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Festival Chefs
The 12th ANNUAL FEATURED CHEFS to be announced!
In the meantime, visit our participating restaurants from last year!
Our South Florida Chefs are very excited to meet all of you at A Culinary Affair!
Chef George Patti is currently Chef/co-owner of M.E.A.T. Eatery And Taproom in Boca Raton, FL and has a second location in Islamorada, Florida. These restaurants have been featured in USA Today Travel 10 Best.com, Travel + Leisure, Tasting Table, Social Florida Guide and Florida Travel and Life. In the past eight years he has won local awards for Best Chef (three times in the Keys and once in South Florida s Burgie Awards), his Yellowtail Entr e and Lobster Mac-n-Cheese, Best Overall Restaurant (Tasters Grille), Soups (twice), Desserts (twice), Burgers (four), Florida Wing Battle winner and three years in a row for his Smoked Fish Dip. Chef Patti has been written up in Bon Appetite Magazine for his grilled filet mignon with chocolate port wine sauce and tempura battered bok choy and as Executive Chef and partner at Sweet Sop Restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale, in 2003 was given glowing reviews in the Sun-Sentinel and the Miami Herald, and televised on the national TV show, Finer Living, preparing his signature dish, panseared scallops with sweet potato rum sauce and roasted scotch bonnet. His experiences include Chef de Cuisine at Louis in Charleston, SC under James Beard Award winning Chef Louis Osteen; Sous Chef at Sfuzzi Italian Restaurant, Executive Chef for Odyssey Cruises and at Ten Penh all in Washington, DC. and is a Johnson & Whales culinary graduate.
M.E.A.T. Eatery & Taproom | 980 N Federal Hwy | Boca Raton, FL | 561.419.2600 | Web
Executive Chef Sean Thompson brings more than 13 years of hospitality experience to Chops Lobster Bar in Boca Raton, FL. Thompson is a Buckhead Life Restaurant Group veteran with more than eight years working at different restaurants in the company. He joins Chops Lobster Bar from our Atlanta restaurant of the same name. Originally from Memphis, Tenn., Thompson realized that a career fueled by his passion for food was better suited for him after two years in college. Inspired and motivated by his family s love of cooking and enjoying meals together, Thompson soon found his niche at the Art Institute of Atlanta where he earned a degree in Culinary Arts. After graduating in 2005, he worked at 5 Seasons Brewing for four years under former Buckhead Life Chef David Larkworthy, who stressed daily that food has integrity. Thompson carries these words of wisdom into the kitchen every single day where he strives to make others happy by creating a special dining experience for every guest. In 2009, Thompson joined the culinary team at Buckhead Life s contemporary Italian restaurant, Pricci. From Pricci, Thompson because a Sous Chef at the Atlanta Fish Market and from there he moved to Chops Lobster Bar, in Atlanta, where he worked directly under Executive Chef Ryan Delesandro for three years. Looking to legends like Thomas Keller and Eric Ripert, Thompson works to continuously improve his culinary and leadership skills. He said of his Buckhead Life experience, I have been so fortunate to grow up in this company. Buckhead Life puts an emphasis on the entire dining experience unlike any other restaurant or restaurant group. The attention to detail is incredible. Thompson lives in Boca Raton with his two best friends, dogs Buster and Winston. He enjoys clean eating and staying active and his philosophy for both life and career is that hard work ultimately pays off.
CHOPS Lobster Bar | 101 Plaza Real South Boca Raton, FL | 561.395.2675 | Web
Burtons Grill and Bar is located in the new Park Place Shopping Center on Military Trail in Boca. Burtons is fast becoming the lunch and dinner spot for locals. And is also a great place for power lunching and socializing after work. We do offer reservations and take-out is also available. Since 2005 Burtons Grill & Bar has one simple goal in a complex and highly competitive business, Delight every Guest one at a time, everytime! Whether it s our traditional fare you will come to love or our chef-driven innovative local preparations, we promise you’ll be coming back for more. In our legendary scratch kitchen we are also able to customize our menu offerings so we meet your dietary needs or wants. Our business provides guests with an array of high quality food and beverages along with friendly knowledgeable staff so that we keep your loyalty. We appreciate your loyalty and we know we must earn it every time you visit.
