughout his distinguished career. A 2009 nominee for the prestigious James Beard...
Wilo Benet
Chef/Restaurateur, Pikayo/Payá/Varita
Puerto Rican Chef Wilo Benet is owner of three restaurants, Pikayo, his fine dining and flagship restaurant -- opened almost 20 years ago; Payá, his casual theme restaurant celebrating its 5th year and his newest venture which opened this year,...
Mathieu Palombino
Chef, Motorino
Having played a significant role in the redefinition of the bistro concept at Laurent Tourondel's famed BLT Restaurants; Chef Mathieu Palombino is now expressing the heart and soul of the pizzeria at Motorino.
The chef found his way to Italian...
Floyd Cardoz
Executive Chef/Partner, Tabla Restaurant
In 1998, Floyd Cardoz teamed with restaurateur Danny Meyer and Union Square Hospitality Group to open Tabla, where Floyd cooks his pioneering New Indian cuisine as Executive Chef and Partner.
Floyd attended culinary school in Bombay and received...
Scott Gottlich
Chef/Owner, Bijoux
A Dallas native, Scott Gottlich began his culinary career as the most adventurous eater in his parents' kitchen where he always perceived food as a complete and sensual experience rather than mere physical necessity. After earning his culinary arts...
Vicky Vij
Restaurateur, Bukhara Grill
Vicky Vij, Raja Jhanjee and Master Chef/Partner Bachan Rawat established Bukhara Grill in September of 1999. Vij and Jhanjee, long-time friends, worked together at Bukhara located at the Mauyra Sheraton in India. They always shared a dream to open...
Anthony Ricco
Executive Chef, Spice Market
Chef Anthony Ricco was born and raised in Brooklyn, where he still lives. As a kid, he watched his grandmother prepare Italian dishes with great ease, and aimed to acquire the same culinary skill. During childhood, Ricco would wake up before the rest...
Ted Reader
Chef, Ted's World Famous BBQ
Ted Reader is an award-winning chef and food entertainer, who's parlayed his passion for food into a culinary tour de force that includes more than a dozen cook books, shelves of food products, live culinary performances, TV and radio cooking shows...
Kareem Massoud
Winemaker, Paumanok Vineyards
After earning a BS in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Kareem had a brief career in New York as a private equity analyst at a private investment firm. He decided to move on and ended up back at his family's estate...
Gerry Dawes
Writer, Gerry Dawes's Spain
Gerry Dawes writes a blog on Spain, Gerry Dawes's Spain: An Insider's Guide to Spanish Food, Wine, Culture and Travel and a blog on general culinary and wine topics, The Traveling Gastronomer. Gerry Dawes was awarded Spain's prestigious Premio...
Dean Fearing
Chef/Partner, Fearing's
The creator of "Elevated American Cuisine -- Bold Flavors, No Borders" with his namesake restaurant Fearing's, chef/partner Dean Fearing has developed one of the hottest restaurant concepts across the country. Named "Restaurant of the Year" and...
Denis Cottin
Fromager, Artisanal
Denis Cottin, Artisanal's Director of Affinage, has spent a lifetime developing a complete understanding of cheese. Raised in Le Jura, the mountainous French region bordering France and Switzerland, Denis spent his youth immersed in cheese making...
Brian Cantrell
Chef, A Fish Called Avalon
With more than 15 years of professional culinary experience, Brian Cantrell leads the ongoing development and execution of South Beach's most historic restaurant
A Fish Called Avalon ,specializing in modern American seafood. Brian, a North...
Suvir Saran
Chef, Dévi/American Masala
Suvir Saran is the author of two widely acclaimed cookbooks, American Masala and Indian Home Cooking. Establishing new standards for Indian food in America, Saran and tandoor master Hemant Mathur create the authentic flavors of Indian home cooking at...
Maribel Lieberman
Chocolatier, MarieBelle
Luxury confections brand MarieBelle New York launched in 2000, as the creation and inspiration of founder and CEO Maribel Lieberman. Today, the brand has become synonymous with luxurious, irresistible chocolates and sweets, elegantly presented in...
Cyrille Holota
Chef du Cuisine, Joel Brasserie
JOËL BRASSERIE's executive Chef Cyrille Holota is also a managing partner of Atlanta's premier destination for French dining. As JOËL BRASSERIE folds new ingredients into its award-winning recipe for culinary success, Holota, a culinary...
Lisa Lillien
Author/Creator, Hungry Girl
Lisa Lillien is a typical woman battling the same food issues most females struggle with every day. She tries the latest fad diets, chomps on new fat-free foods and diet products, and, of course, orders everything on the side. Lisa considers herself...
Vincenzo Marianella
Mixologist, Copa d'Oro
A native Italian, Vincenzo Marianella has spent his adult life perfecting the craft of mixing cocktails. Working his way through Los Angeles, New York, and Australia, where he attended the Australian Bartending Academy, Marianella officially...
Carol Wallack
Executive Chef/Owner, sola
A "surfer girl from California," Chef Wallack found her calling while at the beach. "I met a girl who was a chef for the original Spago," she recalls. "Two weeks later, I found myself working for her." Chef Wallack's love of food led to her role as...
Divya Gugnani
Founder and CEO, Behind the Burner
Divya Gugnani acquired a taste for her future in culinary arts while building a career in finance. In addition to a B.S. from Cornell University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, Divya holds a degree from the French Culinary Institute,...
Joanna Dolgoff, M.D.
Nutritionist
Joanna Dolgoff, M.D. grew up in Roslyn, New York. She attended Princeton University where she graduated Cum Laude with a degree in molecular biology. She was elected to the Sigma Chi International Research Honor Society based on scientific research...
Paul Abercrombie
Author and Mixologist
Paul Abercrombie is a Tampa-based mixologist, publicist and writer. By day, Paul handles public relations for law firms and other professional services outfits, but come violet hour, he can be found in the kitchen mixing up a cocktail or two. He...
Amanda Hesser
Food Writer/Author
Amanda Hesser has been a food columnist and editor at The New York Times for more than a decade. She is the author of two award-winning books, The Cook and the Gardener and Cooking for Mr. Latte, and the editor of the anthology Eat, Memory. Her next...
Eamon Rockey
Mixologist, Compose
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Eamon Rockey previously served as a bartender and captain at Eleven Madison Park and also put in time at esteemed NYC spot Gilt. These formative experiences gave him an eye for flawlessly integrated...
David Hart
Executive Chef, Desmond's
British born Chef David Hart has had quite an interesting journey prior to landing in NYC and opening Desmond's, an effortlessly chic, modern American restaurant on the Upper East Side. At the tender age of sixteen, Hart began training at Claridges...
Bill Peet
Executive Chef, Aretsky's Patroon
As Executive Chef of Aretsky's Patroon, Bill Peet presents a menu featuring refined adaptations of classic American comfort fare. Peet first entered the kitchen in 1973 at The Inwood Manor in Teaneck, New Jersey, before moving on to work at other...
Cliff Ostrowski
Executive Chef, China Grill
Born on the East Coast, Cliff Ostrowski graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in New York in 1995.
Ostrowski's long career as a professional Chef began in Chicago when he joined the team at the Four Seasons. From Chicago, he spent 3...
Don Pham
Chef, Geisha
Chef Pham's father, a sushi chef who owned and operated the family Japanese Restaurant, led his son to a culinary path. At the age of 21 with nearly seven years of training in the kitchen and at the sushi bar, Chef Don Pham took an incredible...
Michael Green
Wine Expert
Michael Green has the unique ability to talk business with the language of wine. With his company, Liquid Assets Consulting Group, Michael's wine-and-dine wizardry takes many forms, including designing customized corporate dinners and directing...
Gonzalo Omiste Ruiz
Chef, Restaurante Balzac
Chef Gonzalo started in July and introduced his new menu in September. He previously worked at El Olivo for 19 years (12 as executive chef). He comes from a restaurant family, and has worked from a young age in the kitchen.
Bernard Guillas
Executive Chef, The Marine Room
Brittany-born Bernard Guillas is Executive Chef of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club and landmark Marine Room restaurant in California. Guillas began his formal training in 1978, at La Bretagne in Questembert, France, where he apprenticed with the...
Gennefer Gross
TV Writer/Food Columnist/Pairing Expert
Gennefer Gross is a television writer, producer and host with a penchant for storytelling and passion for fine food. Often referred to as a "one woman think tank," she is currently juggling several exciting ventures, one of which is called...
Vanessa Barg
Owner and Chocolatier, Gnosis Chocolate
Vanessa Barg is the founder and owner of Gnosis Chocolate, Inc - a New York City based organic, raw, vegan, kosher chocolate company. Vanessa founded Gnosis at the age of 23 having just graduated from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in NYC as...
Leyla Marchetto
Restaurateur, Scuderia
Raised in the heart of the restaurant business in Manhattan, Leyla always had a penchant for working within the hospitality industry. After graduating from Georgetown University, she went on to work for several luxury boutique PR firms and top hotels...
Jason Ferris
Mixologist, Bar Artisanal
Jason Ferris has spent 22 years in the restaurant business: in the kitchen, as a sommelier and a mixologist. He has worked in New York, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. A sommelier first, Jason puts much of his cocktail attention to...
Jesi Solomon
Chef, Thor
Jesi Solomon grew up in Tucson Arizona, where as a boy he was cultured in the cuisine from his mother's homeland of Turkey. As a teenager, Jesi made salads at a local restaurant and was given his big break when one of his superiors won the lottery,...
José Andrés
Chef, Bazaar
Often called Spain's unofficial ambassador to the United States, Andrés is the host of "Made in Spain", a 26-episode PBS television series that draws on his unrivalled expertise in Spain's wine, food and travel. The companion cookbook Made...
Ted Breaux
Master Distiller
T. A. Breaux is a native New Orleanian and professional scientist who has dedicated over fifteen years of research toward resolving the scientific and historical mysteries associated with absinthe. Armed with a background in analytical science, he...
Lucas Billheimer
Chef, Parlor Steakhouse
Executive Chef Lucas Billheimer is saluting both the turf and the sea at newly opened Parlor Steakhouse on NYC's upper east side. His menu shines with culinary delights such as yellow tail sashimi, crispy soft-shell crab and an array of steaks cooked...
Thomas Turck
Chef, Pheonix Restaurant
Born in Dutchess County, New York and raised in Rhinebeck, New York, Thomas Turck is widely recognized within the Hudson Valley region and often looks to his established relationships with local farmers and fellow industry leaders to create new...
Sean Josephs
Owner and Bartender
Sean discovered his passion for food, wine and spirits when his wife Mani opened her restaurant Tia Pol. He left his advertising career and worked in the front of the house at Chanterelle and Per Se and then spent two years with the BR Guest...
Carl DeLuce
Executive Chef, Cranwell Resort
Chef Carl DeLuce has been the Executive Chef at Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club since 1996, where he manages a kitchen staff of over 25 employees. With six years of prior experience with spa cuisine at Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires, he oversaw...
Tawny Ong
Baker, Desserts by Tawny Ong
Tawny Ong loves southern homemade comfort desserts. Though traditionally heavy and very sweet, Tawny has perfected and created her own versions of light, fluffy, moist and not-too-sweet but just right southern desserts using the best ingredients....
Alexis Ewing
Certified Sommelier, Regal Wine Company
Alexis Ewing caught the wine bug at the age of 19- legally! As a student in the world-famous School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, she took the Wines 101 course (under a special New York state law those who are underage are permitted...
Patrick Connolly
Chef, Bobo
In 1999, at the age of 21, Patrick took a job pouring Irish stout at a family-run pub in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, to pay off debt accrued by student loans. Intrigued by the excitement of the kitchen, Patrick asked to be moved to the...
Ludo Lefebvre
Chef, LudoBites
Chef Ludovic Lefebvre made a name for himself as the executive chef at L’ Orangerie and Bastide, two of LA's most famous and luxurious restaurants, where he quickly established a reputation for his ability to combine old world simplicity and...
Martin Benn
Chef/Owner, Sepia
Martin Benn was born in Hastings, England, in 1974. He began his career as a Chef at the Oak Room in London learning French gastronomy under Michel Lorrain. From there Benn moved to work at the Landmark and later the Criterion, where he came under...
Michael Mina
Chef, Mina Group
Named Bon Appetit Chef of the Year 2005, San Francisco Magazine Chef of the Year 2005, as well as Restaurateur of the Year 2005 by the International Food and Beverage Forum, acclaimed chef Michael Mina continues to dazzle the culinary world with bold...
Jason Berthold
Executive Chef, RN74
Jason Berthhold is the executive chef of Michael Mina's RN74 in San
Francisco and also has experience as a wine maker and entrepreneur. Berthold thrives on delivering pure, vibrant flavors that showcase each ingredient with equal enthusiasm and...
Jonathan Pogash
Cocktail Consultant
Jonathan Pogash is a cocktail consultant for bars, restaurants and spirit companies. Trained by such cocktail luminaries as Gary Regan and Albert Trummer, Jonathan has traveled the world spreading the art that is Mixology. He not only teaches...
Roberto Deiaco
Executive Chef, Armani/Ristorante
Roberto Deiaco was born in the Dolomite Mountains of Northern Italy. He began his culinary career early, starting as a kitchen apprentice at the age of 14. He attended the Istituto Alberghiero di Bressanone for his formal training, where he studied...
Eric Hara
Chef, The Oak Room
Eric Hara, the Executive Chef of the legendary Oak Room at The Plaza Hotel, has reimagined classic American cuisine for a contemporary palate. While Hara's seasonal menu is innovative and playful, each dish is a showcase for the true flavors of top...
Anthony Russo
Executive Chef, Lugo Caffe
When you consider his upbringing, it is no surprise that Executive Chef Anthony Russo chose to become a chef skilled in Italian cuisine. Born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, this true blood New Yorker grew up in a traditional Italian family,...
Ramona Singer
TV Personality, CEO of RMS Fashions, Inc. and True Renewal Skin Care
Ramona Singer is an astute businesswoman and a true aficionado of fashion with a passion for being a wife and mother. In addition to her role on BRAVO's The Real Housewives of New York City, Ramona has taken the beauty and accessory industries by...
Petrous Moldovan
Chef, the Russian Tea Room
The restaurant business has always been a part of Chef Petrous Moldovan's life. His parents were restaurateurs, introducing him and his siblings to the industry from the time they were born. Spending vacations at his family's farm in Romania...
Sezai Celikbas
Co-Executive Chef, Pera
Sezai Celikbas's culinary future was virtually determined at birth as the son of one of the most highly regarded chefs in Turkey, acclaimed for his "Adana style" kebab preparation that yields an extraordinary level of flavor, moisture and texture....
Bill Boggs
Author/TV Personality
Four-time Emmy award-winning TV host and entertainment industry insider Bill Boggs has been a major figure in the lifestyle, food, travel, consumer, sports, news, and celebrity reporting arenas for more than 25 years and is a best-selling author and...
Garrett Oliver
Brewmaster, Brooklyn Brewery
Garrett Oliver is the Brewmaster for The Brooklyn Brewery and the foremost authority in the United States on the subject of traditional beer. His most recent book, The Brewmaster's Table, was the winner of the 2004 IACP Cookbook Award and a finalist...
Maximo Lopez May
Executive Chef, Wall & Water
Andaz Wall Street has appointed Maximo Lopez May as executive chef of Wall & Water. With the opening of Wall & Water, Chef Lopez May returns to New York after spending five years in his native Buenos Aires, where he served as chef de cuisine at...
Susanna Foo
Chef/Owner, Foo Restaurants
Cooking has always been a family affair for Susanna Foo. Born in Inner Mongolia, China and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, Foo became well acquainted with the spices, grains, and produce indigenous to the region. She has fond memories of learning to wrap...
Chris North
Chef, The Restaurant
Chris North, Executive Chef, was trained by Peter Kump at the New York Cooking School (now the Institute of Culinary Education) and comes to The Restaurant after an impressive career at establishments in New York City such as Cafe Luxembourg,...
