California Walnuts – walnuts.org

The award-winning chef comes from a long line of restaurateurs and is the fifth generation in his family to continue in their culinary footsteps creating “approachable Italian comfort food”.

Throughout his career, Chef Boris Portnoy has created bold and whimsical desserts.

Chef Charlie Ayers, more commonly known as Chef Charlie, lives by the creed “eat, drink, and be merry.”

Since the beginning of his celebrated career, James Beard Award winning chef Charlie Palmer has received critical acclaim for his signature progressive American cooking.

Cindy Pawlcyn has pioneered fresh, local, seasonal, sustainable wine-country cuisine since opening Napa Valley’s legendary Mustards Grill in 1983. A master chef of national acclaim, she is the founder/owner of three of Napa Valley’s most beloved restaurants: Mustards Grill, the popular and eclectic Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, and the vibrant Brassica Mediterranean Restaurant & Wine Bar.

David Kinch, executive chef and owner of the 2007-2009 Two-Michelin Star restaurant Manresa.

Executive pastry chef at Waterbar and Farallon Restaurants in San Francisco, she is recognized around the world for her award-winning sweet creations. With four cookbooks to her credit and numerous awards, including a 2004 James Beard Award.

Greg Higgins is an award winning chef and co-owner of “Higgins Restaurant and Bar,” a 2010 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant nominee.

Growing up surrounded by freshly baked goods at his parent’s bed and breakfast in Ireland, Chef Ian Farrell started baking at an early age and knew cooking was where his passion lay.

Currently the executive chef at Beechwood Restaurant in Venice, California, Jamie Lauren’s interest in the culinary arts started at a relatively young age, cooking with her parents, in Manhattan.

Chef Jeff Clark, executive chef for Nugget Markets, started his culinary career as a teen, when his father and uncle taught him the art of homemade charcuterie and wine.

With 20 years of Healthcare experience, Chef Jim Perko CEC, ACC has a passion for creating the most delectable taste experiences for any conceivable diet, from vegan to a zero-fat, plant based diet.

Ken Frank is the chef-proprietor of La Toque restaurant in the Napa, California. When Ken Frank learned there was an opportunity to build a new restaurant in The Westin Verasa, Napa, in the fall of 2008, he considered it a good omen.

Marion Cunningham has authored several cookbooks throughout her career, including The Fannie Farmer Baking Book, The Breakfast Book, The Supper Book, and Cooking with Children.

One of the country’s most renowned chefs, who built his reputation serving fine world-class cuisine.

Acclaimed Chef Michael Tuohy is a 31-year veteran of the restaurant industry and a leading proponent of the Slow Food Movement.

Mike Isabella is the Chef/Owner of Graffiato, which opened in June 2011 in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, DC. The 130-seat Italian-inspired spot features small plates, locally cured meats, artisanal pizzas and pastas with seasonal ingredients influenced by the food Chef Isabella grew up eating in New Jersey prepared by his Italian American grandmother.

James Beard Cookbook Hall of Famer and one of “The Five Women Who Changed the Way We Eat”.

Chef Molly Hawks, executive chef and co-owner of Hawks restaurant in Granite Bay, almost missed her calling in the culinary world. After spending years in pre-med training, her natural passion and enthusiasm for food inspired Chef Hawks to veer from following a career in the medical field to pursue one in the culinary world.

The Kitchen’s Chef de Cuisine Noah Zonca is executive chef and owner Randall Selland’s protégé. Chef Zonca shares top billing with Selland, and he has been running the show both as head chef and master of ceremonies for over five years.

Chef Mulvaney is the owner-operator of Culinary Specialists Catering Company and Mulvaney’s B&L, established March 2006 in the historic brick firehouse at 1215 19th Street, Sacramento.

Sarah Copeland is a New York City-based food expert, writer, urban gardener and curator of good living.