Judges
2025 Judges
Jamie Bernstein
Jamie Bernstein lives in New Orleans with his wife, artist, Muffin Bernstein and their two dogs. Since arriving in New Orleans in 1996, Bernstein has been an important voice in the cultural fabric of New Orleans. His contributions have been vast and varied. Jamie edited the popular magazine Where Y'at for two years, managed a Royal Street art Gallery for pop artist FRENCHY, Captained the Krewe Of OAK parade, hosted the Offer Radio Hour on 102.3FM, performed in various television programs, including HBO's Treme and continues to write songs for himself and some of New Orleans' most popular performers. His most current musical release is a pop-tinged adaptation of his Americana song stylings called Future Cowboys. Albums Going Kamikaze and Life On Mars are both available on all streaming platforms. In the summer of 2024, Bernstein recorded a solo album of original songs with producer Mark Howard on a sailboat in the Bahamas. This album titled ZEUS is slated for an April 11th release dateJamie's varied creative endeavors have been driven by a lust for life and a positive outlook no matter the situation.
James Clesi
James Clesi started CLESI'S as a "pop-up" in 2013 boiling his signature crawfish and serving his family's famous jambalaya to the masses at bars and venues across the city. Since then, with the help of his brother Carlo and sister Sonya, CLESI'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & CATERING has become one the premier sources of AWARD-WINNING seafood and spirits New Orleans has to offer! With his restaurant located at 4323 Bienville Street and private event space, CLESI'S AT BOTTINELLI located at 139 Bottinelli Place.
Gene Colley
Bio coming soon.
Katie Cox
At the age of 11, I entered the service industry. Since then I have worked in every position in restaurants and eventually became a Chef. My restaurant and catering company Rosemary & Roux came in 2nd place as fan favorite at the 2024 Food Fight. Since then I sold the business and became the Director of Dining for an upscale retirement community. I have lived and worked all over the US gathering a vast knowledge of cuisine, but I am born and raised in New Orleans and love it here!
Anthony Cruz
Co owner of Southerns and world class eater.
Peggy Donovan
Bio coming soon.
Richard Dubus
3rd place in bourbon brawl cocktail contest, cocktail youtuber and blogger Gnome's Tavern, wrote e book "Gnome's Tavern volume 1" stand-up comedian
Stephen Francis
A member of the Exotic Cocktail Club of New Orleans and the Rum Society of Louisiana, and the administrator of the New Orleans Tiki group on Facebook, Stephen is a connoisseur of cocktails and spirits, and a foodie to boot.
Jennifer Fruge
Long time member of the New Orleans Restaurant scene and foodie , currently sales consultant for Performance food service for the past 13 years.
Randy Goodwyn Jr
Born in southwest Louisiana, this Florida-college graduate moved to the New Orleans area to further his career in the motorcycle industry. Known by his family and friends as a true “foodie,” he’ll go to great lengths for the perfect meal or pair of shoes.
Abigail Gullo
Abigail Gullo, a hospitality professional with two decades in the beverage industry, got her start making neighborhood craft cocktails at the innovative bars of turn of 21st century New York City. Since then, she has created drinks at award-winning restaurants from New Orleans to Seattle, from Rome to Athens and Puerto Rico. Abigail received a James Beard Award nomination for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. Named Bartender of the Year many times, she concocted libations for the Today Show and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She co-hosts the New Orleans focused Podcast, Drink & Learn and is Creative Director at Loa Bar and the International House Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Jason Harris
Over 25 years of restaurant and bar experience with the last 8 helping to lead the 3 Felipe's Taqueria locations here in NOLA.
Emily Hingle
Emily Hingle is a Louisiana native who loves experiencing the unique culture of New Orleans every day through food, drinks, and especially music. She has been with Where Y’at Magazine since 2009.
Star Hodgson
Star is a founding member and past President of the New Orleans Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild (USBG), Star now serves the bartending community as a Chair of the USBG National Charity Foundation Board. She contributes to several online and print publications, has served as a judge for many esteemed cocktail competitions, teaches seminars at industry conferences, and is a blind tasting spirits judge for the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition.
Dave Jackson
Bio coming soon.
Brian F. Kern
Brian Kern is a man about town with a passion for parades and parties. Brian currently reigns as the Captain of the Krewe of Boo, the annual Halloween Parade that has become a big attraction on the fall calendar in New Orleans since it’s inception back in 2008. Brian proudly fought for, and won, his krewes’ right to parade this Mardi Gras season.