Matt Lewis
Baker/Owner, Baked
Matt Lewis spent much of his youth (or what was left of it) in the world of advertising. Matt, a producer, spent his days hidden away in a cubicle stuffed with spreadsheets, post-its, and relentless voice mails. Matt wanted to open a bakery that...
Rick Tramonto
Chef, Tru
Tramonto's passion for food, unique culinary style, and his proven track record at home and abroad provided him a solid foundation to partner in a successful restaurant. Tramonto is executive chef/partner at the world-renowned four-star fine-dining...
Pierre Poulin
Pastry Chef, Le Cirque
Pierre Poulin grew up in Paris, where he enrolled in L'Ecole de Paris des Metiers de la Table at age 16. After obtaining diplomas in both cuisine and pastry, Pierre spent three years working at Paris' four star Hotel Lutetia, where he was a member of...
Kaegan Welch
Executive Chef/Partner, Stuart and Welch
Kaegan Welch is a professional chef who has worked in restaurant and catering kitchens in New York, Portland and Austin and lived and cooked in Spain, France, Mexico and Costa Rica. He has also worked for master chefs such as Thomas Keller. He...
Todd Gray
Chef/Owner, Equinox
Since opening Equinox in 1999 to universal acclaim, Todd Gray has emerged as one of the leading culinary talents in the nation's capital, as well as a tireless champion of sustainable farming and fishing practices, and a passionate promoter of local,...
Neil Ferguson
Chef, Soho House
Born and raised in Hampshire, Southern England, Ferguson converted to the chef's craft at age 12. Following three years at Highbury College of Technology for professional cookery, he graduated to a commis position at Le Gavroche in London. Next, a...
Calvin Pace
NY Jets Linebacker/Food Blogger
Calvin Pace (#97), linebacker for the New York Jets, is a food aficionado and throughout his travels, he looks to taste new and exciting dishes and meals. Calvin has an extensive cookbook collection and enjoys tweaking and perfecting new recipes. In...
Joe O'Connor
Mixologist
Joe O'Connor started in the service industry at the age of sixteen, washing dishes and doing prep work at Mulcahy's Bar and Nightclub on Long Island. A casual conversation for a summer job led Joe to realize his growing passion for the restaurant...
Ryan LaFrance
Excecutive Chef, VOX Populi
Born in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, Ryan LaFrance began his career in the culinary arts at the tender age of 15 when he took a job as a dishwasher at the Abbey Grill in Fall River. He began showing enthusiasm by doing basic prep-work in his spare time,...
Andy Pforzheimer
Chef, Barcelona Wine and Tapas Bar
Native New Yorker Andy Pforzheimer began his studies at Harvard, then went on sabbatical to apprentice as a chef in France. When he returned to the U.S. to finish school, he simultaneously worked at Upstairs at the Pudding in Cambridge, MA. After...
Dana Herbert
Chef/Owner, Desserts by Dana
Dana Herbert resides in Bear, Delaware; which has become home for his custom cakes and sugar artistry at Desserts by Dana. Chef Herbert lives and breathes in the sweet and artistic world of the pastry arts where flavor and color come to life in his...
Chris Pandel
Chef, The Bristol Chicago
A rising star on the Chicago culinary scene, Executive Chef Chris Pandel has honed his craft at Courtright's Restaurant, the famous Café Boulud in NYC, Tru, Osteria Via Stato and more.
Pandel began his career with a job at the Chew Chew...
Miri Kolici
Mixologist, Upstairs at the Kimberly
Miri Kolici is a bartender at the beautiful rooftop lounge Upstairs, located in the penthouse of The Kimberly Hotel. Miri has tended bar in Manchester, London and is presently in New York City. He enjoys traveling, visiting cities such as Berlin,...
Jeffrey O'Connell
Mixologist, Celsius
Jeffrey O'Connell's interest in cocktails and mixology stemmed from his chemistry background in college. His joy for experimentation continued behind the bar mixing cocktails to highlight spirits in their true form. O'Connell's favorite Celsius...
Howard Greenstone
Chief Operating Officer, Rosa Mexicano
As Chief Operating Officer and Partner of Rosa Mexicano restaurants, Howard Greenstone directs its eight current restaurants in Atlanta, New York, Miami, Hackensack, National Harbor (MD) and Washington DC, with new restaurants slated to open in Los...
Gianni Russo
Chef/Wine Expert
Gianni Russo has made a career of playing tough guys. Although remembered most for his portrayal of Carlo Rizzi in The Godfather, his first acting job, his career has spanned over 40 films including such hits as The Freshman, Rush Hour, Any Given...
Ingrid Hoffmann
Chef and Television Host
Ingrid Hoffmann is passionate about food and entertaining and spends each day sharing her enthusiasm and talent with an international audience. She hosts three national shows, including Simply Delicioso and the Spanish-language shows, Delicioso and...
Melissa O'Donnell
Chef, Salt
Born and raised in New York City, Melissa O'Donnell has worked consistently in restaurants since 1991. She graduated from the French Culinary Institute in 1994 and stayed on as an assistant chef to teach. She has cooked in a number of small New...
Jérôme Papin
Chef, Le Mystique
Jérôme Papin knew he was going to be in the culinary world since he was a boy on his grandmother's farm. Respectful and demanding of the freshest quality ingredients,first as a cook and later as a chef, Jérôme's philosophy...
Michael Hartnell
Executive Chef
Michael Hartnell has principally been with the Caprice Holdings Group for the past 6 years. His most recent role was Head Chef at internationally renowned Daphne's. He is now based in New York as executive Chef at the new Le Caprice at the Pierre...
Fran Gare
Nutritionist/Author
Dr. Fran Gare has practiced medicine for over twenty years; she holds an MS in Clinical Nutrition and Biology from the University of Bridgeport, CT and a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Wroxton Abbey, Braintridge Forrest,UK.
Dr. Gare is...
Jet Tila
Executive Chef, Wazuzu
Jet Tila opened Wazuzu at Encore, the new signature resort in the Wynn collection. The restaurant's menu represents the best of Southeast Asia with dishes inspired by Thailand, Vietnam,
Singapore and India. Tila joins Encore from Los Angeles where...
Nic Bradley
Wine Director
Nic Bradley began his career in hospitality at a wine bar in his home state of Indiana, and later honed his interests at 1789 Restaurant in Washington, D.C. After two years at 1789 Restaurant, Bradley moved to the acclaimed CityZen in the Mandarin...
Ana Sortun
Chef, Sofra Bakery
In her memoir, Eating My Words, food writer Mimi Sheraton included Ana Sortun as one of the country's "best creative fusion practitioners," describing the chef's food as "inspired and inspiring." With a degree from La Varenne Ecole de Cuisine in...
Virginia Philip
Master Sommelier, The Breakers Palm Beach
Virginia Santarsiero Philip, master sommelier of The Breakers Palm Beach, achieved two of the most respected accolades in the food and beverage profession. In November 2002, at the age of 35, she accomplished the remarkable within barely a...
Wolfgang Puck
Chef/Owner, Spago/Chinois/CUT/Postrio/The Source/Trattoria del Lupo/2021/PUCK's
Wolfgang Puck is synonymous with culinary passion and innovation. Inspired by his mother Maria, a hotel chef, Austrian-born Puck began his formal culinary training at age 14 and regularly spent time cooking with fresh ingredients from local farms. He...
Natalia Rusin
Nutritionist
At Rouge Tomate (14 East 60th Street, 646-861-0842) Natalia Rusin shares her extensive knowledge in nutrition and culinary arts. She works closely with executive chef Jeremy Bearman to create, develop, and serve seasonal, well-balanced cuisine....
Fred Dexheimer
Master Sommelier
Fred Dexheimer has over ten years of concentrated experience in the wine industry, from esteemed restaurants including Daniel, Gramercy Tavern, Cello, L'Impero and Jean Georges.
He has received a number of accolades, among them a 2004 victory in...
Missy Robbins
Executive Chef, A Voce
In the fall of 2008, Executive Chef Missy Robbins joined the team at A Voce where she has received critical acclaim for creating classic Italian specialties with a contemporary twist. Her cuisine focuses on simplicity, highlighting flavorful...
Paul LaBue
Executive Chef, Navy Beach
Determined to become a successful chef from as far back as he can remember, Paul worked diligently at various restaurants while carrying a full course load in school at The Academy of Culinary Arts. After graduating with honors, he went on to hold...
Pilar Rodriguez
Behind the Chef
Pilar attended the prestigious school of Culinary Arts Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. After completing her studies, she worked with the prominent French chef Christian Le Squer at the restaurant Ledoyen, which is awarded three Michelin stars.
However,...
Frank Caiafa
Mixologist, Waldorf Astoria
Frank Caiafa was born and raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn which he says makes him part of a "rare indigenous species." In the recent past he helped open La Piazzetta in Williamsburg, and worked as director of beverage at
Battery Gardens in...
Michael Stark
Chef, Fresh Direct
After receiving his master certification from one of the most elite hotel management schools in Europe, Chef Michael Stark burst onto the culinary scene, working at top restaurants everywhere from Italy to Tahiti. After a considerable amount of...
Gabriel Orta
Mixologist
Gabriel Orta has been working in the food and beverage industry for over 12 years. His roots in the kitchen allow him a valuable insight into the Bar Chef world. Constantly drawing inspiration from the culinary world around him Orta translates the...
Vivian Kleynhans
Winemaker, Seven Sisters
Vivian Kleynhans is the founder of the Seven Sisters, a South African wine brand launched in the wake of apartheid. Formerly the president of a human resources firm, Kleynhans entered the wine business after seeing an opportunity to honor her parents...
Greg Seider
Mixologist/Co-Owner, The Summit Bar
For the past 12 years, Greg Seider has shaken and stirred some of the most inspired cocktails in New York, at notable culinary and cocktail institutes such as The Mercer Kitchen, Asia de Cuba, Lot 61, Robert De Niro's Hudson Lounge, Minetta Tavern...
Claudio Cristofoli
Chef
After training at the Treviso Culinary Institute and working his way up the culinary hierarchy in several top restaurants in London and Venice, Executive Chef Claudio Cristofoli moved to New York, where he helmed the kitchen of Cipriani Downtown...
John Greeley
Executive Chef, 21 Club
John Greeley's culinary interest began when he was a teenager growing up in New Jersey, where he could often be found in the family kitchen experimenting with meals.
His passion and talent for the Fine Arts led John to New York City's School of...
Jeremy Ravetz
Chef, Michael Mina
Restaurant MICHAEL MINA Executive Sous Chef Jeremy Ravetz has been working under mentor chefs Michael Mina and Chris L'Hommedieu at the San Francisco flagship restaurant since 2007. A graduate of New York's Institute of Culinary Education, he has...
Sebastien Archambault
Chef, RH
Sebastien Archambault, Executive Chef, RH, West Hollywood Texas-born, French-trained chef Sebastien Archambault works tirelessly with local growers and purveyors to create the simple, yet expertly prepared, "market to table" cuisine at RH restaurant...
Katie Lee
Author
For Katie Lee, cooking wasn't just a hobby growing up, it was a way of life. Raised in a modest, tight knit West Virginia family, each evening centered around the dinner menu. Eager to get involved, Katie began cooking at the tender age of four,...
Peter Berley
Chef/Culinary Instructor
Peter Berley is a working chef, cookbook author, and culinary instructor. Peter's foremost concern is the development of local sustainable food systems and the fate of the home cooking in America. Former executive chef of the world-renowned Angelica...
Gadi Weinreich
Executive Chef, Bryant Park Grill
Gadi Weinreich was born in Israel and with his grandmother, where he first fell in love with cooking.
Chef Weinreich moved to the US in 1984 to pursue a career as a server and manager at several top New York City restaurants such as the Quilted...
Frank McClelland
Chef/Owner, L'Espalier
Frank McClelland's love of cooking began while growing up on his grandparents' farm in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This interest grew to become a passion and a career as one of the nation's top chefs. In the kitchen, as well as in the...
Alessandro Cartumini
Chef, Quattro Bar and Restaurant, Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley
Executive Chef Alessandro Cartumini brings over fifteen years of culinary experience including work in several five-star hotels to Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto. Cartumini oversees Quattro Restaurant and Bar as well as all food...
Allison Topperwein
Wine Expert
Allison Toppewein's wine days began with humble beginnings with the sweet taste of White Zin just a glass away in the fridge. She slowly moved to whites, but couldn't pass up a Sutter Home double bottle of White Zin with her best girlfriend. Through...
Patrick Cappiello
Sommelier, Gilt
Patrick Cappiello, wine director of Gilt restaurant, oversees a world-class wine list of 1,400 selections and a wine-by-the-glass program with over 40 different wines. Cappiello brings more than 21 years of industry experience to the wine program at...
Andrea Reusing
Chef/Owner Lantern
Chef/owner Andrea Reusing of Lantern restaurant has earned a national voice for her farm fresh approach to cooking and commitment to sustainability, sharing it with the nation through her work as a Slow Food activist, and on Gourmet's "Diary of a...
Lidia Bastianich
Owner/Chef, Felidia
Lidia Matticchio Bastianich is one of the best–loved chefs on television, a best–selling cookbook author, restaurateur, and owner of a flourishing food and entertainment business. Her cookbooks include Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy...
Jean Joho
Chef, Everest/Eiffel Tower Restaurant/Brasserie Jo
One of the world's great culinary talents, Chef J. Joho is famed for his personalized cuisine. Each dish creatively and elegantly balances unexpected flavor combinations. Joho has been showered with accolades for his accomplishments with Everest,...
Lon Symensma
Chef, Buddakan
Chef Lon Symensma was only 14 years old when he took a job at a local diner and discovered how much he enjoyed the fast-paced environment of a professional kitchen. He began competing in the national culinary circuit and at the age of 19, received...
Violetta Bitici
Restaurateur, Macelleria
Violetta Bitici is an owner of Macelleria, an Italian steakhouse that has been lauded in New York Magazine, and Time Out New York. It is a favorite for neighborhood residents, foodies, and celebrities. The fare at Macelleria is based on simple food....
Josh Hackler
President/Founder, Spanish Vines
It is not often that one comes across a 23 year-old who juggles academics and student life, while establishing a full-time business. Josh Hackler, President and Founder of Spanish Vines, accomplished just that and, today, is among the youngest and...
Jennifer Castillo
Mixologist, CAFETERIA
Jennifer Castillo, a Miami Florida native is the head bartender at the notable Manhattan eatery, CAFETERIA. As her employment with CAFETERIA reaches nearly four years, and her time behind the bar approaching three, it is no wonder that this mover...
Nino Selimaj
Restaurateur, Nino's
Nino Selimaj has become a restaurateur mogul, operating several restaurants throughout New York City that have become premier dining destinations for politicians, celebrities, and New Yorkers alike. Nino is the proprietor of Nino's Restaurant,...
Brian Ellis
Executive Chef, The Smith
Executive Chef Brian Ellis imaginatively interprets American bistro cuisine at the The Smith in NYC's East Village. After four years of running the kitchen as executive chef at partner restaurant, Jane, Brian Ellis took helm of the stoves at The...
Jennifer Chandler
Behind the Author
When asked why she got into the food business, Jennifer Chandler always quickly responds, "Because I love to eat!" Jennifer Chandler graduated at the top of her class with Le Grand Diplome and a Mention Tres Bien in Pastry from Le Cordon Bleu in...
Dan Barber
Chef, Blue Hill
Dan Barber began farming and cooking for family and friends at Blue Hill Farm in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. In May of 2000, Dan opened Blue Hill restaurant with family members David and Laureen Barber. Since then, he has addressed local food...
Kevin O'Connell
Executive Chef, Veranda
Chef Kevin O'Connell was on the leading edge of the burger craze when he opened Union Square's Pop Restaurant in New York in 2000, which led to the two Pop Burger slider joints. The continued and growing popularity of his burgers, as well as his...
