We had a great evening with awesome chefs, celebrating our accomplishments of the past year and looking forward to unprecedented opportunities for change.
The evening was led off with a stirring short speech by our emcee, Chef Andrew Zimmern. That was followed by five celebrity chefs preparing five delicious, gourmet courses paired with world-class wines for the 50 guests in attendance (see chef line-up and menu below).
The endlessly entertaining and informative Steve Olson once again led the traditional Zapotec Blessing, introduced the wines and even outdid himself this year with surprise cocktails.
Before the dinner, we had four sous chefs join the chefs in the kitchen to help prepare the courses, having fun and learning some new culinary skills along the way. You can have a chance to be a sous chef next year by making a donation to our Spring Forward campaign this May.
A special thanks to our presenting partner, Food & Wine Magazine, who invites all attendees to join them at the famous 3-day Food & Wine Classic in Charleston this Fall (and save $500!).
Thank you to all our sponsors:
Del Maguey Mezcal, Breakthru Beverage, Hedley & Bennet, Bedrock Wine Co., Estate Argyros, De Toren Private Cellar, Selbach Oster, J. Rieger Whiskey, Uncle Waithley’s Ginger Beer, Stray Dog Gin, Binchoyaki Spices, Williams and Humbert Sherry, Sabatino Truffles, Dry Storage Bakery and Mill, French Truck Coffee, The James Beard Foundation and Miranda Lynch Photography. Please support those who support us!
This Year’s Celebrity Chef Line-Up Included
Andrew Zimmern
Our emcee for the evening is the Emmy Award-winning and four-time James Beard Foundation Award recipient, as well as a writer, producer, and host of Driven by Food and Wild Game Kitchen.
Jacques Torres
Renowned pastry chef, chocolatier and TV personality, Dean of Pastry Arts at the International Culinary Center, Jacques will prepare our dessert course.
Tavel Bristol-Joseph
Michelin Award–winning chef, partner in Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group and Food & Wine Best New Chef (2020), Tavel is also a OneKitchen leader of our Texas coalition.
Derek Wagner
Long-time leader in “boat-to-table” cuisine, Derek is a finalist for JBF’s “Best Chef” 2026 and his restaurant Nick’s on Broadway was one of only 39 named “Best Restaurant in America” by USAToday.
Rocco Dispirito
Iconic Italian-American NYC chef, television personality, and highly acclaimed author of 14 cookbooks, including 3 NYT Best Sellers, and Food & Wine Best New Chef (1999).
Sophina Uong
A former Chopped Grill Master Napa Champion, Sophia is co-owner and lead chef at Mister Mao’s, a Bon Appetite 50 Best New Restaurant winner in New Orleans, where she is also a OneKitchen leader.
Thank you, Chefs!!
We hope to see you next year!
