Chefs & Restaurants
2023 Signature Chefs
Headliners for the Grand Gala Reception & Dinner and participating in the Grand Tasting, these Chefs have had an iconic presence in the Capital Region, maintaining the highest standards of culinary excellence in their restaurants. They have all committed to the community with participation in hundreds of charitable events between them.
Ian O’Leary
Brian Molino
AJ Richards
Daniel Gordon
Ric Orlando
David Zuckerman
Jaime Ortiz
677 Prime | Toro Cantina | Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill | Prime Burger
Participating Restaurants & Featured Chefs
2023 Featured Chefs & Restaurants
More than 50 Capital Region Chefs will be featured throughout the Festival in the Friday & Saturday Grand Tastings and Seminars. These Chefs are an excellent representation of the best of the Capital Region culinary scene. We are thrilled to present to you such a diverse and talented offering of Featured Chefs & Restaurants for the Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival.
Signature Chefs
Ian O’Leary
Yono’s / dp an American Brasserie
AJ Richards
Farmacy restobar
David Zuckerman
Mazzone Hospitality
Daniel Gordon
Nicole’s Restaurant & Catering
Courtney Withey
Schenectady County Community College
Eliot Vogel
Daley’s on Yates
Jaime Ortiz
677 Prime | Toro Cantina | Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill | Prime Burger
Brian Molino
Mazzone Hospitality
Ric Orlando
Ric Orlando
Yono Purnomo
Yono’s / dp an American Brasserie
Slider Slam
John LaPosta
Defending ’20 Champ
Innovo Kitchen
AJ Jayapal
Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub
Thomas Rhen
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (Troy)
Chef Chuck
Season’s Catering
Rob Ryan/Michelle
Nicole’s Restaurant & Catering
Ken Kehn
677 Prime/Prime Burger
Seth Corey
Farmhouse Tap & Tavern
Samuel Squires/Mike Curran
Druther’s Brewing Company
Benjamin Kerner
Tipsy Moose Tavern
Anna Richardson
Slidin’ Dirty
Gary Williams
Mazzone Hospitality
Chef Rivera
Abrookin CTE
Battle of the Bartenders: Negroni Competition
Logan Virkler
30 Lake
Blake Rock
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Braden Lilly
Olde English Pub & Pantry
Tim/Pat Taney
Slidin’ Dirty
Alyssa and Vianah
Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub
Trudy Steier
The Copper Crow
Katy Aichison
Wellington’s
Joseph Heany
Sea Smoke Grill
Ashley Rutledge
Nicole’s Restaurant & Catering
Battle of the Bartenders: Espresso Martini Competition
Logan Virkler
30 Lake
Blake Rock
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Zachary Valentina
Fort Orange Club
Braden Lilley
Olde English Pub & Pantry
Pat Taney
Slidin’ Dirty
Sabrina & Viannah
Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub
Dionne Puorto
Tipsy Moose
Katy Aitchison
Wellington’s
Jenn Hiza
677 Prime
Ashley Rutledge
Nicole’s Restaurant & Catering
Empire Merchants North is the exclusive wine and spirots sponsor of the Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival. Please drink responsibly.