Sara Johannes
Chef, Five Sixty
An avid fan of PBS cooking shows since childhood, Sara C. Johannes was always destined to be a chef. After graduating college with a degree in Theater Direction and later working in sales, she quit her job to follow her passion for food by finding...
Malika Ameen
Pastry Chef/Owner, Aigre Doux
Malika Ameen, owner/executive pastry chef of the new contemporary American bakery and restaurant Aigre Doux at 230 W. Kinzie in Chicago's River North neighborhood, is becoming known as one of Chicago's star pastry chefs. She and her husband, Mohammed...
Jose Luis Bonga
Mixologist
Jose Luis Bonga has been a bartender at Castillo de bosque la Zoreda for the last year and half since the hotel opened. Prior to than was a bartender for 28 years in Oviedo. With no formal training, he learned on the job.
Ana Quincoces
Chef, Author, Spokesperson
Ana Quincoces grew up in a Cuban household in Miami, Florida, and she is a twice published author, chef and spokesperson for IMUSA, the number one Hispanic brand in the USA. Ana's first cookbook "Cuban Chicks Can Cook" was written both as a tribute...
Shea Gallante
Chef, CRU
As Executive Chef and Partner of CRU restaurant on lower 5th Avenue in Manhattan, Shea Gallante takes a serious and studied approach to his profession -- striving to create precise dishes that both indulge the palate and excite the imagination.
A...
Mark Fuller
Executive Chef/Co-Owner, Spring Hill
Chef Mark Fuller discovered his passion for food while working with notable chef Jean-Marie Josselin on the Hawaiian island of Kauai at A Pacific Cafe restaurant. During his time in Hawaii, he realized cooking was his true calling and attended...
Daniel Roberts
Chef, BALEEN Los Angeles
BALEEN Los Angeles offers eclectic New American cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Daniel Roberts (formerly of Mondrian Los Angeles and Asia de Cuba), served in a chic, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The restaurant is located at The Portofino Hotel & Yacht...
Scott Wiener
Pizza Enthusiast, Scott's Pizza Tours
While traveling the country with his rock band, Scott Wiener became enamored with the incredible variations of his favorite food: pizza. Upon returning home to the northeast, this simple interest became an obsession that led to the founding of...
Shari Portnoy
Dietician
Shari Portnoy, MPH, RD, LD/N is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian. She holds degrees in both Nutrition and Public Health and has completed the U.S. Food Laws course at the Michigan State University Institute of Food Laws. She has been a featured...
Chris Cason
Tea Sommelier, Tavalon
Chris Cason is the Co-Founder and Tea Sommelier of Tavalon Tea . He is also the Editor-in-Chief of Tavalon's Voice a Tea blog and he has more than ten years of research and development experience in loose-leaf teas. Chris is the author of A Guide to...
Karyn Calabrese
Holistic Health Expert
Karyn Calabrese is a successful entrepreneur and highly sought after holistic health expert who runs a thriving vegan wellness company in Chicago. At 63 years old, Karyn looks nearly a generation younger without the help of surgery or botox and...
Josiah Citrin
Chef/Owner, Mèlisse Restaurant
A self-taught culinary expert and veteran of Los Angeles' gourmet dining industry, Josiah Citrin is chef and co-owner of the highly respected Mèlisse Restaurant in Santa Monica, California, and co-owner of Lemon Moon Cafè in nearby West...
Thaddeus DuBois
Executive Pastry Chef, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Former White House Executive Pastry Chef, Thaddeus DuBois was responsible for preparing desserts for dinners, receptions and special events hosted by The President and First Lady. Thaddeus DuBois has held a number of executive pastry chef positions,...
Elizabeth Barassatian
Mixologist, Gypsy Bar at Borgata
As a bartender at Borgata's rock n' roll haven, Gypsy Bar, Liz Barassatian is as much a part of the show as the live acts that take the stage in the 87-seat venue. Showcasing over 80 tequilas and 15 beers, Barassatian serves up signature Gypsy...
Heather Bertinetti
Pastry Chef, Alto/Convivio
Heather Bertinetti is the talented young pastry chef of Manhattan's acclaimed Italian restaurants Alto and Convivio. Bertinetti was drawn to baking at a young age: her entire family would gather at her grandmother's house each week for Macaroni...
Daniel Orr
Chef/Owner, FARM-Bloomington
Daniel Orr is the chef/owner of FARM-Bloomington. He spent his childhood in Columbus, Indiana, where his parents were serious food lovers. His first summer job in the town's only fine dining restaurant further fueled his interest and eventually led...
David Katz
Chef/Owner, Mémé
For some chefs, living is the best training. Just ask David Katz, chef/owner of Philadelphia's Mémé Restaurant. David grew up in a Moroccan Jewish family, whose table overflowed with wonderful food and whose home was warmed by the...
Maria Hunt
Food and Wine Writer, “Bubbly Girl”
Maria Hunt, aka “The Bubbly Girl,” is an award–winning food and drink writer and lifestyle expert based in San Diego. She is the Main Dish Editor of San Diego Magazine; Food & Drink Editor for San Diego News Network; and Wine...
Abe Hiroki
Executive Chef, EN
Growing up in Fukuoka, Japan, Abe Hiroki and his family lived above his father's sushi restaurant, introducing Hiroki to the culinary world at an early age. He loved watching his father at work and, at the age of 12, he joined him in the restaurant's...
Georgie Fear
Dietitian
Georgie Fear is a Registered Dietitian and New Jersey native. She received her undergraduate degree in Nutritional Sciences from Rutgers University and completed her dietetic internship and clinical training at Cornell University. She currently works...
Belinda Chang
Wine Director at The Modern
Belinda joined The Modern as Wine Director in November 2007. She previously served as Corporate Director of Wine and Spirits and Wine and Service Director for Chef Rick Tramonto's Chicago restaurants, including Osteria Via Stato and Osteria di...
Erin Fitzpatrick
Sommelier, Host of "At the Root of It"
Erin Fitzpatrick began her career in hospitality over twelve years ago. She earned a bachelor's degree from Boston College in Communications and has since received accreditation from the American Sommelier Association in Viticulture and Vinification...
Xavier Herit
Mixologist, Daniel
At age 15 Xavier Herit enrolled in hotel school in Paris, and at 16 was in his first apprenticeship rotating through every department of an 80 room business hotel just outside Paris. But his career choice was really set upon after returning to Paris...
Michael Psilakis
Chef/Owner, Eos, Gus&Gabriel Gastropub, Fish Tag
Chef Michael Psilakis has been applauded for both his traditional and reinterpreted Greek menus and is responsible for putting Modern Greek cuisine on the culinary map. During his short time in the culinary world, he has gained many of the food...
Charles Nemeth
Bartender, Cipriani Downtown
Charles Nemeth pours signature drinks for the euro set that frequents Cipriani Downtown. He did not intend to stay there too long, but soon after he started his gig in SoHo's chic Italian destination he realized he had found a home with the Cipriani...
Fernando Sousa
Mixologist, The Bar Downstairs
Fernando has just recently begun his work in mixology but is enoying every minute of it. He appreciates being able to experience all of what New York City has to offer in both other talented mixologists to learn and drink with, and also the passion...
Eric Ripert
Executive Chef, Le Bernardin
Eric Ripert is the chef and co-owner of the New York restaurant Le Bernardin, which ranks 15 on the S. Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants list. The celebrated restaurant holds three stars from the Michelin Guide, and has upheld a four-star review...
Steven Alexander
Sommelier,Spiaggia and Cafè Spiaggia
Steven joined Spiaggia, Chicago's only four star Italian restaurant, as Wine Director in January of 2007. Under Chef Tony Mantuano, Spiaggia has been nominated for the James Beard Outstanding Service Award 2007 and 2008 and Outstanding Restaurant in...
Sebastiaan Zijp
Executive Chef, Bar Blanc Bistro
A classically trained chef who worked in some of Manhattan's finest kitchens, Sebastiaan Zijp is the executive chef of Bar Blanc Bistro, where he serves market–driven American bistro cuisine. Zijp became executive chef of Bar Blanc Bistro in...
Bruno Jamais
Restaurateur, Bruno Jamais Restaurant
Bruno Jamais is the quintessential French restaurateur. Prior to opening Bruno Jamais Restaurant and Club in 2002, the 46-year-old Parisian born Jamais was an important fixture in the culinary world as the Maitre D at Restaurant Danielle. He is...
Gwenaël Le Pape
Executive Chef, Upstairs at the Kimberly Hotel
For the past year, Chef Gwenaël Le Pape has been the Executive Chef for the Kimberly Hotel and its famed rooftop lounge Upstairs. As Executive Corporate Chef of the Fortier Group, he earned 3 1/2 stars from the Miami Herald after opening fine...
Marilyn Snee
Sommelier, Upstairs 2
Since childhood Marilyn has been influenced by food and wine. Her Irish grandmother was the owner/chef of an Irish restaurant and pub. Her Italian grandmother lived on a small farm nearby where she grew many fruits and vegetables and made her own...
Federico Crociani
Pizzaiolo, Gnocco
Pizzaiolo Federico Crociani boasts 20 years of pizza-making experience, including years of training under Istrian master Massimiliano Bacich, who is widely known as a regular top three finisher at pizza-centric world championships. Crociani's career...
Jeremy Meltzer
Olive Oil Expert, Yellingbo Gold Australia
Jeremy Meltzer has dedicated a large part of his life to the spirit of adventure. Having circumnavigated the world several times, he is a young man drawn to the richest of life's experiences. As a crew member, whilst crossing the Atlantic on a small...
Sue Torres
Chef/Owner, Sueños
Sue Torres finds Mexican cuisine endlessly fascinating. So much so that she’s devoted her entire culinary career to it. And diners in New York City have benefited enormously - Spanish for “dream,” Sueños is the realization of Torres’ dream...
John Alexander
Executive Chef, Avia Kitchen and Wine Bar
With more than a decade of experience in the industry, Chef John Alexander most recently served as Executive Chef and Dining Room Manager at the Doubletree Hotel in Sonoma Wine County where his specialty dish, Bourbon Braised Short Ribs, recently...
Jasper White
Summer Shack
Jasper White was born in New Jersey in 1954 where he spent much of his childhood on a farm near the Jersey Shore. He credits his love of good food to his Italian grandmother. Jasper began his cooking career in 1973, and after graduating from the...
Cristobol Julio Guarchaj
Baker, Grandaisy Bakery
Cristóbal Julio Guarchaj is the head baker of Grandaisy Bakery, voted #1 bread in the 2008 ZAGAT marketplace guidebook. As a boy in Guatemala he watched how his father, a baker, milled wheat using an ancient technique whereby large rotating...
Jean-Claude Baker
Restaurateur, Chez Josephine
Born in Dijon, France, Jean-Claude Baker met Josephine Baker when he was working as a bellhop in Paris at the age of fourteen. He first came to the U.S. for
Lee Anne Wong
Supervising Culinary Producer, Top Chef series
Lee Anne Wong is an American chef and was one of the final four contestants on the first season of Top Chef, and is currently the culinary producer for the fifth season of Top Chef. She also blogs about the show for Bravo as well as doing a webcast,...
Sarah Endline
Cacao Expert, sweetriot
Mastermind and Chief Rioter Sarah E. Endline has lived, traveled and worked in more than 50 countries. After years of contemplation, she founded sweetriot, a small mission-based company in NYC, which strives to build tasty little morsels in a...
Tartinery Team
Restaurateurs, Tartinery Nolita
For Nicolas Dutko, Stephan Jauslin, and Maxime Paul, their track into the restaurant industry started at an early age. Nicolas was always fascinated with the operations of hotels and restaurants, believing they were the stages that showcased the...
Anthony Bombaci
Chef, Nana
As executive chef of Dallas' award-winning restaurant,
Nana,Anthony Bombaci combines classical training with focuses on French, Mediterranean and European cooking. He incorporates influential culinary traditions from around the world into his own...
Lou Bivona
Co-Founder, Tavern Direct
Tavern Direct is a philanthropic venture founded with a commitment to supporting the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) efforts to provide education about how to keep every child safer. With Tavern on the Green Specialty...
Yigit Pura
Executive Pastry Chef
Yigit (pronounced Yeet) began his culinary training in the pastry arts at the age of four in Ankara, Turkey. One of his fondest memories is of his mother making him a big spoon-full of dark caramel. His first job in the United States was in the...
Paul Altuna
Sommelier, Le Cirque
Paul Altuna returns to Le Cirque as wine director, having previously held the position of sommelier at the restaurant's former Palace Hotel location. Most recently, Altuna served as wine director at Atelier Restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton Central...
Richard Chen
Chef, Richard Chen Modern Asian Cuisine, Wynn
Chef Richard Chen is the executive chef of Wing Lei, which translated means "forever prosperous," and is derived from the Chinese character for Wynn. Wing Lei is considered one of North America's premier Chinese restaurants, offering refined Chinese...
Isaac Loya
Chef, Real Balneario
Isaac has spent his life working at Real Balneario under the tutelage of his father and grandfather.
Marcy Blum
Entertaining Expert and Author
A world-renowned event planner, entertaining expert and author, Marcy Blum crafts every event with her own distinctive brand of unpretentious elegance, and an almost-preternatural ability to visualize space. With a flair for imagining the...
Rick Bayless
Chef/Owner, Frontera Grill/Topolobampo/XOCO
Most people know him from his highly rated on-going Public Television Series, Mexico — One Plate at a Time and from his six cookbooks. Rick's second book, Mexican Kitchen, won the Julia Childs IACP cookbook of the year award in 1996, and his...
Sean Chudoba
Chef, AYZA
AYZA's Executive Chef, Sean Chudoba, has experience working at fine establishments such as Le Cirque 2000, Rue 57 and Bette. His desire to pursue a career in culinary arts is attributable to the inspiration of his mother. He was raised in a family...
Jonnatan Leiva
Executive Chef, 10 Downing Food and Wine
In October 2009, the restaurant welcomed new Executive Chef Jonnatan Leiva following his successful five year run at 3-star Jack Falstaff in San Francisco, CA. Leiva's epicurean talent earned him Rising Star Chef 2008 by the San Francisco Chronicle....
Enrico Primarti
Chef, Alma 33
Born in 1981 in Florence, Primarti was surrounded by food at every turn. Having a father and uncle who were both butchers, a grandfather who produced his own Pecorino cheese, and a grandmother who always made fresh pasta on Sunday mornings, it's easy...
Todd English
Chef/Owner, Olives/Libertine
Todd English is a celebrity chef, restaurateur, author, entrepreneur, and television star based in Boston, Massachusetts and New York City. Chef and owner of Olives in Charlestown, Massachusetts since 1989, English has gone on to establish Olives as...
Michele Colombo
Salume, Owner
Originally from Milan, Michele Colombo was an Advertising Executive who was forced to frequently relocate because of his job. After being placed in New York City, Michele fell in love with the culture and atmosphere of New York and did not want to...
Tony Gemignani
Chef/Owner, Tony's Pizza Napoletana
Tony Gemignani is the owner, chef and lead instructor of Tony's Pizza Napoletana, Tony's Coal-Fired Pizza & Slice House and Tony's International School of Pizza. Gemignani is considered a leader in the pizza industry as a nine-time World Champion...
Lee Campbell
Sommelier/Wine Consultant
Known to her friends and colleagues as the Fabulous Miss Lee, Lee Campbell embraces all that the wine industry has to offer. Having not just a passion for wine, but passion for people who are passionate about wine, this statuesque and eloquent, part...
Cyril Renaud
Chef/Owner, Fleur de Sel
Born in Nantes, Chef Cyril Renaud first learned to cook in his mother's kitchen, helping her prepare Breton specialties. He later enrolled at Les Sorbets vocational school in Brittany followed by stints working in some of Europe's finest restaurants....