Diane Lundeen
Lundeen is Petcetera’s pet pastry chef and baker. She is the lead designer for NOLA Bitch Couture, a doggy style design house, making creative apparel, accessories and toys for pets and people. Lundeen dedicates her spare time to charity and animal rescue, including Bad toThe Bone: Rescued on The Runway, a feast of food and fashion in which dogs from local rescues strut the catwalk in hopes of finding homes.
Andrew Marin
Andrew Marin writes about food and cocktails for Where Y'at Magazine. He is a former chef and bartender. He's judged Food Fight and Top Taco every year Top Taco every year each has been held. Follow him @ndrewmarin on instagram for photos and live story updates from the festival.
Amy Mehrtens
The daughter of a chef and an army major, both of her parents were passionate cooks and exacting teachers. As they moved around from Germany to California, Georgia, Japan, Iowa, Virginia, and New York—Amy received an expansive education in the flavors and traditions of different regional cuisines. After pursuing a formal degree at the C.I.A., Amy dove into the world of large-scale banquets at the Beekman Arms and Delmater Inn in Rhinebeck, NY, and the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. She found her way to New Orleans where she worked as a sous chef for Commander’s Palace. From there, she served as the Interim Executive Chef at Cafe Adelaide, before joining the Copper Vine team in 2018. Since 2020, Amy has served as the Executive Chef of both Copper Vine and Bonfire Elemental Events, the private dining and catering arm of Brechtel Hospitality. The daughter of a chef and an army major, both of her parents were passionate cooks and exacting teachers. As they moved around from Germany to California, Georgia, Japan, Iowa, Virginia, and New York—Amy received an expansive education in the flavors and traditions of different regional cuisines. After pursuing a formal degree at the C.I.A., Amy dove into the world of large-scale banquets at the Beekman Arms and Delmater Inn in Rhinebeck, NY, and the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. She found her way to New Orleans where she worked as a sous chef for Commander’s Palace. From there, she served as the Interim Executive Chef at Cafe Adelaide, before joining the Copper Vine team in 2018. Since 2020, Amy has served as the Executive Chef of both Copper Vine and Bonfire Elemental Events, the private dining and catering arm of Brechtel Hospitality.
Malik Mingo
"Malik Mingo is the EMMY-nominated host of the local talk show, "Great Day Louisiana," on WWL-TV in New Orleans weekdays at 9am! The show features everything that makes Louisiana great! From food to cocktails & events, you can learn how to live your best life by watching the show! Several celebrities have appeared on the show from Halle Berry to Tyler Perry, Kevin James and most recently, New Orleans' own, Jon Batiste! He is also the proud recipient of several awards, including the 2023 Best On-Air Talent awarded by the New Orleans Press Club! Malik was born in New Orleans, but moved to San Antonio, Texas when he was 9 years old, so he likes to say he is NOLA made and Texas raised! When he is not at work, you can find him at a local festival eating, enjoying live music or at home catching up on his very full DVR! You can keep up with him on Instagram at @MalikonTV"
Leroy Mitchell
Leroy Mitchell was born and raised in Metairie, LA. On any given Sunday, Leroy can be found antagonizing opposing players at the Superdome dressed in black and gold with a giant whistle attached to his head. When he’s not dressed as the most recognizable Saint Supafan, he can be found holding court at Galatoire’s every Friday after a long work week at Heartland Payment Services. No one loves a great cocktail more than the Whistle Monsta.
LUIS NAVA
Chef Luis Nava, originally from Colima on Mexico's Pacific coast, co-founded La Ti�a Taqueria & Cantina in Metairie, Louisiana, in July 2022 to present traditional Mexican cuisine with a contemporary twist. Building on the success of La Tía, Chef Nava expanded his culinary endeavors by opening Aguasanta on Oak Street in New Orleans in late 2024. This establishment offers a refined dining experience that blends Mexican flavors with global influences. Both restaurants have received positive reviews for their innovative menus and vibrant atmospheres, contributing significantly to the rich tapestry of New Orleans' culinary scene.
Mac Nirandorn
With over two decades in the service industry and a voracious appetite, amateur food blogger, Mac Nirandorn has devoted the majority of his waking hours to exploring and discovering new tastes and cuisines. Born in Louisiana, but raised in Thailand in his earlier years, Nirandorn has been able to use that foundation to view cuisines with a multi-cultural perspective and palate. "The most honest view of a person you can get is through the food they eat!"
Brett "Slab" Patron
Brett “Slab” Patron, co-founder of the 610 Stompers, comes from a long line of eaters and dancers. His grandparents are from Merida, located on the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula. Slab spent many Sundays throughout his life, cooking and eating traditional Mexican food, but he believes tacos can cover a diverse range of food from many cultures.
Ronnie Pendelton
New Orleans native and service industry vet of over 15 years. Food is not only a passion but therapy and Ronnie loves the language. He is currently a server and bartender at both Zasu & Piece of Meat.
