Our Experts

Chef Alysha Dinatale is the Executive Pastry Chef at The Goddess and Grocer, overseeing the bakery menu, monthly specials, and all custom and event dessert orders. She manages desserts for 11 retail locations and national cake shipping. A Le Cordon Bleu grad, she joined the team in 2007 and rose from Pastry Assistant to Executive Chef. Known for creating the iconic Rainbow Cupcake, her desserts have been featured on Chicago TV and highlighted by Goldbelly.

Artem Kropovinsky is the founder of Arsight, a global award-winning design firm with over a decade of experience in residential and commercial interior design. With a cohesive team of professionals, Arsight specializes in tackling complex projects, including new constructions, complete residential renovations, restaurants, and retail stores. Their designs embrace authenticity and originality, utilizing natural materials and handcrafted elements for a unique and cohesive aesthetic.

Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis is known for her approachable and consumer-friendly wine expertise. She played a pivotal role in wine acquisition and content creation while leading the Sommelier team at Bright Cellars for 15 months. She later launched Planet Grape Wine Review, America's first female-led wine review platform. Educated at Cornell University, she became the fifth woman in the world to earn the Master Sommelier title and is the only person to also hold the Advanced Certified Wine Professional title from the Culinary Institute of America. Her latest book is "Ten Grapes to Know, t

A classically trained chef, she spent years cooking in some of the country's top kitchens before turning her talents to the ocean. She's the founder of Nice Cans, a boldly delicious brand of premium seafood, and Langley Foods Inc., her CPG incubator for sustainable, joy-driven food. For over a decade, she has championed conservas, sustainability, and unapologetic flavor — earning recognition as one of Canada's most celebrated chefs and a true steward of the sea.

Chris Blatner is an Executive Bourbon Steward and the creator of the popular Instagram page @‌urbanbourbonist. He appears frequently as a guest whiskey expert on podcasts and is an independent consultant for whiskey and spirits brands. Blatner presents educational whiskey segments on local television in Chicago, IL as well as national television. Blatner also serves as the Executive Director of Bourbon Charity.

Chris Cusack has worked in hospitality for over 27 years, and as an owner for 19 years. He has owned coffee shops, cocktail bars, award-winning restaurants, dive bars, sports bars, beer bars, and pizza places. Cusack has created dozens of unique cocktail menus for all occasions, comprising hundreds of original cocktails, for his own concepts and others. He is a Level 1 sommelier and Level 1 cicerone. He currently owns Betelgeuse Betelgeuse, a cocktail bar and pizza place with two locations in Houston, and an immersive artist-led gothic tiki bar called Endless Bummer.

Christie Vanover is the champion pitmaster behind Girls Can Grill. Her BBQ has earned her multiple grand championships and dozens of top-ten finishes. Host of the BBQ Tips Podcast and author of the Holiday Grilling Cookbook and Ignited Q, she's appeared on Food Network's BBQ Brawl and created how-to videos for Ninja's outdoor grill line. Since launching Girls Can Grill in 2015, her site has grown to nearly 2 million annual readers with 600+ recipes, thousands of pro tips, and thousands of five-star reviews. She also has her own line of award-winning BBQ rubs.

One of the most recognized and acclaimed mixologists, Cody is honored to be the first and only mixologist named to the celebrity-studded Food Council of City Harvest. Cody has been featured in various news outlets such as Fortune Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider, along with television appearances on The Today Show, GMA, Bon Appétit, and more. Highly recognizable brands such as TAZO, DKNY, and Rao's Homemade Patron have partnered with Cody to be their spokesperson. Cody is also the co-author to the best selling "Tequila Mockingbird" 10th Anniversary Extended Edition

Doreen Winkler is a natural wine sommelier, orange wine expert, and founder of Orange Glou, the world's first wine subscription service a dedicated solely to skin contact wines and Orange Glou Wine Fair, America's first fair devoted to orange wines. Named one of "America's Top Sommeliers" by Forbes, she is one of the first sommeliers to create wine lists focused on natural, organic and biodynamic wines. She's developed wine programs for Michelin-starred restaurants, bars and retailers, including at Aska and Aldea in NYC, where her program received the World of Fine Wine Best Wine List Award.

Douglas Keane, chef and co-owner of the Michelin-starred Cyrus in Geyserville, CA, is celebrated for his refined approach to cuisine, rooted in the Japanese concept of shibumi. His career spans top kitchens nationwide and has earned him a Michelin star, a James Beard Award, and recognition from Gourmet and the San Francisco Chronicle. In 2025, he published Culinary Leverage: A Journey Through the Heat, an honest memoir that exposes industry challenges and champions a more sustainable, equitable model for fine dining.

Jasper J. Mirabile Jr., acclaimed chef and author of two cookbooks, leads Jasper's Italian Restaurant in Kansas City — over seven decades after his father and grandmother founded it. Jasper studied at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and K State University, spending summers in Europe learning at prestigious cooking schools in Paris, Venice, and Milano. Beyond the kitchen, Mirabile is a prominent food media figure, hosting "Live! From Jasper's Kitchen" on KCMO Talk Radio and contributing recipes to major brands.