Anita Lo
Chef, Annisa
Chef Anita Lo has devoted her entire professional life to the kitchen. As a French major at Columbia, she traveled to Paris to fulfill her major obligations and pursue her passion for food at a culinary school. She has been cooking ever since....
Ayala Laufer-Cahana
Physician
Dr. Ayala is a physician (Pediatrics and Medical Genetics), artist, and mother of three school age active kids. She is the creator of Ayala's Herbal Water—a healthy beverage that infuses organic herbs with pure water to create a delightfully...
Rachel Klein
Executive Chef, Aura Restaurant (Seaport Hotel)
Growing up in New York City, Chef Rachel Klein developed a love of food at an early age thanks to her cosmopolitan surroundings and extensive family travel throughout Europe and the United States. This early exposure was reinforced by her Eastern...
Joe Campanale
Beverage Director/Owner of dell'anima, L'Artusi and Anfora
Joe Campanale pairs wine and other delicious beverages with Gabe Thompson's food as owner and beverage director of Anfora, L'Artusi and dell'anima restaurants in the West Village of New York City. A former sommelier at the famed Babbo Ristorante, he...
John Villa
Chef, Tao Restaurant
At a young age, Executive Chef John Villa has already had a remarkable career. There is no doubt that Tao Restaurant's current success can be attributed to the lofty expectations that Chef Villa helps make a reality.
Chef Villa comes from a...
Marco Pipolo
Owner, Marcony
After moving to the states at age 29, Pipolo spent over 20 years at Scalinatella as co-owner, marking his place in the New York City Italian dining scene. After parting ways with the restaurant in June 2009, Pipolo opened Bocconi in Hackensack, New...
Fernando Navas
Executive Chef, SushiSamba
Born in in the bustling port city of Punta Alta, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Fernando Navas grew up surrounded by the warmth of family, the spirit of South America and an abundance of international influence. Inspired by his grandfather who worked as...
Brian Young
Chef, Tavern on the Green
Brian Young decided he wanted to become a chef at the age of 14. After graduating from high school, Young headed for Paris to enroll in the famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. After his studies there, he got a job at the Michelin two-star Le Laurent,...
Ben Daitz
Chef/Owner, Num Pang Sandwich Shop
Chef, Restaurant owner, and Real Estate Broker, Ben Daitz wears many hats. He speaks the language of chefs and restaurateurs alike, having worked alongside multiple celebrity chefs and in the kitchen at Michelin rated restaurants.
As Co-Owner...
Albert Di Meglio
Executive Chef
Chef Al Di Meglio, formerly of Le Cirque,Osterio Del Circo, The Ritz Carlton, Battery Park and mostly recently, Olana, draws from the Hudson estate as a source of inspiration for his cooking. Olana was a modern American restaurant with Italian...
Douglas Keane
Chef/Owner, Cyrus
Douglas Keane's interest in cooking developed when he was a young boy helping his mother in their Michigan kitchen. His childhood passion eventually led him to enroll in Cornell University's prestigious School of Hotel Administration. After...
Ken Oringer
Chef/Owner, Clio/Uni/Toro/KO Prime/La Verdad
Award-winning chef and recipient of the 2001 James Beard American Express 'Best Chef in the Northeast Award,' Ken Oringer is the critically-acclaimed chef/owner of five Boston establishments: Clio, Uni, Toro, KO Prime, and La Verdad. His diverse...
Carla Hall
Alchemy Caterers
America fell in love with Carla's heart-felt approach as she cooked her way into the finals on season five of the award-winning Bravo show, Top Chef. Today, Carla continues to cook from the heart, and balances her Southern traditions, classic French...
Jody Adams
Executive Chef, Rialto Restaurant
Jody Adams is a James Beard award-winning chef with a national reputation for her imaginative use of New England ingredients in regional Italian cuisine. Rialto, her four-star restaurant in Cambridge, has been named one of the top 20 new restaurants...
Francisco Javier Alvarez Arrieta
Owner, La Cata del Milan
Javier has owned La Cata del Milan, a typical tapas bar in Oviedo, for the past 10 years. Prior to that, he was the owner of La Mallorquina, a business specializing in pastrys. He believes that cooking Spanish food is easy, quick and among the...
Craig Hopson
Chef, Le Cirque
Recently named one of the New York Rising Stars by Starchefs, Craig Hopson joins us after a successful stint as Chef de Cuisine at Terrance Brennan's renowned restaurant Picholine. Born in Perth, Western Australia, Craig chose food over surfing, as a...
Marc Murphy
Executive Chef, Landmarc, Ditch Plains and Benchmarc Events
Ask Chef Marc Murphy where he grew up and he will fire off a list of cosmopolitan destinations like Milan, Paris, Villefranche, Washington DC, Rome and Genoa and that's before he turned 12. For some, growing up the son of a globetrotting diplomat...
Javier Latorre De Miguel
Chef, Hotel Bruja
At Restaurant Brujas, Chef Javier Latorre De Miguel offers one of the most memorable menus on the Aragon gastronomic scene. Thanks to a privileged geographical location, fresh, quality products, vegetables, mushrooms and local meats and seafood...
Sung Park
Executive Chef, Spitzer's Corner Kitchen
Chef Sung Park was born and raised in Seoul, Korea. Before coming to New York, Chef Park worked in Korea, Hong Kong and Japan. He served as the Chef de Partie under Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and also gained valuable experience as Sous Chef under...
Antonio Galano
Owner, Sapori D'Ischia
Antonio Galano is a native from the Italian island of Ischia. In 1999, he turned his Italian food warehouse into a booming restaurant that prides itself on offering the best that Italy has to offer. As an importer of fine foods, Antonio and his...
Pablo Moix
Mixologist, The ONE Group
Born and raised in Queens, NY, Pablo Moix's undeniable passion for mixing drinks, along with nearly 16 years of experience behind the "stick", from dive bars to LA's hottest restaurants and nightclubs, has gained him recognition of one of the...
Melissa Monosoff
Beverage Director, Savona
Melissa Monosoff grew up planning to become a doctor -- working at a restaurant while completing her pre-medical degree at UNC Chapel Hill was intended to simply help her achieve that goal. Instead, it sparked another interest altogether. Realizing...
Michael Luboff
Chef, Mohegan Sun
Perhaps, the key reason Executive Chef Michael Luboff enjoys the fast-paced and high-volume setting of Mohegan Sun is because he grew up in a bustling household kitchen in Philadelphia, where his mother cooked meals for him, his four sisters and one...
David Myers
Chef/Owner, Sona
David Myers' impassioned quest for spontaneity, perfection and perpetual fluidity has been well served by his innate ability in the culinary arts. In tandem, these qualities have produced unforgettable dishes and dining experiences that today...
Alain Bennouna
Chef/Owner, Olivia Bistro
Olivia Bistro is Chef Alain Bennouna's return trip to the big apple. This exciting new Mediterranean tapas eatery is sure to delight Manhattanites in the East Village. With a very successful restaurant, Zitoune, in the meat packing district many...
Michael Schlow
Chef, Radius
In 1985, Brooklyn-born Michael Schlow traded a baseball scholarship and a 92 mile-an-hour fastball for a set of Wusthof knives and a place at the Academy of Culinary Arts in New Jersey. It marked the beginning of a journey that has led to opening...
James Jermyn
Chef, Maloney & Porcelli
Raised in North Carolina, James Jermyn learned the art of cooking from his mother and grandmother, who specialized in down-home Southern cuisine.
Experimenting with family recipes gave him a passion to expand his culinary knowledge. Jermyn...
Eden Algie
Scotch Ambassador
For some, sharing the story of the world's most precious whisky could be a daunting task. For Eden Algie, The Macallan Brand Ambassador, it is a passion. Armed with a sturdy background in broadcast journalism and the gift of articulate and engaging...
Jose Liriano
Executive Chef, Bice NYC
Jose Manuel Liriano, the current executive chef at Bice's flagship restaurant in New York City, is a seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience within the Bice company. Like so many others, he started at the very bottom of the chain as a...
Tracy Stern
Tea Expert, SALONTEA
Tracy Stern has been captivated by the simple elegance of tea since childhood. After obtaining a degree in Fine Art, Tracy traveled through Europe visiting the finest tearooms. Upon returning to the States she set out to share her experiences and...
Rico Wisner
Mixologist, Poste Brasserie, Washington D.C.
Rico Wisner is a self-taught, highly creative mixologist that likes to invent and re-invent classic cocktails by adding his personal touch. Over the past ten years his passion has lead him to develop new syrups and infusions with simple ingredients,...
Steven Crane
Executive Chef, Po
Steven Crane is the owner of Po in the West Village. He began his culinary career back in high school, working as a lunch cook at the Whistle Stop in Seaside Heights, NJ. He moved to San Francisco in 1980, where his passion for Italian food and wine,...
Joe Hackler
Co-Founder/Senior Advisor, Spanish Vines
Joe spent 30 years owning and operating restaurants before co-founding Spanish Vines, a wine importer and marketer based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Wes Holton
Chef, Daniel Boulud Brasserie
Wes Holton is the Executive chef of Daniel Boulud Brasserie, where he works alongside internationally acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud to offer guests an unmatched dining experience in Las Vegas. A modern and sophisticated brasserie, the restaurant was...
Rene Lenger
Chef, The Country Club at Wynn Las Vegas
Rene Lenger is the executive chef of The Country Club, A New American Steakhouse located on the 18th hole of the golf course at Wynn Las Vegas. Here, Lenger redefines the identity of the traditional steakhouse by adding a modern touch and...
Chris Siversen
Executive Chef and Co-Owner, Maritime Parc
Chris Siversen is the Executive chef and co-owner of Maritime Parc, located on the Hudson River in Liberty State Park. He was formerly the Executive Catering Chef of Bridgewaters.
Siversen attended The French Culinary Institute and graduated with...
Justin Bogle
Executive Chef, Gilt
Chef Justin Bogle continues to make his mark at Gilt as their executive chef. Based in the classics, Bogle's unique approach makes the most of the best ingredients to create completely new ideas within the parameter of the familiar classics. His...
Jeffrey Elliot
Chef, Zwilling JA Henckels
Jeffrey Elliot has a degree from the Culinary Institute of America and has cooked at prestigious restaurants such as Le Cirque, and Le Bernardin in New York. Since leaving the kitchen, he's owned an antiquarian bookstore, received an MBA and worked...
Warner Ebbink
Restaurateur, Dominick's/Little Dom's/The Little Deli/101 Coffee Shop
Warner Ebbink is a native Angeleno whose passion for restaurants extends beyond cuisine to encompass the restaurant's history, architectural design and relationship with its neighborhood. It was this passion that led Ebbink to co-found Eat Heavy...
Kevin Long
Executive Chef, Shrine at MGM Grand
As an impressive innovator, Kevin Long serves as Executive Chef for four successful restaurants owned and operated by Big Night Venues and Eat Well, Inc. These restaurants include: SHRINE Asian Kitchen, Lounge and Nightclub at MGM Grand at Foxwoods;...
Amy Sacco
Restaurateur, Bungalow 8
Amy Sacco, the reigning queen of Manhattan's nightlife, grew up in Chatham, New Jersey before moving to the Big Apple where she conquered the jet set social scene. After graduating from Johnson and Wales, Amy took a job at Bouley where she began...
Mary Ostyn
Author
Mary Ostyn is the author of A SANE WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RAISING A LARGE FAMILY and FAMILY FEASTS FOR $75 A WEEK. She lives in Nampa, Idaho with her high school sweetheart, to whom she has been married for 23 years. They have 10 children, four of whom...
Donald Link
Executive Chef/Owner, Herbsaint/Cochon/Butcher/Calcasieu
Recognized as one of New Orleans' preeminent chefs, Chef Donald Link began cooking in South Louisiana at a very young age. After years of experience working in Louisiana restaurants, Donald moved to San Francisco in 1993 where he attended the...
Daniel Boulud
Chef Owner, various Boulud restaurants
Daniel Boulud is chef/owner of 10 restaurants and the Feast and Fêtes catering company. Born and raised in Lyon, France, Daniel mastered the art of his cuisine in New York City and has since become a cultural culinary icon. His restaurants span...
Marcus Gleadow-Ware
Chef, Aureole
Marcus Gleadow-Ware was born in London, grew up in Islington, North London and started cooking at the age of 16 in 1996, at The Savoy Hotel in London under the tuition of Anton Edelman. After 2 years, he left the Savoy for Brasserie St Quentin’s....
Alberto Rodriguez Castillo
Export Manager, Hebe Group
Alberto Rodriguez Castillo never realized that his interest in wine would turn into a career. He studied law but changed his area of focus when moving to Madrid, where he answered an ad for an insurance company. That job wasn't available but one was...
Franklin Becker
Executive Chef, Abe & Arthur's
Brooklyn native Chef Franklin Becker was formerly the executive chef of Manhattan's-mega restaurant Sheridan Square, Capitale; the well received and much missed Local; as well as executive chef for both Tribeca and SoHo Grand Hotels. Becker also...
Barbara Lynch
Chef, No. 9 Park
James Beard-winner Barbara Lynch is regarded as one of Boston's, and the country's, leading chefs and restaurateurs. While growing up in South Boston, Barbara, at the age of 13, got her first kitchen job cooking at a local rectory. Today, Barbara is...
Enrique Chueca
General Manager, Rose Vineyard
Enrique began his career in wine in 1985 when Spanish wine was not
well-known in the world. He sought to work in the emerging industry of wine exporting as it was part of his family, his father having been a vintner. He sought to change the wine...
Tyler Cooke
Chef/Owner 33 Steaks, Booze and Jazz
Tyler Cooke always loved to cook. "Fat kids love food", as he puts it. His love for the culinary arts began at age 11 while working in the restaurant of a family friend and by 25, with a culinary education under his belt, he opened 33 Steaks, Booze,...
Steve Sohmer
Owner, PSbklyn
After operating a successful independent stock brokerage company on the New York Stock Exchange for over 30-years, Steve Sohmer decided he may have been ready to retire from the financial grind, but he wasn't ready to retire altogether. Having always...
Kym Apotas
Sommelier, Blue Angel Wines
Kym Apotas discovered her love of wine working in restaurants such as Pastis and DOC Wine Bar. She crossed over from the restaurant to the retail side, while becoming a sommelier. She then became the wine buyer for Astor Wines & Spirits, which...
Ed Brown
Chef/Owner, Eighty One
Ed Brown is the Chef/Owner of eighty one, which opened in February 2008 on Manhattan's Upper West Side. With eighty one, Ed creates modern American dishes that reflect both Japanese and French techniques with an eye for presentation, dimension and...
Ralph Scamardella
Chef, Tao
After nearly three decades of cooking in the kitchens of some of the most esteemed restaurants in the world, Chef Scamardella's most recent endeavor is Corporate Executive Chef of Tao Restaurant.
Born and raised in an Italian-American household...
Pat Burke
Wine Expert
Pat is a California/Bay Area native with over 10 years of winery and tasting room management experience. Pat started his wine business career at Beaulieu Vineyard in Rutherford, then moved north to a small winery in Calistoga as their Operations...
Fabio Granato
Restaurateur, Serafina/Mañana
Fabio Granato began his culinary career in 1997 when he partnered with Vittorio Assaf to open Serafina. The pair went on to open Asian-inspired Geisha, French Brasserie Cognac, and most recently, Mañana. They have created spaces where diners...
Roger Bailey
Bartender, Base Bar at Hard Rock Hotel Chicago
Roger Bailey is from a small town, technically a village, in southeastern Ohio; population 265. He moved to Chicago in 2008 to pursue his theater career and along the way discovered his talent and zest for mixology. Roger has been mixing it up at...
Akhtar Nawab
Chef/Owner, Elletaria
Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky on his mother's native Indian meals, Akhtar Nawab understood that cooking played an important role in upholding his family's heritage. Rolling out homemade bread is a kitchen chore he considers an inspiration for a...