Woody Poche
Woody is the proprietor of the eponymously named Woody’s Fish Tacos, a fixture on the New Orleans Festival Circuit for several years. Currently enjoying retirement with his new Nepalese sidekick, Rin Poche, he’s excited to make a rare public appearance in support of this “Juan”derful event.
Andrew Quaid
The Super NOLA Fan Mr. EveryThAng helps to keep the Who Dat Nation Motivated in the Dome, the Blender, and everywhere he goes. A transplant to New Orleans in March 2005, he quickly fell in love with Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Your NOLA Saints & Pelicans, and “EveryThAng” that New Orleans has to offer. He was elevated into Mardi Gras Royalty in 2024 being the Krewe of O.A.K.'s ROBUSTUS the XXXVIII, for his tireless dedication to KOAK, and several other Krewes. He's going to keep the positive Vibes rolling in 2025!
Kim Ranjibar
Though she was born in the San Francisco Bay Area, Kim Ranjbar took her passion for the written word and dragged it over 2000 miles to flourish in the city she loves. For well over a decade, she's been eating, photographing and writing about food (and more!) in New Orleans, her work appearing in national publications like Chowhound.com and local publications such as French Quarter Journal, Where Y'at Magazine, New Orleans Living Magazine, NewOrleans.com and Louisiana Kitchen & Culture. After over 20 years as a transplant - surviving hurricanes, levee failures, oil spills, boil water advisories and hipster invasions - Kim hopes to eventually earn the status of local and be welcomed into the fold.
Taylor Marie Rankins
I’m a new judge named Taylor! Born and raised in New Orleans. 31 years old and have been bartending for 8 years+. I work at one of the best dive bars in the city “The Upper Quarter” ❤️
Matt Ray
"Matt Ray is part of the Marketing team for Sazerac Company. He has worked in hospitality for most of his life, from Walt Disney to New Orleans legend, "Cure". Originally from Alabama, he uses his Appalachian accent to make spirits and cocktails fun and approachable for the average person. As a resource for Sazerac, Matt does brand R&D, product launches, and trainings for Sazerac, their customers, and distributors. In 2024, he was awarded Whiskey Magazine's "Icons of Whiskey," Honorable Mention for Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year, which is basically like saying he's the second-best brand ambassador for whiskey, but he's pretty proud of that!"
Jas Rogers
Jas Rogers is a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder of The Pour Decisions Collective, an inclusive bar community and event series that uplifts queer bartenders and celebrates LGBTQ+ diversity. They are also the visionary behind Saucexdat, a plant-based seasoning and sauce brand that brings bold, authentic flavors to everyday meals. Jas's commitment to equality and authenticity has made a lasting impact in both the beverage and culinary industries, redefining how people connect through food, drinks, and culture.
Jamison Ross
Jamison Ross is more than a GRAMMY AWARD-winning Soul artist, songwriter and producer- he's a storyteller, a groove architect, and a torchbearer of timeless soul. With a voice as smooth as velvet and a touch on the drums that speaks straight to the heart, Jamison bridges the past and the future, blending the rich traditions of R&B, Gospel, and Blues with a fresh, contemporary edge. Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, Jamison's musical journey started at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts before he refined his craft at Florida State University and the University of New Orleans, earning a Master of Music. In 2012, he shook the jazz world to its core, winning the prestigious Thelonious Monk (now Herbie Hancock) International Jazz Competition for Jazz Drum Set. That defining moment catapulted him into the spotlight, paving the way for his breathtaking debut album, Jamison (2015), which earned him his first GRAMMY nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. In 2016, he joined the world-renowned, multi-award-winning supergroup Snarky Puppy, lending his deep-pocketed rhythms to acclaimed albums like Live in Rio, Family Dinner Volume 2, Immigrance, and the GRAMMY-winning Empire Central. His gift for blending silky vocal melodies with rich, organic instrumentation creates an experience that transcends time, taking listeners on a journey of raw emotion, depth, and undeniable groove.
Maggie Scales
Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Maggie Scales pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of California, San Diego majoring in Language Studies. She then moved to Boston to attend the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts in the Professional Pastry Program under Pastry Chef Delphin Gomes. While in school, Maggie worked at Chef Bob Kinkaid's Sibling Rivalry Restaurant and the Metropolitan Club under Chef Todd Weiner. Upon completing culinary school, Maggie worked as a Pastry Chef at Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse in Boston. In 2009, she had the opportunity to work with James Beard winner Lydia Shire at Scampo Restaurant at the Liberty Hotel. When Chef Shire opened Towne Stove + Spirits, Maggie became the Executive Pastry Chef of the 300-seat establishment. In June 2011, Maggie relocated to New Orleans and began working for the Omni Hotels. She then joined Link Restaurant Group as a Pastry Chef, and in the summer of 2014, Maggie accepted the position of Executive Pastry Chef overseeing all aspects of Link Restaurant Group's pastry department. When the neighborhood bakery and cafe La Boulangerie was acquired, the pastry department operations were relocated there, and Maggie worked to expand its menu creating a casual bistro within the bakery. Maggie was also an integral part of the team at Peche when it won the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in 2014.