Jee Choe is a certified tea sommelier, certified coffee specialist, and creator of Oh, How Civilized, a site dedicated to tea and coffee. Blending expertise with creativity, she shares meticulously tested recipes, brewing techniques, and expert tips that make tea and coffee approachable for everyone. She creates simple and delicious recipes on Instagram and TikTok under @ohhowcivilized. She believes the joy of tea and coffee is in the ritual. It's her everyday luxury.

Jerrelle Guy is an author, baker, food photographer, and lifestyle writer. She holds a bachelor's from Rhode Island School of Design and a master's in Gastronomy from Boston University. Through her work—including her debut cookbook, Black Girl Baking, a James Beard nominee; her upcoming cookbook, We Fancy: Simple Recipes to Make the Everyday Special; and her newsletter, The Dinner Ritual—Guy blends design, storytelling and recipes, offering a unique take on how food can nourish both body, mind and spirit for better living. She lives in Dallas with her family.

Jessie Massie is the Executive Chef of the Taproom at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.'s location in Mills River, NC since 2016. The kitchens of her mother and grandmother in the mountains of Western North Carolina were where she first discovered her love of cooking and preparing food, and she later sharpened her skills at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin, Texas. Often informed by her Appalachian roots, her culinary style leans on seasonally available ingredients and a range of global cuisines. An upscale touch on each dish pushes the boundaries of a typical taproom menu.

Chef John Politte is the owner and executive chef of the YouTube channel, It's Only Food with Chef John Politte, where he shares his recipes and seasoning blends. He learned to cook from his mother, gaining essential skills and a strong foundation in the kitchen process. Transitioning into the restaurant industry at 16, he worked in various roles before becoming a Dining Services Director in the Senior Living industry. Driven by a passion for teaching, he launched his YouTube channel to empower home cooks. His success with a seasoning blend led to the creation of Chef Politte Seasonings.

Justin M. Lavenue began his bartending career in 2009 while attending the University of Colorado at Boulder. After graduating, he worked at the Bitter Bar, one of Colorado's first craft cocktail bars. In 2013, he moved back to Austin, completed the BAR 5-Day Course in New York City, and joined the opening staff at Half Step on Rainey Street. Two years later, he opened The Roosevelt Room, which has since become one of Austin's most popular bars. He continues to manage his ventures, study for his BAR Masters certification, consult on bar and restaurant projects, and write cocktail recipes.

Kristina Lavallee is the founder and CEO of The Cake Girl®, a nationally recognized dessert brand celebrated for its stunning custom cakes, viral 3D creations, and elevated dessert experiences. A true innovator, Kristina has created edible art for celebrities like Tom Brady, Cardi B, and Jason Momoa. What began as a food truck has grown into a thriving storefront, national media favorite, and franchise brand. Her work has been featured on major outlets, including The Today Show, Food Network, and Entrepreneur Magazine.

Maria Empanada is a true American Dream story. Founder Lorena Cantarovici came to Denver from Argentina with $300, no English, and a bold mission: to make the Argentinian empanada a staple on every American table. Today, Maria Empanada is Zagat-rated among the top bakeries in the U.S., with five thriving locations (including at Denver International Airport), a team of 60 artisans, national recognition as Colorado's Small Business Owner of the Year, four Food Network features, and the honor of hosting Vice President Kamala Harris for lunch.

Mathew Woodburn-Simmonds is the founder of Home Coffee Expert. A website that aims to provide its followers with the best possible information about every step of the coffee-making (and drinking) process, with gear reviews and easy-to-understand explainers on coffee brewing methods. His obsession with coffee began during his college days when he worked as a barista in 3rd wave coffee shop and extended well into his time as a restaurant manager and sommelier. He is best known for his strong opinions around social media's obsession with adding anything and everything to coffee.

Matthew Rose, having earned the distinctions of Certified Cheese Professional and Certified Cheese Sensory Evaluator from the American Cheese Society, is a passionate cheese professional who currently resides and serves the food industry of New Haven, CT. Rose has spent over 15 years in the specialty foods industry, spanning a range of experiences from grocery, to independent retail, to A.I. curation, and specializes in the education and distribution of traditional, handmade, artisanal cheeses.

Michael Lomonaco is one of the executive chefs of New York City's iconic Porter House American steakhouse. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Chef Lomonaco rose to fame as the chef of legendary restaurants like Le Cirque, 21 Club before opening his first restaurant Windows of the World atop the original World Trade Center. He opened Porter House in 2006, and nearly 20 years later, it's consistently named among the best steakhouses and most loved restaurants in the city. Lomonaco also has an established career in food media, hosting shows on Discovery Channel and Food Network.

