Festive Attire, Walk-Around Reception with Chef Stations

Featured Chefs

Host and James Beard Award Winner®
Norman Van Aken
Norman's 
Orlando, FL

Chef de Cuisine
Carlos Robles Molina
Norman’s
Orlando, FL

Restaurateurs and James Beard Award Nominees®
Sue Chin and Jason Chin
Good Salt Restaurant Group
Orlando, FL

James Beard Award Semifinalist®
Kevin Fonzo
Culinary Travels and Pop Ups
Orlando, FL

James Beard Award Semifinalist®
Lordfer Lalicon
Kaya
Orlando, FL

James Beard Award Semifinalist®
Brandon McGlamery
Prato, Winter Park, FL
Luke’s Kitchen and Bar
Maitland, FL

Andres Mendoza
Citricos
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Orlando, FL

James Beard Award Semifinalist®
James Petrakis
The Ravenous Pig
Orlando, FL

James Beard Award Semifinalist®
Julie Petrakis
The Ravenous Pig
Orlando, FL

Derek Perez
Orlando, FL

Pastry Chef
Monique Perez
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL

James Beard Award Nominee®
Rabii Saber
Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Orlando, FL

Executive Chef
Camilo Velasco
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
Walt Disney World
Orlando, FL

Featured Beverage Participants

Lead Instructor
Connor Doran
Slate Wine & Spirits Academy
Orlando, FL

Wine Director / Sommelier
Matthew Mercier
Norman's
Orlando, FL

Principal/Director of Education
Lee Pancake
Slate Wine & Spirits Academy
Orlando, FL

Eric Renaud
ACE Wine & Spirits
Former Wine Director, Bern’s Steakhouse, Tampa, FL

Manager, Fine Wines
Shaun Wright
Möet Hennessey USA

The Toast to Orlando Grand Reception is part of the Friends of James Beard Benefit series; events hosted by generous people, businesses, and organizations outside of JBF that provide critical funding for our programs. Each event supports our mission to champion a standard of Good Food for Good® anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability.