Justin Chapple is Culinary Director-at-Large of FOOD & WINE and host of Mad Genius Tips, twice nominated for a James Beard Award. He authored Just Cook It! and Mad Genius Tips, and has appeared in major magazines and on national TV. A graduate of the French Culinary Institute, Jacques Pépin served as Dean during his time there.
Maneet Chauhan, a James Beard-winning chef and restaurateur, co-founded Morph Hospitality Group in Nashville, overseeing acclaimed eateries like Chauhan Ale & Masala House. Known for cookbooks Flavors of My World and Chaat, she’s a Food Network star, Chopped judge, and two-time Tournament of Champions winner (2021, 2024), excelling in culinary innovation.
Chef Esther Choi, driven by her Korean roots, is the chef and owner of Mŏkbar and partner at Ms. Yoo. Her cooking blends traditional and modern Korean influences with seasonal ingredients. A graduate of NYC’s Institute of Culinary Education, she’s worked at Ilili, La Esquina, and Food Network. She hosts Heat Eaters and co-hosts Food Network’s 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing.
Ashley Christensen, chef and owner of Poole’s Diner, Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, Fox Liquor Bar, Death & Taxes, and Bridge Club in Raleigh, North Carolina, is acclaimed for bright, fresh flavors and seasonal ingredients. She received two James Beard Awards, authored two cookbooks, earned national honors, and supports charities including Frankie Lemmon Foundation, Southern Smoke Foundation, and Southern Foodways Alliance.
Brandon Edwin Chrostowski, Founder and CEO of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute, is renowned for his groundbreaking work in culinary and hospitality training for the formerly incarcerated. Through his flagship French restaurant and nonprofit, he has established a national model for re-entry with a one percent recidivism rate.
‘Cleveland Chef to Watch’ and two-time James Beard nominee Vinnie Cimino is known for culinary talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and team goodwill. His restaurant Cordelia, embodying “Midwest Nice” hospitality, was named Best New Restaurant and among the Top 22 in the U.S. Vinnie also supports community causes through Five Star Sensation, Cleveland Family Meal, Food Conscious, and the SOW Project.
Tom Colicchio is an 8-time James Beard Award winning chef, and the owner of Crafted Hospitality, which includes New York City’s Craft, Temple Court and Vallata; Las Vegas’ Craftsteak, and Small Batch in Garden City, NY. Tom made his New York cooking debut at prominent New York restaurants including Gramercy Tavern before opening Craft in 2001.
Michael Collantes, a celebrated chef with over 20 years in hospitality, earned his first Michelin star in 2022, a year after launching Soseki Modern Omakase in Orlando, FL. This intimate 10-seat restaurant offers a multi-course tasting menu featuring premium global fish and the bounty of Central Florida.