Melissa Rodriguez began her career at Elaine Bell Catering and Oceana. Following, she worked at Restaurant Daniel as a line cook and then sous chef. Melissa later joined the team at Del Posto where she was quickly promoted to Chef de Cuisine and years later Executive Chef, making her the first woman at the helm of a restaurant awarded four stars by the New York Times. In 2022, Melissa and Restaurateur Jeff Katz will open a trio of restaurants in the space previously occupied by Del Posto: Al Coro (fancy Italian restaurant), Discolo (subterranean cocktail bar), and Mel’s (pizza restaurant).

Waxman is the chef/owner of Barbuto in NYC’s West Village, Jams at 1 Hotel Central Park, and Baffi in Atlanta. He is the recipient of many accolades, highlighted by the 2016 James Beard Award for Best Chef: New York City. Waxman's TV appearances include Top Chef Masters, Top Chef, Recipe for Deception, and MasterChef. He is also the author of three cookbooks including: "The Barbuto Cookbook," "A Great American Cook," and "Italian, My Way." 

Clare Smyth MBE is the first and only British female chef to hold three Michelin stars in the UK, and only the fourth British chef in history to receive the honor. She is the owner of Core by Clare Smyth in London, England and Oncore by Clare Smyth in Sydney, Australia. Clare has received numerous awards including the title of the World's Best Female Chef 2018 by the World's 50 Best Restaurants. She has catered for many high-profile and exclusive events including the private wedding reception for the Royal Wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Award winning Chef and cookbook author, Jean-Georges Vongerichten operates 39 restaurants worldwide, including the legendary Jean-Georges restaurant in NYC. Jean-Georges’ culinary vision has redefined industry standards and revolutionized the way we eat.

Gregory Gourdet is the chef/owner of Kann Restaurant, a wood fired restaurant that focuses on his Haitian heritage and taps into BIPOC cuisine flavors from around the world. Gregory is a James Beard Award nominee and a two-time Top Chef finalist and judge. A dedicated trail runner, yoga devotee, and fitness lover, Gregory brings his health-mindedness to the table. His first cookbook, Everyone’s Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health, released in spring of 2021 and is a national best seller.

Executive Chef Fermín Núñez represents one of Austin’s top restaurants, Suerte. With more than 12 years of culinary expertise, he was recently named among Food & Wine’s 2021 Best Chefs – a title he’s deemed a true honor to the craft he loves. Núñez’s steadfast dedication to honoring authentic Mexican cuisine, culture, and traditions through an elevated dining experience put the East Austin restaurant on the map with features on Netflix’s “The Taco Chronicles”, Bon Appetit “Brad Makes Tortillas,” The New York Times, and more.