Danielle Schupp
Dietician, Sports Nutritionist, Author
A registered dietician, sports nutritionist and author, Danielle Schupp's reputation speaks for itself. With nearly 20 years experience practicing in New York City, she believes in creating an original program that is tailored to each client's...
Jason Avery
Executive Chef, Pera
Jason Avery began a long-held desire to become an artist in favor of a culinary career when he discovered the artistic creativity involved in cooking, while working in a restaurant during his teens. Upon graduating from Johnson & Wales in 1991, he...
Hector Tice
Chef, Black Duck
Hector Tice was born in Santiago, Dominican Republic. He graduated from Culinary school 1995 before working at Icon, Tribeca Grill, Houston Steak House, Layla and Bridge Waters. Hector is currently the Executive Chef at Black Duck and is married...
Bill Ghodbane
Mixologist, Le Cirque
Following in his brother's footsteps, Bill Ghodbane began his bartending career in Paris in 1985 at the age of 15. His passion for nightlife and fine dining lured him to London where he worked at The Savoy, the crown jewel of British exclusivity....
Adam Simha
Principle Designer, MSK Design Knives
Adam Simha, the principal designer at MKS Design, lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with his wife and 9 year old son. He is an M.I.T. graduate and James Beard award winner (Northeast region 1st place bread at bread and pastry competition 1993).
He...
Brian Bistrong
Chef/Owner, Braeburn
Brian Bistrong combines a lifelong passion for cooking and over 15 years working with New York's most celebrated chefs. When he was just 15, something clicked, and he knew then that he wanted to be surrounded by food. After graduating from the...
Danyelle Freeman
Food Writer
Danyelle Freeman is the founder of Restaurantgirl.com, a hip website with reviews of the newest restaurants that guides New Yorkers to the hottest menus in town. The Restaurant Girl website was inspired by Danyelle's need to find a food critic with...
Joseph Vita
Food and Beverage Manager, Mohegan Sun
Joseph Vita, manager of Mohegan Sun's Food and Beverage department, has been in the food and beverage industry since he became a bus boy in high school. Vita is Mohegan Sun's chief mixologist and oversees beverages served at 13 bars and lounges...
Michael Solomonov
Chef/Owner, Zahav
Chef Michael Solomonov was born in G'nei Yehudah, Israel and was raised in Pittsburgh. In May 2008, Michael opened Zahav in Philadelphia, where he explores the traditional cuisine of his native Israel. In November, Esquire Magazine named Zahav one...
Geoffrey Zakarian
Chef, The Lamb's Club
Geoffrey Zakarian's taste, style and passion for fine cuisine have defined his career, which has spanned more than 20 years. An arbiter of style and an accomplished chef who has presided over some of the country's top kitchens, Zakarian travels the...
Anne Quatrano
Chef/Co-Owner, Bacchanalia
Celebrated and award-winning chef Anne Quatrano has the South at heart each night when she creates culinary magic in the kitchen. Utilizing many ingredients hand-selected from her home on Summerland Farm, she takes a simplified, organic approach to...
George Duval
Mixologist, Marc Forgione/Open Hostpitality
Born in 1978 and raised in Hell's Kitchen, George Duval has been bartending and creating cocktails in New York City for more than 10 years. He's worked for some of New York's hottest restaurants, clubs and catering halls, including Negril, Haru Sake...
Billy Olivia
Executive Chef
Executive Chef William Oliva bravely laughed in the face of child labor laws when he started working in the kitchen at twelve years of age. Enlisted into the business by his brother, William’s first restaurant job was at the Financial District’s...
Barry K. Johnson
Mixologist
A former actor with a gregarious personality to match, Barry Johnson directed the cocktail program at Atria. Johnson, who began working in the restaurant industry at age 14 was immediately drawn to the theatrics of hospitality and decided to attend...
Ariane Duarte
Chef, CulinAriane
Chef Ariane Duarte's love for cooking began as she was growing up, watching her grandmother cook the family dinners. She realized she needed to get an education to hone her skills and she applied and was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America...
Stephen Gullo
Food Psychologist
Dr. Stephen Gullo received his doctorate in psychology from Columbia University, and for more than a decade, he was a professor and researcher at Columbia University Medical Center. He is the former chair of the National Obesity and Weight Control...
Jason Kosmas
Mixologist, Employees Only
While at school in New Jersey Jason Kosmas began his first behind-the-bar gig at The Old Bay in New Brunswick. Eventually he moved to New York honed his skills at Pravda in SoHo. Today Jason is a principle bartender and co-owner of Employees Only, a...
Michael Cimarusti
Executive Chef/Co-Owner, Providence
Michael Cimarusti's passion and curiosity for food was ignited at an early age by his grandmother, Jo Cimarusti. In the great Italian culinary tradition his grandmother, alongside his great-grandmother and aunts, made sure that every Sunday...
Jessi Walter
Founder/Owner, Cupcake Kids!
Jessi Walter is the Founder & Owner of Cupcake Kids! In 2007, Jessi decided to combine her love of kids and food in a practical way -- she set out to create a company that would provide students with hands-on cooking experiences designed to provide...
Rohini Dey
Restaurateur, Vermilion
Rohini founded the Vermilion indian-latin concept and has executed two restaurants in Chicago and New York city. This spans the gamut of entrepreneurial activities - including the business plan and concept, raising finances, location, legalities and...
Ron Olivier
Chef de Cuisine, The Marine Room
Chef Ron Olivier travels to far reaches of the world in search of culinary inspiration. But back in his home kitchen, he seeks out the finest local, natural, and fresh ingredients to star in his tasty creations. A tireless globetrotter from an early...
Ricardo Cardona
Behind the Chef, Scarpina
Chef Cardona was born in El Salvador and came to the United States at the age of 15 to pursue a career in the restaurant industry. Starting as a dishwasher and working his way up to chef by the age of 23, Cardona became the chef at Josephina...
Gerard Craft
Chef /Owner, Niche
The chef and owner of Niche and the adjoining Veruca Bakeshop & Cafe, Gerard Craft, 28, began his career washing dishes in a pool hall in Salt Lake City. His love of cooking led him to take a job at Bistro Toujours, one of the city's top restaurants,...
Rob Endelman
Chef/Owner, Cook with Class
Rob Endelman is a chef who, in addition to teaching cooking technique, empowers people with the knowledge to make better choices when it comes to buying and preparing food. Chef Rob believes that a lack of awareness about our industrial food supply...
Ryan Metke
Mixologist, Bungalow 8
Ryan Metke, Head Bartender of New York City's exclusive Bungalow 8 nightclub, may be a painter by day, but his artistic passion intensifies after hours when the Florida native mixes up masterpiece martinis with a splash of southern charm. Bungalow...
Beth Shak
Professional Poker Expert
World Championship Full-Tilt poker player Beth Shak only discovered poker in 2002, but by 2004 she was playing professionally, and has been ever since. She initially learned the game by playing on Full Tilt Poker's Play Money tables, but quickly...
Michael Steifman
Managing Partner, Stuart and Welch
A graduate of the French Culinary Institute, Michael Steifman has ten plus years of production experience in the kitchens and offices of some of Manhattan's finest restaurants and catering companies. He is currently the managing partner of Stuart and...
Tony Mantuano
Chef/Partner, Spiaggia
James Beard Award Winner Chef Tony Mantuano is chef/partner of Spiaggia, Chicago's only four-star Italian restaurant, which has remained so for 25 years. Under Mantuano's guidance, Spiaggia received the James Beard Foundation nomination for...
Robin McCain
Chef, Evil Auntie
Evil Auntie was born Robin McCain on the family homestead in Memphis TN. Her mother was a career woman and although she tried, couldn't fix anything that Robin liked to eat. So Robin learned to cook in self defense -- simple food that a child could...
Kara Newman
Author, Spice and Ice
Kara Newman is a wine and spirits writer and the author of Spice & Ice -- 60 tongue-tingling cocktails (2009). She is the spirits columnist for Chile Pepper Magazine, and her articles have appeared in publications including The New York Times, Imbibe...
Scott Garrett
Executive Chef, blue on blue at Avalon Beverly Hills
A native Texan who was raised outside of Houston, blue on blue Executive Chef Scott Garrett began experimenting in the kitchen as a young boy and was regularly cooking for his parents by age 13. While studying psychology at Stephen F. Austin State...
Patricio Sandoval
Executive Chef: Mercadito
Practically a gourmand from birth, Mercadito Culinary Director and Owner Patricio Sandoval almost seems genetically engineered for a culinary life.
Born on June 16, 1974 in Acapulco, Mexico, Sandoval virtually grew up in the kitchen of his father...
Scott Leibfried
Chef, Santa Monica Seafood/FrontBurner Concepts
Scott Leibfried is a professional chef with more than 15 years experience in hotel and restaurant operations. Since he was a teenager, Leibfried knew his passion was in the fast-paced and creative world of culinary arts and he pursued this dream at...
Domenic Chiaromonte
Chef, Match Restaurant & Event Venue
Domenic Chiaromonte is an International Red Seal Chef and Executive Chef/co–owner at Match Restaurant & Event Venue just north of Toronto, Canada. Domenic began to learn in his early twenty's and in a very short time found himself in...
Kristine Mana–ay
Exceutive Chef, Restaurant Charles
Kristine Mana-ay was born in the Philippines to a large family. After moving to New York in 2001, she enrolled at the Art Institute of New York City, graduating with a culinary degree in 2003. Mana-ay started an internship with Chef John DeLucie at...
Craig Koketsu
Executive Chef, Hurricane Club
Craig Koketsu fostered his passion for precision, knowledge, and flavor by working with acclaimed chefs from diverse backgrounds at some of America's top restaurants. As executive chef of Quality Meats, Koketsu draws from his experience to create a...
Anjum Anand
Chef/Author, Indian Every Day (2003), Indian Food Made Easy (2007), Anjum's New Indian (2008), Anjum's Eat Right for Your Body Type (2010)
Anjum Anand grew up in London but has also lived and studied in Geneva, Paris and Madrid.
Anjum was one of the first writers to create and write Indian recipes catering to the health-conscious cook. She published her first book Indian Every Day:...
John Rivers
Chef and Pit Master, 4 Rivers Smokehouse
From President of a $1.4 billion pharmaceutical operation to Pit Master of one of the most talked about barbecue restaurants in Florida, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, John Rivers' career is a recipe for success. A Floridian turned Texan, Rivers stepped out of...
Michael Cochran
Founder/CEO, Cult Vines
Michael formerly worked at one of the top international Fortune 500 companies where he traveled all over the world. In his travels, Michael gained a deep appreciation for wine and eventually went into the business himself. He is the founder and CEO...
Brandon Boudet
Chef/Owner, Dominick's/Little Dom's
Eat Heavy Restaurants Co-Owner and Executive Chef Brandon Boudet was born and raised in New Orleans, where his family celebrated life with generous portions of Louisiana and Italian cooking. After graduating from San Francisco's California Culinary...
Graeme Russell
Scotch Ambassador
Graeme Russell left behind careers in corporate finance and luxury goods marketing so that he could live his passion for single malt Scotch every day of his life. Fully understanding that his position is "the very definition of a dream job," Graeme...
Adan Trinidad
Chef de Cuisine, Zengo
Adan Trinidad possesses a mastery of culinary technique and breadth of knowledge that gives Zengo's Latin-Asian menu the full expression and depth of flavor it deserves. He comes to Zengo after having established himself solidly in Philadelphia's...
Hamid Rashidzada
Chief Operator, The Summit Bar
Hamid Rashidzada has over 14 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Since his career began in the 1990's, he has held esteemed positions at notable culinary institutes such as Torch Restaurant, Guastavino's, Mercer Kitchen, Esperanto, and...
Eric Blair
Mixologist, Hudson Terrace
Eric Blair currently resides in New York, mixing up cocktails for the thirsty masses at Hudson Terrace and choosing quality wines as wine director for Vintage Irving. As a musical theatre actor, he turns to mixology during his time in between...
Jay Godfrey
Designer
New York-based designer Jay Godfrey is the founder and creative director behind his eponymous collection of sleek, sexy and sophisticated designs. Perpetually inspired by the chic New York woman, Godfrey's goal as a designer is to meld the classic...
Sébastien Rouxel
Executive Pastry Chef, Thomas Keller Restaurant Group
Sébastien Rouxel serves as executive pastry chef for the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group, overseeing all aspects of the pastry department for the group’s eight establishments; The French Laundry, Per Se and Ad Hoc, as well as the Bouchon...
Antonio Mendez
Sommelier
Antonio started drinking wine when he was 13 years old. He started working in restaurants when he was 15 and opened his own restaurant, Parador De Bayona in Puerto de Vigo Botafumiero, Spain, when he was 21. He came up with an idea for a winery in...
Jean Anderson
Author, Falling Off the Bone
Jean Anderson, the author of more than 20 cookbooks, has written for Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Gourmet, More, and other national magazines. A six-time best cookbook award winner (James Beard, IACP, and Tastemaker), she is a member of the James Beard...
Craig Meltzer
Chef, Spring Street Natural
You could say that Craig Meltzer was born to be a chef. From his earliest memory, he was in the kitchen learning from his parents. He graduated Johnson & Wales, one of the foremost cooking universities in the country with silver key honors. Craig...
Stella Metsovas
Nutritionist, B.S., CCN
Stella Metsovas B.S., CCN, a former athlete and nutrition specialist, has over 15 years experience in both the health and fitness industry. Majoring in Food Science, Stella has extensive knowledge of the chemical properties in foods and how...
Candace Nelson
Owner/Pastry Chef, Sprinkles Cupcakes
Candace Nelson is the founder and pastry chef of Sprinkles Cupcakes, the world's first cupcake bakery. Started in Beverly Hills in 2005, Candace's sophisticated take on the classic American cupcake made Sprinkles an overnight bakery sensation....
Shem Blum
Mixologist, Boom Boom Room
Born in Woodstock, NY, Shem Blum has been working in the nightlife industry for close to 10 years. His interest in bartending began early on when he tended bar to help support his way through school, YU for undergrad and law school at U.C Hastings in...
Marcus Samuelsson
Chef/Co-Owner, Aquavit/AQ Kafé/August/C-House/Marc Burger/Riingo/Streetfood
Marcus Samuelsson is the co-owner of Aquavit, a Scandinavian restaurant in New York City. He is also the chef at AQ Kafé, August, C-House, Marc Burger, Riingo and Streetfood. He was the youngest chef to earn three stars from the James beard...
Kimberly Bugler
Pastry Chef, '21' Club
Kimberly Bugler has the "sweetest" position at '21'. An accomplished pastry chef, she recently joined '21' after a brief stint at newcomer Dennis Foy. Prior to that, she spent three years as executive pastry chef at J.W. Marriott Resort in Las...
Gary Shinner
Tea Sommelier, Mighty Leaf Tea
Gary Shinner and Jill Portman started their foray into tea with a visit to the jewelry store. The now husband-and-wife were picking up her engagement ring and the jeweler invited them into a tea ceremony. What ensued is the stuff of the American...
Juan Coronado
Mixologist, Bacardi Brand Master Apprentice
A graduate of the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in NYC, Juan holds a Bachelor's in Liberal Arts and a degree as an Electronic Engineer in Communications (APEC) from the Dominican Republic. In 1996 Juan's sommelier expertise equipped him with the tools...
John Hilton
Chef, 40/40 Club
Although Chef John Hilton's roots remain in West Virginia, he gave his heart to Sin City. Heading west just after high school, Chef Hilton landed his first position as Sous Chef at Circus Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. As an assistant chef at Las Vegas...
Stephen Putnam
Executive Chef, Lido
A four-time James Beard Institute Recognition award recipient, Putnam's career has brought him to opposite coasts in equal success. From his farm to the table, local Mediterranean style has been seen in NYC under David Burke at the Park Avenue Cafe...
