Chefs & Restaurants
2020 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.
AJ Jayapal
Brian Molino
Matt Joyce
Michael Hinrichs
Dominique Brialy
Ric Orlando
Michael Mastrantuono
Jaime Ortiz
Jim Rua
Yono Purnomo
Courtney Withey
Mark D. Graham
2020 Rising Star Chef Winners
Congratulations to our Rising Star Chefs!
Rising Star Chefs Must Meet Any 2 Of The Following Criteria:
- Chef/Owner of a Restaurant that is under 2 years in operation
- Chef that is using innovative techniques (i.e molecular gastronomy) in food production
- First Time Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef
- Chef has demonstrated a commitment to community service
- Chef that demonstrates originality & creativity in menu design
- Chefs that promote and utilize local produce and ingredients whenever possible
Raymond Galka,
Chef de Partie
Hector Aquino,
Executive Sous Chef
Colin Miner,
Chef de Cuisine
Harley Bleitzhofer,
Executive Chef
Seth Corey,
Owner
Kevin Myers,
Chef / Owner
James Hughes,
Sous Chef
Past Winners can be found here.
Participating Restaurants & Featured Chefs
2020 Featured Chefs & Restaurants
70 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.
Empire Merchants North is the exclusive wine and spirots sponsor of the Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival. Please drink responsibly.