Michelle Wallace is the chef and visionary behind b'tween sandwich co., which launched in 2023 as a series of pop up events. Wallace's sandwiches proudly celebrate the diverse culinary culture in Houston, TX. She attended Texas Southern University before pursuing formal culinary training at the Art Institute of Houston. She has honed her skills in several esteemed kitchens, including as Executive Chef at Gatlin's BBQ for six years. Wallace recently competed on Bravo's Top Chef and was even chosen as a James Beard TasteTwenty chef for the culinary series Taste America.

Molly Horn is the Chief Mixologist and Spirits Educator for Total Wine & More, the country's largest independent wine, spirits and beer retailer. She has over a decade of expertise in developing and managing bar programs. Horn's many responsibilities at Total Wine & More include tasting and marketing new first-to-market spirits, as well as educating sales floor team members on spirits and mixology. Horn is passionate about spirits and crafting cocktails and uses her training as a Certified Sommelier to inform her tasting and reviewing process.

Nathan Myhrvold is the founder of Modernist Cuisine and lead author of "Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking," "Modernist Cuisine at Home," "The Photography of Modernist Cuisine," "Modernist Bread," "Modernist Pizza, Food & Drink: Modernist Cuisine Photography," "Modernist Bread at Home," and "Natural Wonders." In addition to being the first chief technology officer at Microsoft, he holds a doctorate in theoretical and mathematical physics, two master's degrees, and earned a culinary diploma in France.

Nicole Patel, founder of Delysia Chocolatier, was named 2025's Best Chocolatier in the Americas and earned the Six Star Grand Master Chocolatier title for the 12th time. With 750+ awards, including 103 gold and 231 silver medals, she's a standout in Truffle Artistry, Spicy Chocolate, and more. Her journey began in 2006 with homemade truffles, and a 2008 trip to Texas Wine Country inspired her to craft the state's first wine-infused truffles, launching Delysia Chocolatier and a self-taught path to national acclaim.

Nisha Vora is a cookbook author, recipe developer, and the founder behind Rainbow Plant Life, a wildly popular vegan cooking website. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Nisha left her legal career to pursue her passion for food. Her second cookbook, "Big Vegan Flavor" (2024), became a New York Times best-seller and a James Beard Award nominee, praised as the ultimate guide to mastering plant-based cuisine. Nisha is a contributor to NYT Cooking, and her work has been featured across publications, including CNN, People Magazine, The Today Show, and The Washington Post.

Rich Parente is the chef and owner of Clock Tower Grill in Brewster, NY, where he's created a true farm-to-table dining experience — he and his wife Cassie raise their own pork and lamb for the restaurant on their nearby Clock Tower Farm, grow fruit and vegetables, produce honey and maple syrup, and more. A Hudson Valley native, Parente began his culinary journey at 13, working at a local deli. He later graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and cooked for heads of state and royalty at the United Nations.

Robbie Shoults is a true cowboy Celebrity Chef & Owner of Bear Creek Smokehouse est. in 1943, Marshall Mercantile, & High Horse 1898 in Texas. All his ventures reflect the family's roots in food, family, & faith. Whether riding a smoker to NYC for a TV show or heating a turkey in a dishwasher, he wins the hearts of Americans with his charisma and humor. He's often seen in top outlets like the TODAY show, CBS, Fox & Friends, Rachael Ray, & a five-time judge on Beat Bobby Flay, Southern Living, Martha Stewart, Taste of Home, Meat + Poultry, Southern Cast Iron, The Food Network, Yahoo! Life, etc

Silvio Correa's passion for cooking began at 14 on the beaches of São Paulo, Brazil. He mastered grilling fresh fish and meats over open flames, eventually becoming a sought-after BBQ chef in his hometown. In 2000, he brought his bold Brazilian flavors to California, co-founding Silvio's Brazilian BBQ and cooking for major events like Coachella. Today, through Silvio's Personal Chef and Tropicali Brazilian Kitchen, he delivers unforgettable BBQ and inclusive cuisine to private clients and top companies across Los Angeles.

Tiffanie Barriere is a BarSmarts and Bar 5 certified, award-winning bartender and educator known as "The Drinking Coach." In addition to amassing many of the beverage industry's top honors, she has appeared on TV shows like "Drink Masters" and "The Kitchen." Her cocktail recipes can be found in several books, and her work has been featured in Essence, Wine Enthusiast, and more. She is a respected voice on African American cocktail history, and her passion for Black culinary legacy includes work with the Smithsonian's American Food History Project and the American Women's History Initiative.

One of the country's top pastry chefs, Chef Zac Young, is known for his playful takes on American desserts, including the all-in-one Thanksgiving sensation, The PieCaken. He is best known for his wit and pastry wisdom on Food Network's "Halloween Baking Championship" as well "Chopped," "Beat Bobby Flay," "Worst Cooks in America," "Supermarket Stakeout," The Cooking Channel's "Unique Sweets," Netflix's "Nailed It" and Bravo's "Top Chef: Just Desserts." His most recent venture, Sprinkletown Donuts & Ice Cream at Foxwoods Resort Casino, serves up customizable donuts and ice cream sundaes.