Catherine McCord
Founder of Weelicious.com
Catherine is a mom of 2, model, and former MTV co-host who now channels her biggest passion— cooking easy, healthy food— into a popular website for parents, Weelicious. When Catherine had her first son, Kenya, 3 1/2 years ago, she took to...
Stephen Tebb
Winemaker, Stephen Tebb
Stephen Tebb returned to Napa Valley in Fall 2008 as the winemaker at Robert Craig Winery, following 5 years at Clos LaChance , a Central Coast boutique winery, where he guided all winemaking and the estate vineyards program. Stephen was formerly...
Philippe Chow
Chef, Philippe Restaurant
Mr. Philippe Chow was born in China in 1958, and went to Hong Kong when he was 16 years old to explore his love of cooking. Philippe spent five years learning all of the basic Chinese cooking skills, working in various kitchens throughout Hong Kong....
Drew Nieporent
Owner, Tribeca Grill
Drew Nieporent, one of America's most respected and celebrated restaurateurs, is the founder and inspiration behind the Myriad Restaurant Group, which operates Tribeca Grill, Nobu New York City, Nobu Fifty Seven, Nobu London, Nobu Next Door, Corton,...
Sasha Miranda
Chef/Owner, Miranda
Unlike most little girls growing up in Queens, New York, Sasha (Rodriguez) Miranda preferred the colorful pages of Gourmet magazine and the creativity she found in the kitchen - to doll houses and tea parties. At just 12 years old she was crafting...
Stephen Lewandowski
Chef, Tribeca Grill
Stephen Lewandowski is Executive Chef for Myriad Restaurant Group and the Executive Chef of Tribeca Grill. His earthy, elegant, contemporary American cuisine is the hallmark of the Grill, Drew Nieporent's flagship restaurant in downtown Manhattan....
Michael White
Executive Chef/Partner, Alto/Convivio/Marea
Although Michael White's soulful, flavorful interpretations of Italian cuisine indicate otherwise, he is a native of Italy who absorbed generations of recipes at birth. He is a Midwestern boy who spent the majority of his childhood days in Beloit,...
Stephen Kalt
Chef/Partner, Fornelletto
Inspired by his time living and traveling throughout Italy, acclaimed chef Stephen Kalt (Spartina; Corsa Cucina at Wynn Las Vegas) creates a culinary experience that celebrates regional Italian cooking with FORNELLETTO Cucina & Wine Bar. Bringing...
David Lombardo
Sommelier and Beverage Director, BenchMarc
David Lombardo crafted his own wine education through tasting, reading and traveling to wine regions throughout Europe and North and South America. His knowledge of and enthusiasm for the wine and food experience is evident throughout the unique and...
Monica Bhide
Food Writer/Author
Born in New Delhi, raised in the Middle East, and living in Washington, D.C., acclaimed food and lifestyle writer Monica Bhide has written for The New York Times, Food & Wine magazine, Bon Appetit, Cooking Light, The Washington Post, Washingtonian,...
Jason Travi
Chef/Partner, Riva/Fraîche
Jason Travi was raised outside of Boston, where his family operated Vin & Eddie's Restaurant. He grew up near the family restaurant and was recruited as a dishwasher at age 15. After working his way up to line chef at Vin & Eddie's, Travi enrolled...
Pierre Grillet-Aubert
Chef Pierrot Signature Catering
Pierre is a native of the Haute-Savoie region of France, known for its mineral springs and prized bottled water, Evian. He received his professional training at the prestigious École Hotelière de Thonon-les-Bains, graduating with...
Justin Gallen
Sommelier/Wine Importer, Rinascimento Wine Co.
Justin Gallen started out as a harvest worker in 1991 and progressed through tour guide, retail wine manager, wine buyer, distributor sales representative, distributor sales manager and regional sales manager. He is now owner of Rinascimento Wine...
Mark Gilmor
Creator, Kluckr.com
Digital veteran Mark Gilmor is positioning Kluckr to be the global leader in "Crave Market" applications. His experience includes extensive technical leadership roles and building secure digital businesses within established organizations. Assuming...
Corinne Trang
Author/Consultant/Spokesperson
Corinne Trang is an award winning author and expert on Asian cuisines. She has written numerous cookbooks including Authentic Vietnamese Cooking (1999), Essentials of Asian Cuisine (2003), The Asian Grill (2006), A Food Lover's Collection: Vietnamese...
Brenda Marry
Mixologist, Vox Populi
Brenda Marry has worked for Vox Populi for 8 years. She is a masseuse and competed recently in a fitness competition in New York. She's run the Boston Marathon 7 years consecutive years (raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society),...
Laura Santtini
Creator, Taste No. 5
Laura Santtini is a writer who cooks. Much of her passion for food comes from her Italian grandmother, who she describes not as a Domestic Goddess, but as a Domestic Sergeant Major. With five boys, a wayward husband and three hotels, she had to be....
Anne Burrell
Chef and Food Network Personality
With her trademark spiky blond hair and pumped-up personality, Anne Burrell has worked at some of the top restaurants in New York, studied the culinary landscape and traditions of Italy, and has battled alongside Mario Batali as his sous chef on Food...
Andrew Masciangelo
Chef, Savona/Bar Savona
Andrew Masciangelo was raised in a house full of classic Italian cooks. From a young age, he assisted his father and grandmother in the kitchen. Part-time work in a small restaurant in high school earned him praise from guests and co-workers. After...
Alexandra Guarnaschelli
Chef, Butter
According to the Food Network, Chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli "embarked on a culinary journey in France and ended up working in some of the country's top restaurants including esteemed chef Guy Savoy's eponymous three-star kitchen."
The daughter of...
William H. Grimes
Author/Former NY Times Restaurant Critic
William H. Grimes has been a writer for the New York Times since 1989, as a story editor, a reporter on the Culture Desk and a Weekend theater columnist. After having written for the Times' Dining section since 1997, Grimes was named the newspaper's...
Thomas Fosnot
Chef, Rocca Kitchen and Bar
Never imagining that it would be his career of choice, Thomas Fosnot entered the service industry during high school scooping ice cream at Ben and Jerry's in his home town of Ossining, NY. During college in Nantucket, he continued to work at various...
John McAllister
Chef, FreeFoods NYC
John McAllister discovered his talent for organic and seasonal cuisine during his career at various restaurants including Tribeca Grill, Heartbeat and Nicole's. He later refined his skills at the Soho Grand Hotel and most recently at FreeFoods NYC....
Paul Kahan
Executive Chef/Partner, Blackbird/Avec/The Publican
Executive Chef/Partner Paul Kahan has become the nationally recognizable face for a new guard of Chicago chefs. With an ever-growing list of international accolades for Blackbird and avec and The Publican. Kahan was honored as a James Beard nominee...
Max McCalman
Cheese Expert, Artisanal
Renowned as one of the cheese world's living legends for his expertise, insight and passion, Max McCalman is dedicated to helping others understand and enjoy the unique pleasures of artisanal cheeses. As America's first restaurant-based Maître...
Aram Mardigian
Executive Chef, Wolfgang Puck's American Grille, Borgata
Aram Mardigian grew up working in his Italian-Armenian family's diner in Albany, New York. Despite encouragement from his father to explore other avenues, Mardigian's self-confessed obsession for cooking took hold after graduating with a degree from...
Stephanie Izard
Executive Chef/Owner Girl & the Goat
Chef Stephanie Izard grew up in a food enthusiast household in Stamford, Connecticut, where her parents enjoyed cooking globally-inspired dishes and entertaining family and friends. Izard's foray into the kitchen started around the age of 10 with the...
Pierluigi "Gigi" Sacchetti
Pierluigi "Gigi" Sacchetti, Lingua
Tuscan born chef Pierluigi Sacchetti "Gigi", formerly known for his culinary expertise at Cantina Toscana and Ciopolla Rossa, is now turning heads at Lingua, a new restaurant in the East Village. Gigi takes inspiration from his Italian roots and...
Adam Rothstein
Wine Director, Bobo
Adam Rothstein is a relative new comer to the NYC wine world. A lifelong foodie, Adam fell in love with wine while pursuing a course of study in Ethnomusicology at NYU. A passion for wine came to eclipse and replace thoughts of a career in the music...
Alyson Crispi
Private Chef
A graduate from The Natural Gourmet Institute in New York, Alyson Crispi has been a private chef, caterer and event planner for the past 8 years. Having cooked for a wide range of health conscious clients such as Michael J Fox, her most recent...
Monica Segovia-Welsh
Pastry Chef, Lantern Restaurant
Monica is pastry chef at Lantern Restaurant in Chapel Hill, NC. She earned her BA in Conflict & Peacemaking from Northland College. Prior to Lantern she spent time working at the Daily Bread bakery in Ashland, WI and later worked in pastry at...
Steve Corry
Executive Chef/Co-Owner, Five Fifty-Five
Originally from the south shore of Boston, Steve began his culinary career in 1996 as a brew master at several breweries in northern California. In 1999 he moved back to the east coast where he attended the New England Culinary Institute in...
Reagan Jones
Registered Dietician, Cabot Creamery
Regan's passion for cooking has translated into a profession of culinary-based nutrition pursuits: first in the test kitchen for Oxmoor House, and then as an Assistant Food Editor at Weight Watchers and Cooking Light magazines. Through her...
Hemant Mathur
Executive Chef, Co-Owner, Tulsi
Hemant Mathur, executive chef and co-owner of Tulsi in midtown Manhattan, brings to his restaurant his reputation as "the Yo-Yo Ma of tandoor cooking". With more than 25 years of honing his culinary talents, Mathur's vision continues to be that of...
Bill Telepan
Chef/Owner, Telepan
Chef Bill Telepan, owner of the eponymous restaurant on New York's Upper West, exemplifies today's most socially relevant culinary trends; a Slow Food afiliate and Greenmarket shopper extraordinaire, he maintains a sense of environmental awareness...
David Lebovitz
Author
David received much of his training at Alice Waters' world-famous restaurant Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California. He spent over twelve years in the pastry department working with Lindsey Shere, creating desserts to compliment the seasonal menus...
Pano Karatassos
Restaurateur
Award winning chef and restaurantuer, Pano Karatassos grew up in the restaurant industry, working with his father and entering into the Navy as a young man where he worked in the food department. When his service ended, Pano enrolled at the Culinary...
Corey Beck
Director of Winemaking, Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Corey Beck began his career in viticulture quite by accident as a teen, tagging alongside his grandfather who was, in those years, the vineyard manager for Napa Valley's renowned Chateau Montelena. Born and raised in Calistoga, Corey spent summer...
Stephen Crocker
Executive Chef, Loews Regency Hotel
Chef Crocker's first experience in food and beverage happened more than 30 years ago when he ran concessions at his school sports facilities. From this modest beginning, he has carved a culinary career for himself following his passion for mastering...
Eric Zillier
Sommelier, Alto
Eric Zillier discovered his love of wine while studying international affairs in Aix-en-Provence, seduced by open-air markets and the surrounding wine country. A Milwaukee, Wisconsin native, Zillier has worked in restaurants and with a wine importer,...
Scott Morosky
Executive Chef, NYY Steak at Yankee Stadium
Scott Morosky is the Executive Chef of NYY Steak at Yankee Stadium. Scott oversees a team of 20 to make sure that your dining experience is truly a great one.
Prior to joining NYY Steak, Morosky was Executive Sous Chef of Legends Hospitality at...
Kim Seybert
Designer, Kim Seybert, Inc.
Kim Seybert is a New York-based artist best known for her extraordinary accessories for the home and table. Her art is firmly founded in 3 key elements: hand-craftsmanship, attention to detail and an unfailing dedication to excellence.
After a...
Vincente Suarez Cabal
Chef, Castillo Del Bosque La Zoreda
At the age of 18, Chef Suarez Cabal went to cooking school for three years at the Escuela Hosteleria in the Principado de Asturias. He started working in a kitchen in Oviedo for four years in the restaurant La Corrada de Las Bispo. After that, he...
Alexander Renzi
Co-Founder, Me & Goji
Alexander is one of the co-founders of Me & Goji (the other founder is his friend Adam, a Northwestern chum). The company allows consumers to create their own healthy cereal from many organic and natural products. Prior to Me & Goji, Alexander...
Zac Young
Chef
While employed in the wig department of the Radio City Rockettes, Zac had an epiphany: He would rather be baking cookies than fluffing Santa beards. After graduating with honors from the baking and pastry arts program at the Institute of Culinary...
Luis Gonzales
Executive Chef, Cafe Un Deux Trois
Luis Gonzales was born December 20, 1974 in Ecuador.
He immigrated to the United States in 1993. When he is not working as the executive chef at Cafe Un Deux Trois, he is at home in Corona, New York where he loves spending time with his wife and 3...
Sabine Garrido
Pastry Chef
Self taught Executive Pastry Chef Sabine Garrido has held her title at the famed New York city celebrity driven event venue Capitale in New York City since 2006. Capitale not only hosts A-listers and their guests under its roof, but the Manhattan...
Adam Gertler
Chef/TV Personality
As the host of Food Network's prime-time series "Will Work for Food," Adam Gertler digs into challenging food jobs and learns how to do everything from ice sculpting and competitive eating to cranberry harvesting and truffle foraging.
Whether...
Kelly McElearney
Wine Expert, Ehlers Estate
Raised in the Napa Valley, Kelly McElearney has spent her entire life in and around the wine industry. The daughter of Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, Kelly moved to St. Helena in the early 1970s and grew up around her parents' Napa Valley winery,...
Eryn Reece
Bartender, Mayahuel
Eryn Reece has worked in the restaurant industry for the last eleven years, six of which have been behind the bar. She has worked her way from Seattle and now currently resides in New York City. She is one of the founders of LUPEC NYC, and a graduate...
Alba Cera
Event Planner
After dabbling throughout the many aspects of the culinary world, event planner Alba Cera found her calling as the woman behind the banquette, planning everything from weddings to charity dinners without a hitch. After start at New York's famed...
Jane Tseng
Executive Pastry Chef, Pulino's
Growing up in the Washington, D.C., metro area, Tseng gravitated to the kitchen at an early age to watch her mother, who cooked lunch and dinner for the family from scratch every day. A fan of Julia Child and Gourmet, she started baking for family...
Michael Weisshaupt
Executive Chef, Restaurant Latour
As Executive Chef at Restaurant Latour, Michael Weisshaupt has shown a discerning ability to develop creative and elegant menus that perfectly complement this culinary gem's expansive collection of fine wines.
The Chef began his career in Germany...
Javier Sierra
Director of Exports, Bodegas Aragonesas
Javier was born in Germany to Spanish parents, who returned to their native country when Javier was three. After studying law, Javier worked in Italy and Finland before returning again to his native land and pursuing his passion for wine through his...
John DeLucie
Chef/Owner, The Lion/The Royal
In April 2010, John Delucie opened his latest restaurant, The Lion, on 9th Street in Manhattan. Formerly, Chef Delucie headed up The Waverly Inn, the dining destination of choice for celebrities and socialites alike. His menu shines with culinary...
Julian Serrano
Chef, Picasso
Award-winning Chef Julian Serrano brings his memorable Mediterranean cooking to Bellagio as Executive Chef of Picasso. Serrano earned the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award twice as "Best Chef in the Southwest" in 2002 and "Best Chef of...
Stephane Lacroix
Wine Director/Sommelier, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Stephane Lacroix joined The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco in September 1999 as Director of Wine and Sommelier for the 336-room Nob Hill landmark. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is the only hotel in California to capture Mobil's Five Stars and AAA's...
Anjoleena Griffin-Holst
Wine Director, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Anjoleena Griffin-Holst has held the prestigious position of Wine Director at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa since March 2006. During her tenure, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa has further established itself as the East Coast's leading dining destination and...
Renato Poliafito
Baker/Owner, Baked
Born in New York. Raised in Queens and Boca Raton Florida, with brief stints in Sicily. Went to College at Skidmore, in Saratoga NY and majored in Art/Art History. Moved to NYC after graduation and worked as a designer (Internet and layout) for many...
