Who Are the Featured Celebrity Chefs at the 2025 Festival?
Chef Joe Sasto
Joe Sasto developed a passion for cooking at a young age, learning alongside his supportive mother. After earning a degree from UC Davis, he trained in top Bay Area kitchens and traveled Europe, which inspired his work at San Francisco’s acclaimed Quince Restaurant, where he managed the handmade pasta program under Chef Michael Tusk. Sasto later became Executive Sous Chef at Michelin-starred Lazy Bear, renowned for his leadership and commitment to local California produce. He earned recognition for his key roles at both Lazy Bear and Quince, and went on to serve as Executive Chef in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
In 2017, Sasto began pursuing his own restaurant ambitions, traveling the nation for events and classes. During the pandemic, he pivoted to virtual lessons and culinary content, building a strong online following. He recently launched Luna Focacceria, developed a pasta tool line, and is preparing to release a snack line and cookbook. Sasto is recognized from appearances and wins on The Food Network and Bravo.
Chef Susan Feniger
Susan Feniger is a celebrated chef, author, and entrepreneur best known for co-founding Border Grill with Mary Sue Milliken, offering modern, street food-inspired Mexican cuisine in Las Vegas and Los Angeles with a focus on sustainability. Over more than four decades of partnership, Feniger and Milliken have expanded their culinary reach with ventures like BBQ Mexicana, Socalo, and Pacha Mamas, and plan to open Alice B, an LGBTQ+ senior community restaurant, and a fifth BBQ Mexicana in 2024. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Feniger broke gender barriers at Chicago’s Le Perroquet, where she met Milliken. The duo became TV pioneers with nearly 400 episodes on The Food Network (“Too Hot Tamales”), co-hosted the radio show “Good Food,” and co-authored six cookbooks. Their trailblazing work has earned them numerous accolades, including the Julia Child Award, Menu Masters Hall of Fame, and the LA Times Gold Award for culinary excellence.
Chef Sharone Hakman
Sharone Hakman is a chef, entrepreneur, and television personality renowned for his creativity and passion for food. He gained national attention as a standout contestant on MasterChef, which launched his culinary career. Sharone later founded Chef Hak’s, a brand offering organic sauces, dressings, and fully prepared meals made with clean ingredients and bold flavors. His products are now widely available at major retailers like Costco and Whole Foods, bringing gourmet, high-quality food to home cooks. Beyond his brand, Sharone has appeared as a host and judge on The Food Network, National Geographic, NBC, and E Network, sharing his culinary expertise with a broad audience. Outside the kitchen, he enjoys spending time with his family, surfing, playing sports, traveling, DJing, and, naturally, cooking. For Sharone Hakman, food and memorable experiences are inseparable, and he infuses both with heart and dedication.
Chef Nik Sharma
Nik Sharma is an acclaimed culinary expert, James Beard Award finalist, and bestselling author of cookbooks including Season, The Flavor Equation, and Veg-table. Blending his background as a molecular biologist with a passion for food, Nik brings a scientific yet soulful approach to cooking, creating recipes that tell captivating stories and highlight the complexities of flavor. He is the creator of the award-winning blog Nik Sharma Cooks (formerly A Brown Table) and serves as Editor in Residence at America’s Test Kitchen. Nik’s evocative writing and stunning food photography have been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Guardian, and The Wall Street Journal. Based in Los Angeles, he spends his time experimenting with spices, perfecting his craft, and developing innovative culinary ideas that inspire home cooks and food enthusiasts around the world.
Chef Daphne Brogdon
Daphne Brogdon is a Food Network personality, standup comedian, blogger, wife, and mother. Starting her career as a radio producer and on-air host, her quick wit and improvisational talent led her to various television hosting roles. Wanting to perform while staying close to her children inspired her to create two popular mom-focused websites: Coolmom.com, the first comedy mom vlog, and Momversation, a platform uniting top mom bloggers through video discussions, both attracting millions of visitors monthly. As the widow of acclaimed chef Mark Peel, known for Spago, Campanile, and La Brea Bakery, Brogdon has contributed significantly to his business by assisting with catering, recipe development, marketing, and business growth. Together, they are set to open a new restaurant in downtown Los Angeles later this year. Daphne’s multifaceted career blends entertainment, family, and culinary entrepreneurship, highlighting her adaptability and creative spirit.
Chef Hany Ali
Executive Chef, Europa Village
Chef Hany Ali, born in Cairo and raised in the coastal resort city of Hurghada, Egypt, found inspiration for cuisine in his surroundings from an early age. Beginning his culinary career at 14 with a demanding apprenticeship at the International Hotel in Hurghada, his dedication and talent quickly stood out. After graduating from the International Culinary Institute in Egypt, Chef Hany broadened his expertise by traveling through Europe and Asia to experience diverse cuisines. He then started a decade-long journey at the Four Seasons Hotel in Newport Beach, California, excelling as Garde Manger Chef and Banquet Chef, and also led a celebrity catering company. Hany became a popular guest instructor at Sur La Table cooking school and later thrived as Executive Chef at Great Wolf Lodge in California, earning several awards. Now, as Executive Chef at Ponte Winery in Temecula Valley Wine Country, he brings a global flair and a deep commitment to local, seasonal produce, delivering inventive cuisine and exceptional service at Europa Village.
Chef Brian Redzikowski
Executive Chef, Kettner Exchange
Chef Brian Redzikowski is a highly accomplished culinary professional and graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, where he earned high honors and the “Outstanding Student” award from Wine Spectator alongside a full scholarship. He completed an externship at New York’s Le Cirque 2000 before taking on the role of Chef de Cuisine at Nobu Aspen. He then moved to Las Vegas to serve as Sous Chef at the three-Michelin-starred Joel Robuchon at the Mansion. Chef Brian helped launch Yellowtail restaurant at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino before relocating to Los Angeles, where he was Executive Chef of a large hotel and later Flavor Restaurant in Del Mar. Currently, he is Executive Chef at Kettner Exchange and oversees menu development across nine concepts for SDCM. His accolades include competing on Iron Chef America, winning Rising Chef Los Angeles, being invited to cook at the James Beard House, and winning Cochon Los Angeles (2018, 2019) and Grand Cochon (2019). Kettner Exchange has held a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand designation through 2024.
How Can You Secure Tickets to Experience the 2025 Chef Lineup?
Securing tickets provides guaranteed access to headline demonstrations, VIP interactions, and curated tasting events that showcase the chef lineup’s full impact on the festival experience.
