Chefs

Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest Chefs

The food served in wine pairings is most important to help show off the unique properties of the featured wines so that they can be fully enjoyed and savored. The SWF Wine and Food Fest is working with the area's finest chefs for the ultimate in wine and food offerings.

 

The 2010 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest featured cuisine from the following chefs:

Chef Vintner Dinner Chefs

  • Harold Balink, Cru
  • Nick Costanzo, Angelina’s Ristorante
  • Reiner Drygala, Bistro 41
  • Ryan Leto, Roy’s
  • Jeffrey Lucas, Ruth’s Chris Steak House
  • Derin Moore, Ritz Carlton, Naples Beach Resort
  • Martin Murphy, Robb & Stucky Culinary Center
  • Brian Roland, M Waterfront Grille
  • Jesse Souza, LaPlaya Beach Resort
  • Melissa Talmage, Sweet Melissa’s
  • Casey Thompson, Top Chef, Season 3
  • Shannon Yates, Cru

Grand Tasting Chefs

  • Marbin Avilez Sr., Bayfront Bistro
  • Nick Costanzo, Angelina’s Ristorante
  • Reiner Drygala, Bistro 41
  • Keegan Gerhard, Food Network
  • Caroline Hostettler, 55 Degrees
  • Ryan Leto, Roy’s
  • Jeffrey Lucas, Ruth’s Chris Steak House
  • Thomas Pedit, Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club
  • Michael Ragusa, The Sandy Butler
  • Jayson Rydell, Flippers - Lover’s Key Resort
  • Andreas Singer, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
  • Jesse Souza, LaPlaya Beach Resort
  • Gil Suarez, Capital Grille
  • Eric Truglas, French Bread Oven
  • Christian Vivet, Blue Windows Bistro & Catering
  • Shannon Yates, Cru

Featured - Special Guests

  • Norman Love, Norman Love Confections
  • Keegan Gerhard, DBar Desserts of Denver, The Food Network
  • Casey Thompson, Top Chef, Season 3

Norman Love
Norman Love ConfectionsThe Grand Tasting featured dessert specialties by Norman Love, of Norman Love Confections. He provided a wide selection of his specialty gourmet chocolates paired with dessert wines at the Wine Fest Gala.

"Chocolate and children are a perfect pairing," said Love. "It's as good of a match as fine wine and gourmet foods."

Known as a purveyor of some of the world's finest, ultra premium chocolates, Norman Love Confections has been lauded in national news stories escalating its owner and founder, Norman Love, to celebrity status. Former corporate pastry chef with The Ritz-Carlton and creator of "G," the specialty line of chocolate for Godiva, Love and his national studio is based right here in Southwest Florida.

"When it comes to helping children's charities, and celebrating the culinary arts of our community, we consider it a pleasure to be involved in the Southwest Florida Wine and Food Fest this year," said Love. For more information on Norman Love or Norman Love Confections, visit his Web site at www.normanloveconfections.com.

 

 

.