Teams & Judges
Judges
Norman Van Aken
Norman Van Aken is best known for introducing “fusion” into the lexicon of global cookery. He is also known as “the founding father of New World Cuisine” – a celebration of Latin, Caribbean, Asian, American, and African flavors thus pioneering a new, visionary way of cooking in America.
Adrienne Gang
A veteran of the yachting industry, chief stewardess Adrienne Gang lives by the philosophy “work hard, play hard” on Bravo TV's Below Deck. Adrienne is a professional chef for celebrities, dignitaries, and rockstars. She has an uncanny intuition for knowing her clients' desires before they ask.
Joe Isidori
Coming from a long line of talented chefs, it's no wonder Joe Isidori was awarded a Michelin star in 2009 after launching dining concepts for the Trump Organization. Chef Joe opened JOTORO Kitchen + Tequila Bar last fall at Tampa's Sparkman Wharf.
Lee Ann Whippen
Lee Ann is a 25-year BBQ Competitor, KCBS Certified Judge, celebrity pitmaster and restaurateur. Recent accolades include being named Food Network’s “Master of Que” after ousting seven barbecue greats on the premier season of the Food Network’s “BBQ Brawl.” She is a nominee for the “BBQ Hall of Fame” in 2019 and 2020, winner of Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay.
St. Pete
Joshua Breen
Team Captain
Jason Borajkiewicz
Susan Burdain
Burton Pratt
Kevin Riley
James Renew
Tampa
Casey Ryan
Amy Pattison
Waylon Nelson
Past Teams
2020
Judges
Thaddeus Bullard a.k.a. WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil
Chad Johnson, Haven
Angela and Andrew Duncan, The Duncan Duo
Kim Miller-Boivin, Culinary Director of Welbilt
Helen Freund, Tampa Bay Times, Food and Dining Food Critic
Team St. Pete (winner)
Jason Ruhe, Brick & Mortar (Captain)
Ted Dorsey, The Mill, Chair
Tyson Grant, Parkshore Grill
Ben Hooper, The Dewey
Art Kucherenko, Sola Bistro & Wine Bar
Colin Reinsmith, Sea Worthy Fish + Bar
Rob Reinsmith, Wild Child
Team Tampa
Michael Buttacavoli, Cena (Captain)
James Maita, Sacred Pepper
Frank Anderson, Seminole Hard Rock
Jason Saldutti, Forbici
Taro Larrea, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Adam Polisei, Ocean Prime
2019
Judges
Norman Van Aken, Chef and author
James Petrakis, The Ravenous Pig
Julie Petrakis, The Ravenous Pig
Helen Freund, Tampa Bay Times, Food Critic
Hosts
Thaddeus Bullard, a.k.a. WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil
Aaron Jacobson, Newsradio WFLA
Tom “Tkras” Krasniqie, 95.3 WDAE
Jeff Philbin, Master Chef Finalist
Team St. Pete (winner)
Ted Dorsey, The Mill, Chair
Rachel Bennett, The Library, Captain
Jonathan Atanacio, K Club Bistro
Joshua Breen, Alto Mare
Jordan Buendia, Rococo Steak
Hector Garcia, Paul’s Landing
Jason Ruhe, Brick & Mortar
Viet Vo, Sekushi
Team Tampa
Candy DeBartolo, Sacred Pepper, Chair
James Maita, Sacred Pepper, Captain
Paul Boucher, Mise en Place
Hab Hamde, Bern’s
Anne Kearney, Oak & Ola
Taro Larrea, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Adam Polisei, Ocean Prime
Adrihel H. Rosario, Oystercatchers
2018
Judges
Cory Bahr
Cindy Hutson
Victoria Jordan Rodriquez
Serena Poon
Laura Reiley
Team St. Pete (winner)
Stephen Schrutt, Chair
Ted Dorsey, The Mill, Captain
Lee Aquino, The Birchwood
Adam Beckett, Locale Market
Rachell Bennett, The Library
David Benstock, Il Ritorno
Chris Fernandez, Red Mesa
Tyson Grant, Parkshore Grill
Lee Jasper, Dr. BBQ
Team Tampa
Jeff Gigante, Chair
Chad Johnson, Haven, Captain
Ferrell Alvarez, Rooster & the Till
Michael Buttacavoli, Cena
Nathan Hardin, Steelbach
Felicia LaCalle, Hemingways
James Maita, Sacred Pepper
Courtney Orwig, Haven
Jason Saldutti, Forbici
2017
Judges
Cory Bahr
Marty Blitz
Mike Calta
Ray “Dr. BBQ” Lampe
Art Smith
Team St. Pete
Matthew Brennan, Paul’s Landing
Luke Decker, The Birchwood
Ted Dorsey, The Mill
Tyson Grant, Parkshore Grill
Rob Reinsmith, Noble Crust
Jason Ruhe, Brick & Mortar
Jeffrey Jew, Stillwaters Tavern
Team Tampa (winner)
Richard Anderson, Oxford Exchange
Michael Buttacavoli, Cena
Chad Johnson, Haven
Antoine Ludcene, Cask
Robert Masson, 717 South
Ryan Mitchell, Fresh Kitchen