Ashanta Daniel

Saint Martin

Chef at Golden Taste

As a young and passionate 25-year-old chef, I would be honored to represent my country in the culinary industry. Well-known, I can positively influence young and upcoming chefs.

My experience in the industry makes me confident in my ability to effectively promote the festival. I have successfully completed numerous catering services for renowned artists such as Patrice Roberts, Kes The Band, Machel Montano and Rotimi.

I am excited about this role because of the opportunity to meet and learn from amazing leaders. My interpersonal skills and quick adaptability will allow me to excel in this position.

Chef and owner of Golden Taste.

Shane Huggins

Saint Martin

Executive Chef at Bamboo House

I have dedicated my life to the culinary arts, becoming the youngest executive chef on the island at age 26. My journey, which began with training in French cuisine, was enriched by studying Peruvian cuisine in New York, and now, as executive chef at Bamboo House, by mastering Asian flavors.

My ability to fuse these culinary traditions with my artistic plating techniques, known for their detail and aesthetics, has captivated over 6,400 followers on Instagram, promoting St. Martin’s culinary heritage to a global audience.

Anthony Denon

Paris - France

Starred chef at Burgundy

Anthony Denon, a talented chef from France, has made a name for himself by blending creativity with classic techniques. Passionate about local flavors and seasonal ingredients, he stands out for his bold and refined dishes. Currently head chef of Le Baudelaire restaurant within Burgundy Paris, he continues to innovate and elevate gastronomy to an exceptional level.

David Drumeaux

Kigali - Rwanda

Chief of Jiko

Former advertising chef and radio director, changed direction in 2017 by training for the CAP Cuisine at the Alain Ducasse School. Owner of the restaurants Lakasa Lucile and 1973 Food and Sound, he stands out for his reinvented Caribbean cuisine, inspired by his travels. Currently chef of the restaurant Le Jiko in Kigali, he also hosts the show I Feel Food, promoting Afro-Caribbean cuisine accessible to all.

Kevin Bludso

Texas - United States

James Beard Award-winning BBQ Chef

Kevin Bludso is a two-time Steve Harvey Hoodie Award-winning chef and television personality best known for founding “Bludso’s BBQ” in Compton, California in 2008. His empire has expanded to include restaurants in Hollywood, a stand at LAFC Stadium, and another at Melbourne’s Crown Casino. He is also a judge on the hit Netflix BBQ show “The American BBQ Showdown” and has appeared on various television shows.

Julien Chauvenet

France

World Burger Champion 2023

A trained pastry chef and executive chef, he worked in prestigious establishments such as Ladurée and the Accor group before co-founding the Foodies food truck, which won several titles, including the vice-champion of France in 2022 with a Caribbean burger. In 2023, he shone at the World Burger Contest in Lyon, winning several awards, including the title of world champion. Today, he moves to the organization as a member of the competition jury and managing a regional championship in Burgundy.

Lula Martin del Campo

Mexico

elected chef of the year 2024

Mexican chef, winner of the "Chef of the Year 2024" award, is a fervent promoter of Mexican gastronomy and local ingredients, committed to sustainability and responsible consumption.

Owner of several restaurants, including Cascabel and Marea, she shares her expertise through books and media, while advocating for the preservation of marine resources. With her slogan #Hagamospaís, she promotes Mexico's social and cultural identity through cuisine.

Nabil Zemmouri

France

Anti-waste specialist chef

Former head chef at Gilles Goujon (3 stars), turned to the profession of private event and traveling chef. After five years at the Domaine de la Minotte, he started creating video content focused on anti-waste, quickly attracting several million views. Today a consultant for restaurants, he shares his tips on Europe 1 and has 2.5 million subscribers on social networks.

Orlando Satchell

Saint Lucia

Chef nominated for the World Culinary Award

Chef Orlando Satchell, known as the “Godfather of Cuisine,” has been running his restaurant in St. Lucia for the past ten years after migrating from England. Of Jamaican and Barbadian descent, he promotes Caribbean cuisine globally, with a focus on local ingredients and authentic experiences. His creative cuisine, made with fresh, organic produce, offers diners a memorable and loving experience.

Arthur Sutley

Los Angeles - United States

Mixology Expert

Arthur Sutley, the cocktail expert known as “The Resident Boulevardier,” has been in the restaurant/bar/cocktail industry for over 20 years. As an educator in the industry, he speaks at many trade shows worldwide. Arthur has been recognized multiple times as an expert in many of the world’s leading media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, Market Watch, Forbes, Forbes Radio, Fox News…

My Mastroianni

Los Angeles - United States

Professional mixologist

Mia Mastroianni, founding bartender of Soho House West Hollywood, has over 15 years of experience in the cocktail industry. She has appeared on Bar Rescue and stays on top of trends by speaking at international seminars. In addition to her role as an educator, Mia also judges several prestigious cocktail competitions.

Phill Wills

Los Angeles - United States

Professional Mixologist

Phil, with over 20 years of experience in the bar and restaurant industry, is the owner of The Spirits in Motion, a consulting firm. He has worked in a variety of venues, from local bars to high-end clubs, and has hosted numerous mixology conferences. Phil is also known for his regular appearances on Bar Rescue.