Deborah Schumacher
Ms. Schumacher arrived in NOLA originally from Southern California. She has made New Orleans her permanent home since 1984. Ms Schumacher produced food service events for the Olympics, Super Bowls, Microsoft and Ford Motor Company to mention a few. Her passion is the restaurant business. She owns and operates Slim Goodies Diner on historic Magazine Street in New Orleans, which features an eclectic blend of the traditional American Diner fare paired with the Creole influences of Louisiana.
Kanwarpal Singh
Bio coming soon.
Amy Sins
Amy is a chef, author, and owner of Langlois Catering, named one of the “Best Cooking Schools Around the World,” by Travel + Leisure. She can also be found rallying the troupes to provide aid to disaster victims in Louisiana and around the gulf. She was also named a “Southern of the Year” by Southern Living Magazine.
Liza Smith
Liza is a seasoned content creator (check out @_forkitover_ for more) and marketing professional in the food/beverage/restaurant industries. As the voice behind @_forkitover_, she passionately explores and shares culinary gems, from classic favorites to new spots, while celebrating her love for all things delicious.
Scotty "Sparky" Sparks
Sparky is the quintessential, southern gentleman and ultimate tailgate host as he keeps himself surrounded by his family, friends and sometimes even his foes! Sparky has the skins on the wall as he has cooked in numerous competitions, most notably the Food Network‘s Tailgate Warriors with Guy Fieri and Bings National Tailgating championship with Joe Cahn! He likes to joke about how he has become Almost Famous, appearing on multiple cooking and tailgating shows like "Emeril Tailgates"� on Roku, "Rituals" on Amazon Prime, "Diner Revival" on Food Network, as well as many live appearances on Fox8 Live, ESPN Game Day and several local commercials! So if you're a local or a visiting fan and you get to Tailgate with the King, chances are you'll find yourself knowing what it means to miss New Orleans and you'll never go home hungry!
Daniel Victory
Brand ambassador for DuNord social spirits. He is the founder of Victory and the New Orleans Drink Lab. He is dedicated to teaching the history, as well as the art of cocktail making.
Evan Vodicka
I've been cooking for years and have been a chef at a couple restaurants in the city as well as Lafayette.
Micah Williams
Owner of Hard Core BBQ in the warehouse district. Strong love for BBQ and all things food. Started as delivering BBQ to everyone over 2020, turned in to a pop up food stand and now a full restaurant as of 2024.
Robert Witkowski
Robert is the Creative Director for Where Y'at Magazine -the leading lifestyle and entertainment publication in New Orleans. Having lived in New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Portland, Maine, he knows (and loves) good food!
Teira Woodridge
Born and raised in New Orleans East , Tee aka buku.hungry brings a rich palate and a deep appreciation for cultural authenticity to every bite she judges. Known for her “boujee on a budget” style, she celebrates local gems just as fiercely as fine dining experiences. With a passion for coffee, happy hour, and all things New Orleans, buku.hungry gives the real on every spot visited. When she’s not tasting her way through food festivals and local restaurants, you can catch her working out, vibin’ to 80s and 90s bops, or spoiling her Frenchie, Lilly. Buku.hungry’s judging style is a blend of real talk, refined taste, and that signature New Orleans charm. Expect honest critiques and high standards.
Jared Zeller
Zeller is a lifelong New Orleanian, graduated from Archbishop Shaw High School and the University of New Orleans with a BS in Management. He is also a proud veteran of the United States Army (1992-1996). Zeller founded the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo Festival in 2006 as a way to revitalize a neighborhood in peril following Hurricane Katrina. This grassroots community festival has become one of New Orleans signature events, drawing thousands of locals and visitors to a once devastated neighborhood. In 2007, Gambit Weekly recognized him as one of New Orleans’ “Forty under Forty” for his work on the venture. In 2015, Zeller was acknowledged with a proclamation from the City of New Orleans for producing an economically and environmentally sustainable festival. His projects have been covered by local, national, and international media, including the Discovery Channel, EARTH X TV, HBO, New York Times, Offbeat Magazine, The Weather Channel, and Tegna Corporation.
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