William Bradley
Chef, Addison at the Grand Del Mar
Driven not by trends, but by the natural integrity of the ingredients he uses, Chef Bradley is a master of the understated with a keen focus on technique and taste. His star has risen at Addison, the critically acclaimed signature dining venue at The...
Richard Farnabe
Chef, Montrachet/Lotus New York
Richard Farnabe is renowned throughout the hospitality industry as an experienced chef with a tremendous amount of creativity and passion. He most recently held the title of Chef de Cuisine at Terrance Brennan's Picholine in NYC. Prior to that,...
Richard Sandoval
Executive Chef and Restauratuer
Born in Mexico City, Mexico, Richard Sandoval grew up surrounded by Mexican culture and food. His father, a successful restaurateur, instilled in him a passion for the cuisine of his heritage and the art of hospitality. From the age of 12, Richard...
Dr. Gabriela Hricko
Orthodontist
Dr. Gabriela Hricko graduated cum laude from Harvard University with a B.A. in psychology. She then attended Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery where she received her D.D.S. Following completion of a general practice residency at...
Jacques Gautier
Executive Chef, Ger-Nis Culinary & Herb Center
Chef Jacques Gautier's restaurant Palo Santo operates out of the ground floor of a Brooklyn brownstone. His eclectic take on traditional Latin American Cuisine draws influence from Caribbean family roots. In 1998 he completed the chef training...
Azmin Ghahreman
Chef/Owner, Sapphire Laguna
A citizen of the world, Ghahreman's Sapphire Laguna restaurant and adjacent gourmet specialty shop Sapphire Pantry have become well-known and respected culinary entities in Southern California. Ghahreman was previously the kudo-winning executive chef...
Brian Poe
Executive Chef, Poe's Kitchen
Chef Brian Poe is the Executive Chef of Poe's Kitchen at the Rattlesnake. A Georgia native, Poe has been a professional chef for more than 15 years and has lived in a number of states. When he first arrived in Boston Chef Poe was Director of Food...
Pete Daversa
Chef, Hill Country
Pete Daversa grew up in Niantic, Connecticut, a small town on the southeastern shoreline. His fascination with food and the culinary world began as a kid growing up around his mother's cooking and with his first job at King Neptune's Fish Market. As...
Alfred Portale
Chef/Owner, Gotham Bar and Grill
Chef Alfred Portale is a true rarity in 21st century dining: a culinary master whose heart belongs to the very restaurant where he launched his career 24 years ago, Gotham Bar and Grill. In 1985, Portale was a young chef with a vision that went well...
Christopher Lee Damskey
Chef de Cuisine, Market at W Boston
A respected executive chef with a diverse career in professional kitchens in both luxury hotels and standalone restaurants, Christopher Lee Damskey joins Market at the W Hotel Boston as Chef de Cuisine. Damskey has been a core member of the Culinary...
Samuel Beket
Executive Chef and Owner, Kush Cafe
Born and raised in the Ivory Coast, Kush Cafe's chef and owner is a French-trained chef. Determined to bring his culinary passion to the states, Mr. Beket (whose regulars at Kush know as Sammy) moved to New York City in 1989. Sammy has worked in...
James Distefano
Pastry Chef
James Distefano's ability to create and execute desserts is aptly reflected in his menu at Rouge Tomate, a modern American restaurant located in the heart of midtown Manhattan. Distefano's desserts blend seasonal ingredients with skillful...
Eben Freeman
Mixologist, Tailor
Eben Freeman is a native New Yorker who has worked in the city's food and beverage industry for almost two decades. He began as a stock boy at Crossroads Wine & Spirits while attending NYU. For the next five years Freeman bartended in the West...
Gonzolo "Mr. G" Bermeo
Executive Chef, El Perron
Gonzalo Bermeo is a self-trained chef who developed a knack for cooking at a young age while helping his mother in the kitchen. He relies on his 25+ years in the business beginning at El Cid and most recently culminating at El Boqueron, where the...
Alain Allegretti
Chef, Allegretti
Alain Allegretti hails from a prominent culinary background developed in kitchens across France and the United States. His cooking style pairs cultural influences from his home city of Nice with the guidance culled from famed chefs including Jacques...
Neyah White
Bar Manager, Nopa
Neyah finds himself lucky enough to be a part of the burgeoning cocktail scene in San Francisco. A transplant from the East Coast, he has been serving drinks for 15 years in some of the busiest and most well respected venues on both sides of the...
Cary Taylor
Chef, The Southern
The Southern's Executive Chef Cary Taylor already knows the way around the kitchen of the former Chaise Lounge, where he cooked for two years after holding cooking and management positions in some of Chicago's finest restaurants.
Upon graduating...
Brian Kosi
Assistant Winemaker, Freemark Abbey
Drawn to the winery's long history and reputation for quality, Brian Kosi joined Freemark Abbey in 2006.
He shares Director of Winemaking Ted Edwards' minimalist philosophy that a winemaker's work is to highlight the characteristics already...
Alex McCord
TV Personality and Author (Little Kids, Big City)
Alex McCord is the wife of Simon van Kempen and proud mother of two wonderful, energetic and creative children, Johan and Francois, who have provided endless inspiration for Little Kids, Big City [Sterling & Ross Publishers, April 2010], the book she...
Sergio Bitici
Chef/Owner, Macelleria
Born in Northern Italy, Sergio Bitici was the first to open a Tuscan restaurant in New York City, the famed Toscana. His ingenuity paid off, as Toscana became the first Italian restaurant to receive a coveted three-star review from the New York...
Vincent Géré
Director of Rémy Martin Cognacs and Estates
As the Director of Rémy Martin Cognacs and Estates, Vincent Géré is ultimately responsible for the supply, production and style of all products made by the company. His role is unique in the world of Cognac, and ensures the...
Galen Zamarra
Chef, Mas (farmhouse)
Chef Zamarra graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1995. He worked for David Bouley for 8 years at the original Bouley Restaurant and Bouley Bakery, where Galen rose to the rank of Chef de Cuisine. The and James Beard Foundation...
Kerry Heffernan
Chef, South Gate
Kerry Heffernan brings 20 years of culinary excellence, experience and leadership to the kitchen of 154 South Gate at Jumeirah Essex House. Bordering Central Park in New York City, the Park provides both seasonal inspiration and the ideal backdrop...
Mark Peel
Executive Chef/Owner, Campanile
Mark Peel is the owner and executive chef of Campanile restaurant, a Los Angeles favorite for 20 years, and winner of the 2001 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant Award. By the time Mark was in college, he had worked in a series of kitchen jobs which...
Anthony Caturano
Chef/Owner, Prezza
Anthony Caturano grew up in Revere, a town just miles from Boston's North End, but, some would argue, is just as Italian. No one can attest to this more than Caturano, whose childhood was packed with memories of family dinners every Sunday at his...
Eric Silverstein
Owner, The Peached Tortilla
Eric was born in Tokyo, Japan and moved to Atlanta, Georgia at the age of ten. After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis in 2004 with a finance/marketing degree, Eric obtained a law degree from Washington University in 2007. Upon...
Silvano Marchetto
Restaurateur, Da Silvano
Silvano Marchetto left Italy In 1968, and moved to America, where he first worked as a waiter, saving his money with the dream of opening an Italian restaurant that would serve food like he had enjoyed and cooked back home. When the owner of the...
Brownie Brown
Founder, Shanti Shack
Brownie is the creator and founder of Shanti Shack, a hip lifestyle company that teaches people how to create their personal houses of peace on through in-home culinary classes for quick, healthy cooking and easy entertaining with yogic vim. Prior to...
Philippe Massoud
Chef/Owner, ilili
Late last year Philippe Massoud opened ilili, probably the most ambitious Middle Eastern restaurant, in terms of scale and décor, in New York. He is its chef and principal owner. Mr. Massoud’s experience goes beyond the kitchen. Decades ago he...
Giuseppe Castellano
Executive Chef, Tiella
Chef Peppe Castellano is best known for his work at Gran Gusto in Cambridge, the artisinal pizza parlor whose sophisticated spins on 'za attract throngs of hungry Bostonians. His career began in his native Italy, where his culinary-minded brother...
Ron Siegel
Executive Chef, The Dining Room
Ron Siegel's career in the culinary arts began as a butcher in a grocery store in Palo Alto, CA, where his family moved from New York when he was seven. A few years and many jobs later, Siegel enrolled in San Francisco's California Culinary Academy....
Erin Rosar
Sommelier/Educator
Erin Rosar is a Calgary–based sommelier and educator who is well known for her down to earth approach to wine. Her expertise has led to her teaching up–and–coming sommeliers through to Diploma Level with the International Sommelier...
Amanda Freitag
Chef
Amanda Freitag was encouraged by her Home Economics teacher to seriously look into the culinary field as a career. Amanda's teacher accompanied her to the Culinary Institute of America's "Taste of the C.I.A", where she fell in love with cooking....
Giulia Melucci
Author
Giulia Melucci was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York where she still lives, but in a more fashionable neighborhood. She is the former Vice President of Public Relations for Harper's Magazine and previously worked at Spy Magazine, Atlantic Monthly...
Zafer Sevimcok
Owner, Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar
Zafer Sevimcok has unique backgrounds and experience in the food and wine industry. Mr. Sevimcok has a degree in journalism and worked at Sabah, a well renowned Turkish newspaper. While completing his studies in New York, Mr. Sevimcok worked in the...
Kenny Lao
Chef and Owner, Rickshaw Dumpling Truck
After college, Kenny used to sell dumpling out of the back of his truck at farmer's markets in New Hampshire. Prior to opening Rickshaw, he decided to get some restaurant experience so he took reservations at NoBu, checked coats at Tribeca Grill,...
Lynn Mansel
Chef, Mohegan Sun
Chef Lynn Mansel was born and raised in Llanelli, England and began his culinary career in 1969, serving as an apprentice at the Seabank Hotel in Porthcaw, Wales, England. While earning his culinary degree in pastry from the City & Guilds of London...
Roberto Alicea
Executive Chef, the shop at Andaz 5th Avenue
Chef Alicea has worked for Hyatt Corporation restaurants since the age of 14. After working as Sous Chef at Nomi restaurant in the Park Hyatt Chicago, he became the youngest Executive Chef in the Corporation at age 23. He has opened Hyatt...
Franck Duboeuf
Winemaker, Beaujolais Nouveau
Born and raised in the beautiful Beaujolais hills, he took his first steps amongst the vines and grew up immersed in the world of winemaking. Franck's knowledge of wine grew with the years, as did his passion. He officially entered the family...
Thierry Rautureau
Chef, Rover's Restaurant
Thierry Rautureau, and The Chef In The Hat, is the chef/owner of Rover's Restaurant in Seattle, Washington. For over two decades, Rover's has offered cuisine that Rautureau describes as Northwest Contemporary with a French accent. Rautureau was...
Jean-Baptiste Humbert
Wine Expert
Wine expert and French native Jean Baptiste Humbert has brought earth friendly bouquet's of grapes to New York. Born in Paris in 1974, Humbert experienced his first tastes of wine at a young age, as wine appreciation was a daily activity in his...
Pete Harrison
Bar Manager, Restaurant Charles
Pete Harrison grew up near Hartford, CT and started out in the industry at Tower Ridge Country Club, eventually becoming Head Bartender. After graduating from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, he moved to New York and opened Dos Caminos...
Mary Ann Esposito
Chef
Authenticity, history, and tradition: three tenets of Mary Ann Esposito and her cooking that have made her one of America's best-known and most loved television chefs. Broadcast nationally and internationally, Mary Ann's PBS cooking series Ciao...
Sam Talbot
Executive Chef, Surf Lodge/Mondrian Soho
Sam Talbot is the Executive Chef at The Surf Lodge in Montauk and the soon-to-open Mondrian Soho in New York City. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Sam was one of the most-watched chefs and voted 'Fan Favorite' on Bravo's Top Chef series....
Wil Crutchley
Wil Crutchley, Freelance Chef
Wil Crutchley hails from coastal Northeastern North Carolina and began working in restaurants at the age of 15. After graduating culinary school in Atlanta, he spent time working in Europe and eventually moved to New York City, where he cooked at...
Daniel Puskas
Chef, Sepia
Daniel Puskas began his cooking career when he started his apprenticeship at Tetsuya’s in 2002. Since then he has worked with some of Australia’s and the USA’s leading chefs.
In 2006 Daniel won the prestigious Josephine Pignolet “Best...
Carlo Apolloni
Chef, Scuderia
Italian Chef Carlo Apolloni, originally hails from Palermo, Sicily. Having a passion for food and cooking from a very young age, he was encouraged by both parents to pursue a career in cooking, and began it at the famed Italian hotel management and...
Elisa Strauss
Founder/Owner, Confetti Cakes
A graduate of Vassar College, this former designer for Ralph Lauren also received a degree in pastry and baking arts at The Institute of Culinary Education, and spent one semester studying at the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1999, Elisa founded...
Richard A. Vellante
Chef, Legal Sea Foods
Richard Vellante joined Legal Sea Foods 14 years ago, and now oversees all restaurant and culinary operations. As executive chef, he manages the development of new recipes and menus, and oversees their execution in our kitchens.
As the former...
Patrick Wilson
Chef, St. Andrew's Golf Club
Chef Patrick Wilson's career has taken him places he never thought possible. From consulting in China to sushi school in Tokyo, it has been quite an amazing ride!
As an ACF competitor, he enjoys the friendships he's made over the years with fellow...
Jacques Capsouto
Restaurateur/Sommelier, Capsouto Freres
Jacques Capsouto founded Capsouto Freres, a classical French bistro in Tribeca, in 1980, along with his brothers Albert and Samuel. Since the restaurant's launch, Jacques has been responsible for managing the kitchen, purchasing all of the food and...
Roland Semaan
Restaurateur, Balade
Roland Semaan graduated from the Ritz hotel school in Le Bouveret, Switzerland in 2000 with a Hotel Management Diploma, including an extensive Food & Beverage externship at 5 Star Hotel President Wilson in Geneva. He also earned a BS degree in...
Keith Kornfeld
Executive Chef, Pranna
Keith has taken Pranna's menu and dining experience to the next level introducing Authentic Southeast Asian Flavors with a modern presentation from countries of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and India.
In 2010, Kornfeld was invited to be Guest Chef...
Levi Dalton
Sommelier/Winemaker/Wine Expert
Levi Dalton spent hours in Boston University's bookstore pouring through books and course materials. However, the straight-A student wasn't reading the Classics or studying great art--both necessary for his English Literature and Art History double...
Gale Gand
Pastry Chef/Partner, TRU
Gale Gand, executive pastry chef and partner of the Five Diamond, four star restaurant TRU in Chicago, was named pastry chef of the year by The James Beard Foundation and Bon Appétit magazine in 2001. Host of the Food Network's "Sweet Dreams,"...
Dionicio Jimenez
Chef, Xochitl
Dionicio Jimenez was born in Puebla, Mexico. He moved to Philadelphia in 1998 where he began working under Philippe Chin at Locust Club. He also worked at Twenty Manning under Chef Kiong Banh. Dionicio spent the bulk of his culinary experience at...
Alex McCrery
Chef, LowerLineNYC Boutique Catering
Alex McCrery is the Chef/Owner of LowerLineNYC Boutique Catering, which opened in the Summmer of 2008. With LowerLineNYC Boutique Catering, Alex is able to customize the service and cuisine to each individual event or dinner party, leaving the guest...
Damien Brassel
Chef/Owner, Knife + Fork
Irish chef Damien Brassel has always been a student of the culinary arts. As a teenager, he pursued his cooking passion through formal training at universities in Ireland and Switzerland, and by the age of twenty, he was the head chef at Peacock...
