Chef Carlos Robles Molina, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, discovered his passion for cooking in his family kitchen. Starting as a kitchen assistant at Paradisus Resort, he quickly advanced to Chef de Partie. At Disney’s Citricos, he honed his craft, later joining NORMAN’S as Sous Chef. Promoted to Chef de Cuisine in 2019, Carlos embodies leadership and optimism.
Chef Nikhil Naiker, born in Fiji and raised in coastal California, graduated from Johnson & Wales University and established himself in Providence’s culinary scene. His project, Nimki (2024), earned a James Beard Emerging Chef nomination. Nimki operates at Courtland Club, with plans for a brick-and-mortar restaurant underway, showcasing Fijian Indian flavors through New England’s local produce.
Christina Nguyen is Executive Chef and co-owner of Hola Arepa and Hai Hai restaurants in Minneapolis, MN. She and her husband Birk Grudem started Hola Arepa as a food truck in 2011 and established a permanent home for it a couple years later. In 2015, Hola Arepa was named one of Bon Appetit’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Kevin O’Donnell, a Rhode Island chef and restaurateur, owns James Beard-nominated Giusto in Newport, showcasing freestyle Italian cuisine. In 2023, he opened Mother Pizzeria, followed by Giusto PVD and Mother Pizzeria PVD at Track 15, Providence’s first food hall. Kevin also teaches in Boston University’s Culinary Arts program, founded by Jacques Pepin.
Ken Oringer is a James Beard Award winning chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author. He owns and operates highly acclaimed restaurants around Boston including Coppa, Toro, Uni (formerly Clio), Little Donkey, Faccia a Faccia, and his newest project, Verveine Cafe + Bakery. Oringer has received numerous awards and recognition for his work.
Chris Pandel, known for Chicago favorites like The Bristol, co-founded Balena, which earned a James Beard nomination. He launched Swift & Sons, ranked among Chicago’s top steakhouses, and Cold Storage, a seafood concept. Expanding with Cira and Swift Tavern, he continues to shape Chicago’s dining scene, recently opening Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna.
Adam Pawlak, born and raised in Milwaukee, developed a love of food in his Italian family. He has worked in restaurants across the city, specializing in high-end Italian cuisine with French influences. After working in various restaurant roles, he now owns the popular fast-casual pasta bar, Egg & Flour.
Cassie Piuma, a Johnson & Wales graduate, honed her skills at Al Forno, Sel de la Terre, and with Barbara Lynch. She spent 11 years at Oleana before opening Sarma in 2013. Sarma earned Boston Globe’s first 5-star review. A seven-time James Beard nominee, she was nominated for Outstanding Chef in 2025.
For the past 20 years, Dave Punch has been cooking up a storm in Boston and beyond. He got his start learning the classics at the Nightingale Restaurant in the South End, then sharpened his skills as sous chef with some of Boston’s best — Susan Regis, Amanda Lydon, and Steve Johnson — at Upstairs on the Square and Rendezvous.
Dominick Purnomo, owner of the Dominick Purnomo Restaurant Group, led Yono’s to Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence since 2004. A James Beard Award nominee, he was the youngest President of the Greater Capital District NYS Restaurant Association. He co-founded FEED ALBANY, earning recognition as a Local Hero and Jefferson Awards finalist.