Chef Demos
Back by popular demand, the 2024 California Nut Festival will feature a lively and fun “Nutty Chef Competition” in the crowd-favorite California Olive Ranch cooking demo area. Festival attendees will be able to sit back and enjoy watching a culinary contest that highlights the ingenuity of three local chefs all competing for the honor of being named the 2024 Nutty Chef.
As a part of the friendly contest, each chef will receive 30 minutes to prepare a delightfully delicious dish of their choice in front of the live audience. Each chef will be allowed to bring ingredients of their choice but they will be given a number of secret ingredients that they will need to creatively incorporate into their special dish.
After a taste test, a panel of judges will select the winner who will be announced at the festival. Plus, there will be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions of the talented local chefs. Please plan your day to join the fun in this unique and nutty way!
2024 Cooking Demo Schedule
For your enjoyment and entertainment, California Nut Festival attendees are encouraged to carve out time in the day to watch the live cooking presentations that are always exciting to watch. Ample seating is available; arrive early, sit back and enjoy the demos. While the three competing chefs are yet-to-be announced, the schedule is as follows:
Matt Richie – Almendra Winery and Distillery
Demonstration Time:
Noon
Kevin Garibaldi – Garibaldi’s Catering
Demonstration Time:
1 p.m.
Emin Tekin, Meze Moon Mediterranean Cuisine
Demonstration Time:
2 p.m.
2024 "Nutty Chef" Winner Announced
2:45 p.m.
Ample seating is available; arrive early, sit back and enjoy the cooking presentations!
2021 Competitors
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Chef Ann Leon
Almendra Winery & Distillery
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Chef John Dean
Drunken Dumpling
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Chef Richard Hirshen
Mooney Farms/Bella Sun Luci
2018 Competitors
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Chef Jorge Vasquez
Executive Chef, OHBees Hive
-
Chef Nathan Johnson
Tin Roof Bakery & Cafe
-
Chef Juan Z. Ramirez
Two Twenty Restaurant
California Nut Festival Celebrity Chefs from Previous Years
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2016
Chef Micheal
Executive Chef Micheal Iles of Two Twenty Restaurant in Chico -
2016
Chef Michael
Owner & Executive Chef Michael Thiemann of Mother & Empress Tavern Restaurants -
2016
Chef David
Owner & Executive Chef David Gomez of Roots Catering & Restaurant in Chico -
2015
Ashurina "Chef Rina" Younan
Three-time Food Network Champion -
2014
Jay Veregge
Executive Chef from Old Sacramento’s Ten22 -
2013
Kurt Spataro
Executive Chef of Paragary’s Restaurant Group -
2012
Patrick Mulvaney
Owner of Mulvaneys B&L -
2011
Michael Touhy
(formerly) of The Grange restaurant