Established in late 2017, a small, specialized bakery; Just Baked has quickly developed into a popular late-night spot for just about everyone in East Boca. We offer a customer-friendly experience with a family-like feel along with delicious, baked fresh, desserts and shakes! Come by and try our cookies, brownies, ice cream sandwiches, and our killer shakes! Open evenings 7 nights a week, we offer the true dessert experience staying open until 1:30 AM every day (1 am on Sundays).
Just Baked Boca located inside Sanborn Cafe | 48 NE 1st Ave Boca Raton, FL 33432 | 561.409.8247 | Web
Executive Chef Eric Baker is known for his innovative dishes made with locally sourced products with a global influence. Chef Baker has now returned to Boca with the purchase of Rebel House at 297 E Palmetto Park Rd, after building his dream restaurant, Mazie s in West Palm Beach, a restaurant named after his grandmother rooted in old world tradition. Most recently Chef Baker served as the Executive Chef of Max s Harvest in Delray Beach for the last four years and before that he was the opening Executive Chef at the Buckhead Restaurant Group’s Lobster Bar Sea Grille in Fort Lauderdale. Before that, Baker was the Executive Sous Chef at the W Hotel in Fort Lauderdale and the hotel’s Steak 954, both Starr Restaurant Group establishments. He also held a sous chef position at Chops Lobster Bar in Boca Raton and a position at Cafe Boulud at the Brazilian Court in Palm Beach for four years under his mentor, Executive Chef Zach Bell. Chef Baker has also served as Chef de Partie at Restaurant Market in Paris, a restaurant of Jean-Georges Vongerichten and served in the kitchen at the two Michelin star L’Espadon, Ritz Hotel Paris, and the Louis XVI in Patchogue, New York. Baker graduated from Indiana University and attended culinary school at L’Ecole Escoffier in Paris.
Rebel House | 297 E Palmetto Park Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33432 | 561.353.5888 | Web
We had a vision for a local market free from the constraints of traditional thinking. We sourced items based on quality, passion, and frankly, what we enjoy. In the process, we got hungry and decided to add prepared foods. We value healthy eating, so with that in mind, we set out to make the best sandwiches and salads we could imagine. Often times while working late, we needed coffee and fresh juices for the morning, so we added them too. Next thing we knew, many of the same familiar faces kept coming back to find unique items, fresh produce, and to eat the same food we do. Many times, they even join us for an espresso and a locally made dessert.
Living Green Fresh Market
Tijuana Taxi Co. serves delicious authentic Mexican food and the best Margaritas this side of the border! Huge portions, patio seating, amazing cocktails and an unusually inviting atmosphere make THE TAXI one of the hottest eateries in town! Three great locations conveniently located in Coral Springs, Davie and Deerfield Beach, FL.
Tijuana Taxi Co
Combining the famous Mediterranean s classical architectural influences with the contemporary demands of comfortable dining and entertainment place, La Vie Lebanese created a design that perfectly expresses their desire to make your experience a true spirit of Lebanon, right here in Pompano Beach, FL. La Vie’s interior design is a celebration of the rich cultural interactions that have shaped the Levant, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean regions. Your dining experience is going to be more than just ordering a meal and enjoying good company. It will be a festival of rich appealing tastes, enticing colors, live music and warm Mediterranean hospitality for your pure enjoyment.
A hot new concept hits Florida, Bolay! Bolay is taking a fast casual approach to fresh, bold and flavorful food that invigorates the palate. This new concept is created by Outback Steakhouse co-founder Tim Gannon and his son Chris Gannon. Diners are invited to build their own customized bowls for lunch and dinner and to pack them with rich nutrients, super foods and tasty proteins. Our ingredients are uniquely bold with innovative flavors, including gluten free selections. Bolay built the innovative build your own bowl experience and guests are invited to pair it with refreshing cold-pressed juices, infused teas and local libations.
Bolay
Chester was born in Gainesville, FL and raised in Daytona, FL. His first restaurant experience came from working as a busboy at Bennigan s at the ripe age of 15. Chester s official culinary career began at Outback Steakhouse where he strived for 10 years. He then moved on to work at Chuys for three years and another three years at Coopers Hawk before coming to Fresh Kitchen. Chester began his career at Fresh Kitchen in Tampa at our Westshore location as the Assistant General Manager. He then made the venture down to Boca Raton to take over the General Manager position. He s been with Fresh Kitchen for a year and half now. He s married to his beautiful wife Stephanie and they have a beautiful girl Adelynn. When he s not at Fresh Kitchen you can find him at home playing with his little girl.
