03/30/2026
THANK YOU to everyone who made Chef Fest 2026 unforgettable. From the chefs, guests, sponsors, vendors, volunteers and behind the scenes staff who made it happen, we are incredibly grateful.
Our Culinary Connections Students dazzled the crowd with their tasty sweet treats, incredible hospitality and work ethic. Cheers to each of them and their bright futures ahead. 👏👏👏
🏆🥇Two inaugural awards were chosen by a panel of culinary professionals:
🌊 .eats.and.drinks “Living La Vida Locavore” Award was presented to Chef Julie Aubrey of &PersonalChefServices for her creative, Coastal Virginia–inspired Blue Oyster Rockefeller
👨🍳 The Tall Toque Award honored outstanding culinary excellence and was presented to Chef Paul Benton of for his impressive Goat Cheese and Lobster Cheesecake
The guests also had their say and selected their favorite dishes:
🏆 Chef Fest Champ (Favorite Entrée): Chef Pam Smith of -Fork
🍰 Sweet Champ (Favorite Dessert): Chef Brittney Batts of 'sCateringbyChefBrittney
Check back soon for more highlights from this special event.