François Payard
Chef/Owner, Payard
François Payard is a third generation French Pastry Chef. François cultivated his passion for the art of Pastry as a child in his grandfather's acclaimed shop, Au Nid des Friandises on the Riviera. After honing his skills in classic pastry by his...
Jim Botsacos
Chef/Owner, Molyvos and Abboccato
Jim Botsacos, chef/partner at Molyvos , is adding his own creative inspiration and multi-national background to traditional Greek cuisine to create "New Greek Classics." Through his talent, skill and vision, Botsacos has elevated his cuisine to the...
Will Savarese
Executive Chef, Robert's Restaurant
Will Savarese has recently been named Executive Chef of Robert's Restaurant in the newly opened Score's New York. Will began his career more than 20 years ago while studying business at St. John's University and working at La Cote Basque, where he...
Ricardo Zarate
Chef, Mo-Chica and Picca Restaurant
With equal amounts of passion and creativity, Chef Ricardo crafts his inspired cuisine using market-fresh ingredients and a vast knowledge of food. From the defining kitchen of Zarate's childhood home in Lima, Peru, this chef has been creating...
Mia Bauer
Co-Founder, Crumbs Bakery
Mia Bauer, Co-Founder, Chief Creative Officer and Vice President of CRUMBS Bake Shop has been an avid baker since first discovering her fierce sweet tooth as a child while helping her mother bake when living on a farm in Israel. Prior to starting...
Harold Dieterle
Chef/Owner, Perilla
Harold Dieterle, a New York native, was the winner of the first season of the Bravo's Top Chef. A 1997 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, he was a Sous Chef at the Harrison Restaurant in New York City before leaving that position in early...
Mohammad Islam
Chef/Owner, Aigre Doux
On February 4, 2004, Los Angeles Times restaurant critic S. Irene Virbila had rave reviews for executive chef Mohammad Islam's food at the Chateau Marmont Hotelsaying, "His sensibility is more Chez Panisse than the Ritz.... I wanted to move into the...
Elizabeth Gordon
Author, Allergy Free Desserts
Elizabeth Gordon, author of the cookbook Allergy-Free Desserts, began her allergy-free food and baking career in 2007 with the advent of her private-order bakery, Betsy and Claude. After being diagnosed with wheat and egg allergies upon the birth of...
Matthew Weingarten
Chef, Inside Park at St. Bart's
A longtime supporter of local farmlands, sustainable culinary practices and responsibly sourced ingredients, Matthew Weingarten has always strived to create menus that reflect a sense of place and time. At Inside Park at St. Bart's, Weingarten's...
Roger Kugler
Sommelier
Roger Kugler grew up on a farm in Missouri, which has been in the family for over 100 years. He is a consummate American mutt consisting of German, Danish, Dutch, French, English, Irish, Scotch, Swiss and Native American descent. One side of the...
Alberto Velez
Chef, Gran Hotel Domine
Alberto Velez has been the chef at Beltz the Black, located at Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao for seven years. He was the head chef at Hoteles Ercilla for 18 years. He studied in Escuela Superior de Hosteleria de Galdacano.
Jeremy Spector
Chef and Owner, Brindle Room
Chef Jeremy Spector attended the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco in the mid 90's then worked at Bix and Le Colonial. Moving to New York for a broader culinary experience, he worked at Balthazar, Gramercy Tavern, and Lupa before becoming...
Morgan Schick
Mixologist, Clock Bar
Trained in Portland, Oregon, bartender Morgan Schick approaches cocktail making at Clock Bar with this philosophy: dedication and the highest quality ingredients available.
Marc Forgione
Chef/Owner, Marc Forgione
The son of culinary legend Larry Forgione, who revolutionized American-style cooking in the 70’s and 80’s, Forgione embraced his father’s livelihood completely and is currently on track to establish himself as a star in his own right. Forgione...
Emanuele Simeoni
Executive Chef, Via dei Mille
Born in Latisana, Italy, Emanuele Simeoni has always had a love for fine food. From the time he was a small child, he was brought up to think, talk, and breathe "food." As with most Italian families, Simeoni's mother was an excellent cook and from...
T. Nicolas Peter
Chef, The Little Door/The Little Next Door
A European native raised by parents who loved to cook, T. Nicolas Peter was exposed to a wide range of ethnic foods at a young age. His father, a chemist, always practiced new ways of cooking and eventually inspired him to concoct dishes of his own....
Florian Hugo
Chef, Cognac Brasserie
Chef Florian Hugo is an 8-year veteran of the world-renowned Alain Ducasse restaurants in Paris, Monaco and London. He was also Sous Chef of Alain Ducasse at the Essex House Hotel in New York City, and was formerly the Executive Chef at La...
Johan Svensson
Chef, Aquavit
Chef Johan Svensson graduated from culinary school 1990, started working as a dishwasher on a canal boat, moved up north and landed a souse chef job in Lulea 1996. Svensson then moved to NYC in 1997 as a line cook at restaurant Aquavit. Next came a...
David Gordon
Sommelier
David Gordon is the wine director at Tribeca Grill, which is one of only 7 restaurants in New York City to have Wine Spectator's Grand Award. His 1800 selection wine list contains over 300 Châteauneuf du Papes, the largest collection in the...
Jim Rollston
Sommelier, Cyrus
Jim Rollston followed his passion for wine from the vineyards of France to the wineries of California and the dining rooms of Sonoma County's finest restaurants. While in France, Rollston toured many of the great winemaking regions, such as Burgundy...
Kurt Gutenbrunner
Chef, Wallsé/Café Sabarsky/Blaue Gans
Kurt Gutenbrunner, chef and proprietor of New York City's Wallsé, Café Sabarsky and Blaue Gans, has earned abundant praise for his modern interpretation of Austrian cuisine and his seamless integration of food and art. He has been able...
Richard Lusardi
Owner, Alma 33
New York City native Richard Lusardi is passionate about and dedicated to all aspects of the hospitality industry. Alma 33 is both inspired by and a tribute to his late father who was from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has over fifteen years of...
Laurent Gras
Executive Chef/Partner, L20
In 1997, Laurent Gras arrived in America, taking the helm of Peacock Alley at New York's Waldorf Astoria. Over the next four years he built a reputation for creativity and excellence that brought him to San Francisco's renowned Fifth Floor where his...
Mauro Colagreco
Chef Ambassador, Graffigna
Mauro Colagreco began his training at the Gato Dumas hotel school, where he worked in some of Buenos Aires' most prestigious restaurants including Catalinas, Rey Castro, Mariani and Azul Profundo.
In 2001, Colagreco headed to France to take an...
John Schenk
Chef, Strip House
From the time he was six years-old, when he prepared a batch of pancakes for his family--albeit mistakenly using baking soda, rather than baking powder, rendering them inedible--John Schenk wanted to become a chef. Raised on his family's farm in...
Thomas Dritsas
Corportate Executive Chef, Del Frisco's Restaurant Group
Chef Thomas Dritsas has served as Corporate Executive Chef for the Del Frisco's Restaurant Group since Decemeber of 2003, and oversees the day-to-day culinary operations for all Del Frisco's and Sullivan's Steakhouses. Prior to this position, Thomas...
Shannah Spencer
Chef, Capitol Sports Restaurant
Chef Shannah Spencer is not only the sister of New England Patriots Defensive End Jarvis Green, but she's the chef at his Capitol Sports Restaurant in Donaldsonville, LA. Chef Shannah is a true down home, self taught chef, drawing inspiration from...
Mark Morton
Author
Mark Morton is the author of two food-related books, Cupboard Love: A Dictionary of Culinary Curiosities and Cooking with Shakespeare. He is also the author of two books not about food; The End: Closing Words for a Millennium and The Lover's Tongue:...
Aaròn Sanchez
Chef/Partner, Centrico
The co–star of Food Network's exciting new series, Chefs vs. City, Aaròn is the owner and executive chef of restaurants Centrico and Paladar, both located in New York City. The son of celebrated Mexican cooking authority Zarela Martinez,...
Sunitha Ramaiah
Chef/Owner, Bombay Talkie
Sunitha Ramaiah was raised on her grandfather's tea estate in Ooty in the south of India, where she learned to appreciate the tea and food in her favorite tea shops. After moving to Long Island at age 7 to join her parents who had been studying...
Jonathan Baird
Sommelier, Hatfield's Restaurant
Jonathan Baird was born and raised in Nashville, TN, into a family with a rich heritage of good Southern cuisine. During his college years at the University of Virginia, he took up cooking in various restaurants, discovering his love of all things...
Martin Brock
Chef
Martin Brock began his culinary education at age 16 as a traditional European apprentice. Raised on a farm in Bavaria, Chef Brock was exposed to fresh ingredients at an early age, and thus learned to appreciate food in its purest and most natural...
Amanda Cohen
Executive Chef/Owner, Dirt Candy
Amanda Cohen graduated from the Natural Gourmet Cookery School Chef's Training Program in 1998, going on to do everything from interning in the pastry kitchen of Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill to working as a baker in the production kitchen of Blanche's...
Ektoras Binikos
Mixologist, Oceana
Head mixologist Ektoras Binikos presides over the Oceana bar since opening at the new location, where he has created all the original cocktails. He believes a cocktail must satisfy the eyes, satisfy the nose and, thirdly, satisfy the palate. The...
Kent Rathbun
Chef, Abacus/Jaspers
After rapidly rising through the ranks of some of the world's finest restaurants, Chef Kent Rathbun has created two of the most talked about restaurant concepts in the nation—Abacus and Jasper's. Rathbun's roots are firmly set in food and at...
Zachary Sharaga
Owner/Bartender, Louis 649
Zachary Sharaga opened Louis 649 in the East Village before he was even legally allowed to drink alcohol. At the tender age of 20, Bronx–born Sharaga turned what had been an Avenue C dive into a destination hot spot to hear top billed jazz...
Adam Votaw
Chef, Circa59
Circa59 is the signature fine dining venue at Riviera Resort & Spa, which reopened in October 2008 after an extensive $70 million modernization. The legendary property originally opened to much fanfare in 1958, and during its 1960s heydey, was billed...
Stephanie LaMonica
Winemaker, Grande Dalles
From Oneonta, in upstate New York, Stephanie LaMonica is more of a martini/Manhattan kind of gal, and both wine and farming are fairly new to her. Truth be told, she would've never gotten into the wine industry, but in 1991, after having discovered...
Hugh Acheson
Chef/Partner, Five & Ten/the National/Gosford Wine
Hugh Acheson is the chef/partner of Five & Ten, the National, and Gosford Wine. Hugh is the recipient of Food & Wine's Best New Chef (2002), a three time James Beard nominee for Best Chef Southeast (2007, 2008, 2009) and a StarChefs.com Rising Star...
David Duckhorn
Wine Expert, Via Pacifica
David Duckhorn has spent his entire career in wine. He currently serves as a managing partner of Via Pacifica Selections, based in Sebastopol, California. Via Pacifica imports and markets handcrafted wine from New Zealand to the United States....
Peter Som
Designer, Peter Som
Peter Som's aesthetic of unstudied elegance and refined sexiness has brought a fresh point of view to modern American fashion. Peter grew up in San Francisco where his architect parents instilled in him the ideals of purity of form, function and...
Jason Bunin
Chef, Vintage Irving
With over 20 years of professional experience, Jason Bunin has been an important player in the New York Culinary field. He began his career in Manhattan atPetrossian Restaurant, where he cultivated an appreciation for fine ingredients. He then...
Matthew Accarrino
Chef, SPQR
At SPQR, executive chef Matthew Accarrino's menu reflects his personal culinary philosophy of composing dishes using the freshest local and seasonal ingredients. Accarrino's creative and technique-driven approach seeks to showcase these ingredients...
Craig Berò
Owner, Cosmopolitan Cafe
Craig Berò is the owner and proprietor of Cosmopolitan Cafe in Tribeca in New York City. He has been a pioneer in the local food movement for over 30 years, bringing notice to American country and comfort food with an emphasis on sourcing...
Chris Cannon
Restaurateur, Alto/Convivio
Chris Cannon has the warmth and energy of a restaurant ingenue and the experience of an industry veteran whose work has contributed to the two and three-star status of some of the city's most beloved restaurants. His two decades of hospitality...
Tom Potisk
The Down to Earth Doctor
One of America's top natural health care practitioners, Doctor Tom Potisk is a leader in his field. He was elected Chiropractor of the Year, published and lectured extensively in his community, helps thousands of patients in the holistic practice he...
Xavier Flouret
Founder, Cognac One
Born and raised in Cognac, France, Xavier Flouret lived in the United Kingdom and Chile before settling in New York, nearly 15 years ago. Prior to founding Cognac One, Flouret was an owner of AMC USA, one of the largest wine shippers in the world. In...
Andrea Cavaliere
Corporate Chef, Cecconi's
Born in Turin, a city in Northern Italy, Andrea Cavaliere began his culinary career in his family's trattoria where he was a chef's assistant. He later went to culinary school in Turin and apprenticed under Michelin-starred chefs and in Relais...
Phil Deffina
Executive Chef, Highpoint Bistro &Bar
Phil Deffina joins Highpoint Bistro & Bar after working at San Francisco's much loved 4-star restaurant, La Folie, and after spending six years working under famed chef David Burke. By merging the laid back casual cool of California cooking with the...
Eli Kirshtein
Chef, Solo
Born and raised in Atlanta, Eli Kirshtein, 26, has rapidly become one of the prominent, young chefs in the local landscape. He started his culinary career at the age of 16 as a cook under Chefs Kevin Rathbun and Richard Blais. Eli left Atlanta to...
Laurent Tourondel
Executive Chef/Partner, BLT Restaurant Group
Honored by Bon Appétit as Restaurateur of the Year in 2007 and by Food & Wine as a Best New Chef in 1997, Tourondel also has received an array of "Best" awards from publications like Esquire, Travel & Leisure, Saveur and Wine...
Pichet Ong
Pastry Chef/Owner, The Village Tart/P*ONG
Eating and cooking are Pichet Ong's hobby and heartbeat. He enjoys mixing classical and modern flavors to create whimsical sweet and savory foods at his iconic restaurants (P*ONG, Village Tart), dessert bar (The Spot), and bakery (Batch). Pichet...
Angelo Sosa
Chef, Xie Xie
Angelo Sosa was born in Connecticut to a Dominican father and an Italian mother who believed meals were serious affairs. Sosa took part in the cooking duties as a small child, hand-sorting rice and discarding every spoiled grain. This task...
Christopher Lee
Chef, Aureole Restaurant
Christopher Lee garnered national attention as the executive chef at the Striped Bass in Philadelphia. He received the James Beard "2005 Rising Star Chef of the Year" award and was named one of Food & Wine Magazine's Best New Chefs for 2006. In...
Joey Campanaro
Chef/Owner, The Little Owl/Market Table
Growing up in an Italian-American household inspired Joey Campanaro to become the chef he is today. Joey fell in love with the vibrancy of the restaurant business during his first kitchen job and decided to pursue this passion further. While...
Laura Feinblum
RD/ CDN
Laura Feinblum is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist (CDN). Her experience in the dietetics field spans numerous nutritional concerns, including weight management, bariatric surgery, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease...
Timon Balloo
Executive Chef, SUGARCANE raw bar grill
After a brief stint working for a credit card processing company, Timon Balloo decided business was not for him. "I needed to follow my passion," says Balloo, one that found him as a line and prep cook at a local cafe in Weston, Florida.Soon after,...
Alberto Lazzarino
Chef, Melograno
Chef Alberto Lazzarino was born and raised in Piemonte, Northern Italy. After his culinary and wine school training Alberto worked in Italy, Spain and France when famed restaurateur Mauro Vincenti imported him to Rex Il Ristorante in Los Angeles....
Marlo Scott
Owner, Sweet Revenge
After getting laid off in 2007 from her job in publishing, Marlo transformed her passion for cupcakes, adventure and foreign travel into Sweet Revenge. Opened in July 2008, the upscale, world-inspired cupcake, beer & wine bar has already made a...