Fresh Kitchen | 5550 N Military Trail Boca Raton, FL | 561.406.0400 | Web
Meet Pastry Chef H l ne Cazemajou from Paneterie in Delray Beach and West Palm Beach. With a decade of pastry experience under Chef H l ne’s training in France with well known chefs like: Christophe Michalak, Alain Ducasse, Alain Passart et Jean-Marie Hiblot. It was time for her to bring her passion to the United-States. Chef H l ne wants to spread her passion for pastry, to share her techniques she’s learned, the talent she’s acquired in her training in Europe and the love she’s put in her work made this the perfect place so she can shine in Delray Beach.
Paneterie
Born and raised in Peru, Chef Fabrizzio Alcazar began his love for food as a young boy inspired by his grandmother s cooking. Growing up on Lima, he was exposed to many different cuisines that broadened his knowledge and passion for food. Later, Chef Fabrizzio developed a deeper passion for the culinary arts as he embarked on a journey through culinary school. His culinary career began at a very young age, working as a prep cook at a local restaurant in Lima. Years later in the year 2000, he moved to South Florida obtaining a cooking position at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Boca Raton, where he worked his way up through the ranks to become the Executive Chef of that location. After sixteen years of receiving many awards for developing and implementing new menu concepts and leading the kitchen at Maggiano’s in Boca Raton, Chef Fabrizzio decided to pursue his lifelong dream of opening his own restaurant. This is when Pukara Peruvian Cuisine was born, a culinary concept showcasing Peru’s rich and diverse culinary culture.
The land that would become Wellington, FL was the world s largest strawberry patch known as the Flying Cow Ranch. In the 1950 s a New York Accountant named Charles Oliver Wellington purchased 18,000 acres of the land for as little as $50 an acre. Half a century later Wellington, Florida and Oli s Fashion Cuisine owe their namesakes to Charles Oliver Wellington. Co-Owners, Executive Chef Dustin Parfitt and President Juan Gando, chose Wellington, FL as the location of their first restaurant with the vision to bring Palm Beach-Style Dining to western communities. The original location of Oli s Fashion Cuisine is in it s 9th year of service and is excited to their concept to the community of Boca Raton, and soon to follow, Brickell Miami! Oli’s Fashion Cuisine is a total scratch kitchen and wine bar that specializes in casual fine dining, and provides a contemporary and visual twist to all of your favorite classics. Opening their doors in November of 2010, Oli s Fashion Cuisine takes note of Wellington s agricultural origins and development. With its upscale-casual ambiance, some of Oli s dishes include Filet Mignon, Grilled Avocado Wedges, Watermelon & Prosciutto Salad, and Saffron Lobster Risotto. Our signature dish are the Tuna Tacos- invented right in our very own kitchen and an ALL TIME customer favorite! The menu covers lunch and dinner with starters, flatbreads, entree-sized salads, pasta dishes, and meat and seafood entrees. Brunch will be available on weekends and features a variety of eggs benedict, omelettes, and specialty items. Having previously started their career on Palm Beach Island, the restaurant owners wanted to bring that same dining experience to other South Florida communities through top notch food quality, service, and ambiance. Oli s Fashion Cuisine offers residents a perfect place to meet,eat, and enjoy an enthusiastic dining experience in their own backyard.
Oli’s Fashion Cuisine
Our mission is to deliver an experience that allows individuals to indulge in their favorite comfort food desserts that keep them coming back for more. Having both a storefront and mobile dessert services allows us to provide high-quality homemade desserts that don’t just satisfy your sweet tooth but also your sweet lips! Sweetlipz Desserts is located in Pompano Beach, FL with more than 10 years of serving delicious baked goods and more than three years of experience in the mobile dessert industry. We are dedicated to providing our customers with fresh, gourmet, feel-good desserts and baked items every day. We offer Pound Cakes, Red Velvet Cakes, Triple Layer Black, Carrot Cakes, Jumbo Brownies, Colossal Cinnamon Rolls, Our FAMOUS Banana Pudding, Cheesecakes with an assortment of flavors; Strawberry, Banana Pudding, Red Velvet, French Vanilla Crunch, Mango, Key Lime, Muffins, Donuts, Buttermilk Berrylicious Blueberry Cornbread, Danishes, Sweetlipz Frozen Drippers (with fresh fruit) AND SO MUCH MORE at Sweetlipz Desserts!
