Talent

Chefs, authors, experts and celebrity guests will come together in Traverse City on August 20 - 24, 2025 to join in this special celebration of agriculture, creativity, and craft. Learn more about these talented individuals!

Click for detailed bios.

Tyler Florence

Food Network Host | Cookbook Author | James Beard Nominee | Chef and Owner, Miller & Lux, San Francisco
Mei Lin

“Top Chef” Winner and Celebrity Chef | James Beard Nominee | Chef and Owner, Nightshade, Daybird, 88 Club in Los Angeles
Sarah Welch

Top Chef | James Beard Nominee | Co-Founder and Partner at Marrow, Mink in Detroit | Owner of Umbo in Traverse City (Coming in 2026)
Celina Tio

Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef America | Chef and Owner, Belfry and Wolf Den in Kansas City, MO
Kate Williams

Chef and Owner, Lady of the House, Candy Bar, and Karl's in Detroit | James Beard Nominee | Food & Wine’s Best New Restaurants
Omar Anani

Chef and Owner, Saffron De Twah in Detroit | James Beard Nominee | Food Network Chopped Champion
Ji Hye Kim

Chef and Owner, Miss Kim in Ann Arbor | James Beard Nominee | Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs
Cameron Rolka

Chef and Owner, Mink in Detroit | Owner of Umbo in Traverse City (Coming in 2026)
Susan Kostrzewa

Director-at-Large at Les Dames D'Escoffier New York | Contributor at JamesSuckling.com | Wine Educator
Steve Reddicliffe

Editor, The New York Times Essential Book of Cocktails (2nd Edition)
John Korycki

Estate Chef, Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms | Owner and Tour Guide, Chef JK Travels
Shane Graybeal

Executive Chef of NoBo Riverside in Traverse City