Savory and sweet – 55+ pics from the 33rd Annual Festival of Chefs celebrating the best of South Florida

Savor the flavor

Foodies of Florida united last month at the 33rd Annual Festival of Chefs to benefit the Easterseals South Florida Culinary Arts High School, while sampling some of the best from the area’s food, wine, and spirits scene. The event raised over $90,000 and honored the culinary creations of two very talented amateur chefs.

The 33rd Annual Festival of Chefs took place on Thursday, January 11, 2024, and featured South Florida culinary luminaries including Chef José Mendin who served as the event chef chair. Kelly Blanco served as emcee and Puerto Rican singing sensation Jay Wheeler inspired the attendees.

Easterseals National President and CEO Kendra Davenport was on hand at the event that attracted an anticipated 700 food, wine, and spirit enthusiasts eager to taste the culinary offerings from some of South Florida’s hottest chefs and restaurants.

Davenport highlighted the success Easterseals South Florida Culinary Arts High School enjoys providing vocational training and job placement assistance to students with developmental disabilities like autism.

“The Easterseals South Florida Culinary Arts High School is a perfect example of our commitment to 100 percent equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities,” Davenport said. “By preparing students with autism and other disabilities for a career in the culinary industry, our school is helping graduates lead independent lives.”

“Winning this award as a first-time attendee is a blessing totally unexpected,” said Chef Ty who won the Golden Chef Award for Best Dish (Savory). “I am humbled that those in attendance were able to enjoy the love I put into my work, enough so to vote me as best dish.”

“This award is a reminder that with passion and perseverance, one can turn their dreams into reality,” said Chef Christian, whose Signature Cafecito Brownie won the Golden Chef Award for Best Dish (Sweet). “Never give up on the journey to create something extraordinary.”

Front left to right: Easterseals student Chefs David, Daniela, Jorge, Chef Jose Mendin, Hector, Angelina
Back left to right: Easterseals student Chefs Jailyn and Sebastian

Davenport extended a special thank you to Mendín, Wheeler, and the “remarkable array of chefs” who participated in the event. Mendin returned the high praise, saying he was “truly honored” to be asked to serve as event chef chair.

“Year after year, I find immense joy in being part of this event and giving back to such a meaningful cause,” Mendin said. “The Easterseals South Florida Festival of Chefs is more than just a culinary celebration, it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those with disabilities and special needs.”

Pictured: Chef José Mendín from Pubbelly, Casa Isola, June Burgers

Wheeler also said he was honored to attend, but revealed his participation also had a deeply personal note.

“I’ve always wanted to support a cause like this, not only as an advocate for those with disabilities, but for my brother,” said Wheeler. “I want him to know we are always here for him, and working with Easterseals is one of the best gifts I could’ve given to him.”

Pictured: Chef Christian Barruos-Brens, Rosa Brens, Celeste Brens from Chef Christian LLC

Keep scrolling to see the sweet and savory pic from the 33rd Annual Festival of Chefs benefiting and celebrating the Easterseals South Florida Culinary Arts High School.

Chef Letty Alvarez from LA Sweetz

Easterseals student Chefs Jailyn and Jorge with ES National CEO Kendra Davenport

From left: Tony Friguls, Norma Trabanco, Elena Lasa, Mayra Poldo

Chef Daniel Roy, Luis Morales and Tim Underwood from Delilah Miami

Crystal Grier, Chef Ty Dupont from Chef Ty’s Hometown Café & Bistro

Tina Rodriguez and Matt Kuscher from Kush Hospitality

Guests with Alfredo Vega (left) and Daniel Borrego (right) from Alden Wines

Fernando Helena from Helena Chocolatier

Chef Veronica Mauri from Chef Veronica

Chef Gio Fernandez from El Rey de la Paella

Easterseals South Florida Chief Administrative Officer Barry Vogel (left) and Easterseals President & CEO Kendra Davenport

Easterseals student chefs Jailyn and Jorge with Easterseals staff

St. Thomas University Culinary Arts program student chef D-Andre Lake (left) and student chef Adelfa Plasencia

Jami Batiste from Yip Miami

Liza Santana from Creativas Group PR

Rosa Brens, Chef Christian Barruos-Brens, Celeste Brens from Chef Christian LLC

From left: Thomas Abraham, Christian Chavez, Easterseals South Florida Board member Eric Vainder, Ivan Chavez

From left: David Sanchez, Rick Delgado, Chef Gio Fernandez and El Rey de la Paella

Carlos Alvarez from Casa Isola and chef Jose Mendin from Pubbelly, Casa Isola, June Burgers

Easterseals South Florida staff

Chef Renata Ferraro and staff from Flour & Weirdoughs

Celebrity guest Jay Wheeler

Chef Daniel Roy from Delilah Miami

Chef instructor Finley Jacobs, Celeste Brens (Chef Christian’s mom), Chef Christian Barruos-Brens, culinary student Ashley Varela, Rosa Brens (Chef Christian’s aunt) from Chef Christian LLC

Chef Christian Barruos-Brens from Chef Christian LLC