Nicholas Stefanelli is the chef and owner of Masseria in Washington, DC. Stefanelli grew up in suburban Maryland with a strong influence coming from his close relationship to his Greek and Italian grandparents whose culinary heritage was a fact of life. Visiting Puglia, the source of his Italian roots, Stefanelli became enchanted by the masseria,…
At age 12, Katherine Thompson became obsessed with all things culinary after reading Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. So, it comes as no surprise that today Katherine is a renowned pastry chef and restaurant owner with both James Beard and RAMMY nominations under her belt and a signature cake that’s routinely mentioned…
Nationally celebrated, Kevin Tien oversees culinary operations at InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf, as the new Executive Chef at the helm of his modern Vietnamese restaurant, Moon Rabbit. Tien was born to a military family and spent his childhood and early life in Louisiana. He was educated at both the University of Louisiana and Louisiana State University. Growing…
Chef Robert Aikens began his career in Norwich, England, training in French and English cooking techniques. He has had a successful career cooking in Michelin starred restaurants in Europe, as a private chef for the CEO of Citigroup, as both Corporate Executive Chef for Starr Restaurants, and as restaurant Executive Chef at Starr properties Philadelphia…
Lauren Katz is the Head Pastry Chef at The Difference Baker in Ashburn, VA and a DC area native. The Difference Baker specializes in gluten-free and allergen-friendly baked goods. Lauren Is best known for winning the first season of ABC’s “Great American Baking Show” and has competed in over 50 cooking competitions across the country,…
International award-winning Chef Danny Lledó is the owner of the multi-dining concept Xiquet by Danny Lledó and Slate Wine Bar. Recipient of a MICHELIN Star in 2021 for Xiquet, his cooking is strongly influenced by his Mediterranean heritage. He is proud to continue the family tradition of culinary excellence, following in the footsteps of his…
As an award – winning, best-selling, author, chef, television personality, and educator, Amy Riolo is one of the world’s foremost authorities on culinary culture. She is known for sharing history, culture, and nutrition through global cuisine as well as simplifying recipes for the home cook. A graduate of Cornell University, Amy is considered a culinary…
Tina Zaccardi is a self-taught baker and the most recent winner of The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition Season 4. She’s been baking for as long as she can remember but it has been about the last 6 years where she has really become passionate about her baking by researching baking techniques and practicing…
Grand Hyatt Washington’s Executive Chef Eric Damidot was born and raised in France and has always had a passion for cooking. He attended Golf Hotel Culinary School in France at the age of 16 and went on to have apprenticeships with Gilbert Mallet and Jacques Chibois. When he came to America, Chef Damidot worked at…
Fernando Desa is the executive chef and product development manager for Goya Foods, America’s largest Hispanic-owned food company. Chef Desa has worked with world-renowned culinary experts, including master chefs Rich Rosendale and Peter Timmins from the famed Greenbrier Resort, in West Virginia. He has also worked alongside well-known New England chef, Volker Frick and culinary…