Sweetlipz Desserts | 1563 N Dixie Highway Pompano Beach, FL 33060 | 305.209.5479 | Web
Executive Chef Jorge Paz, co-owner of The Catch Seafood & Seafood, has well-rounded experience in preparing a wide range of global cuisines. The Catch Sushi and Seafood is a laid back, hole in the wall seafood and sushi spot with an outdoor patio with water views that is known for its macadamia snapper, whole fried snapper, and award winning ceviche. Chef Paz has earned an Associate of Science in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University in Miami, Florida. The Catch Seafood & Sushi was announced as one of the “Eight Best Ceviche Spots in Broward and Palm Beach County”. Most recently prior to opening an original restaurant, Chef Paz performed as Executive Sous Chef at Falls Golf & Golf Country Club in Lake Worth, Florida where he supervised sous chefs and cooks. Among various positions Chef Paz was the Sous Chef & Kitchen Manager at Admirals Cove in Jupiter, Florida where created and developed menus for the Marina Cafe and Bayside Grill. In 2007, Chef Paz acted as an opening team member of Cielo-Angela Harnett, an Italian restaurant in West Palm Beach, Florida. Chef Paz acted as Chef de Partie at Cafe Boulud, a French restaurant and The Setai-GHM Hotel, an Asian restaurant. Chef Paz acted as Chief de Partie at The Ritz Carlton Hotel, a AAA Five Diamond establishment in Coconut Groove, Florida.
The Catch Seafood and Sushi | 766 Northlake Boulevard Lake Park, FL 33408 | 561.842.2180 | Web
At Eathai, in Delray Beach, we strive to be the premier Thai restaurant in the Palm Beach area! We have infused the classical Thai cuisine with a modern ambiance to appeal to everyone from the Thai traditionalist to the first time Thai diner. As soon as you try some of our delicious traditional dishes like Pad Thai, Papaya Salad, or our Grilled Lamb Satay, you ll be hooked. For the vegetarian in your group, be sure to try our excellent tofu dishes full of flavor. You’ll be coming back for more!
Eathai Modern Thai Restaurant | 1832 S Federal Highway Delray Beach, FL 33483 | 561.270.3156 | Web
Steven Smith started with an idea as a life-long vegan. He wanted to create a Vegan Restaurant / Vegain Market so you didn’t have to read labels to see if it was vegan. You can confidently dine without having to read labels and research ingredients. Steven also wanted an environment where anybody could come in, feel welcome and enjoy a healthy meal and shop for plant-based products. 100% Vegan – EVERYTHING in the store is vegan and 100% plant-based. None of our products include bone-char refined sugar, honey, eggs, dairy. Please let us know if we’re missing any of your favorites. The mission of Vegan Fine Foods is to offer our customers the broadest range of plant-based products at the best value while enjoying our first-class customer service. The store offers local, national, and international brands with great savings and prompt delivery. But Not Just for Vegans: Vegan Fine Foods is fast becoming a neighborhood fixture for vegans, non-vegans and everyone in between! Come by and visit us and enjoy our amazingly prepared foods at our Caf and deli inside, our gourmet vegan groceries, or sit and enjoying a cappuccino, fresh smoothie, kombucha, or a glass of beer or wine.
Vegan Fine Foods | 330 SW 2nd Street Unit 102 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 | 954.533.6412 | Web
Full-Service catering for your South Florida event. Delicious food for any party. We offer on-site West Palm catering at Madison Green, on-site Fort Lauderdale catering at Inverrary, or off-site catering at the South Florida venue of your choice. Gourmet food at an affordable price!
Royal Palm Events | 954.494.8024 – 561.784.5225 x1 | Web
The Thermomix TM6 can perform up to 20 different functions and techniques in one digitally powered countertop appliance. Quality designed, with one stainless-steel bowl, state-of-the-art mixing knife, precision heating element and an integrated scale the TM6 does it all! From meal prep to clean up, the TM6 makes homemade cooking effortless. Choose from more than 40,000 recipes developed worldwide, with easy to follow step-by-step instructions to make putting a delicious meal on the table easier than ever before. German engineered and manufactured.
Thermomix | 561.990.9681 | Web
