Nutty Chef Competition

Nutty & New!

New this year, the 2017 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 play out that highlights the ingenuity of three local chefs all competing for the honor of being named the 2017 Nutty Chef.

As a part of the friendly contest, each chef will receive 30 minutes to prepare a delightly 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 four 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. There will be an opportunity to ask questions of the talented local chefs. Please plan your day to join the fun in a new and nutty way!

  • Chef Jeremy Haley

    Chef Jeremy Haley

    Demonstration Time
    noon

    Executive Chef, Enloe Catering

  • Chef James Taylor

    Chef James Taylor

    Demonstration Time
    1pm

    Owner & Chef, Sicilian Cafe

  • Chef Jedidiah Amendola

    Chef Jedidiah Amendola

    Demonstration Time
    2pm

    Jedidiah Amendola, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

2017 “Nutty Chef” Winner Announced
2:45 pm

Ample seating is available; arrive early, sit back and enjoy the cooking presentations!

Jeremy Haley, Executive Chef, Enloe Catering

Chef Jeremy is passionate about food and using his creative mind to feed a hungry appetite. With 17 years experience in the food industry, he’s worked his way up from dishwasher to executive chef, and has traveled the world doing what he loves - cooking! Working as a chef in the health care industry provides a unique opportunity to help people by serving hot meals full of essential vitamins and nutrients. By participating in this year’s California Nut Festival, Jeremy hopes to inspire health through nutrition and raise awareness of the importance of good food in the healing process.

James Taylor, Owner & Chef, Sicilian Cafe

When Sicilian Cafe opened in 1984, James's goals were not limited to fantastic food. He aimed to create a mood for patrons that would be unlike any other. His skills may have developed during his time working in the family restaurant, but he has since worked in many other kitchens, gaining a variety of experience with different cuisines. Although he specializes in Italian food, his background allows him to be creative with almost any dish. Today, James strives to source local, organic growers and producers as well as cater to his guests' requests for any necessary alternatives such as gluten-free options and allergy substitutions. With over 40 years of cooking experience in the community, he combines the taste of the Mediterranean with old world hospitality.

Jedidiah Amendola, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

Chef Jed joined Sierra Nevada more than five years ago and has been in charge of the culinary operation for the last two years. He joined Sierra Nevada after working at an upscale Italian restaurant named Pianeta in Truckee as a sous chef. Prior to that, he attended and graduated from Butte Culinary Academy in 2004. Given his deep passion for cooking and the culinary arts (and beer of course!), he’s very proud to call Northern California home with such plentiful and agriculture rich surroundings. In fact, he’s always amazed to see all the wonderful varieties of fruit, vegetables, and different proteins grown and produced right here in the North State.

California Nut Festival Celebrity Chefs from Previous Years

  • 2016

    Chef Michael Iles

    Chef Micheal
    Executive Chef Micheal Iles of Two Twenty Restaurant in Chico

  • 2016

    Chef Michael Thiemann

    Chef Michael
    Owner & Executive Chef Michael Thiemann of Mother & Empress Tavern Restaurants

  • 2016

    Chef David Gomez

    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