To Elias Cairo, owner and salumist of Portland's Olympia Provisions, charcuterie is a blend of art and science. From his house-cured bacon to his smoked kielbasa, technique and nuance set his provisions apart. He deems his methodology “inspired precision” which results in an uncommon, deep richness throughout all his meats. Just ask The New York Times, Bon Appétit and Oprah to name a few of his recognitions and admirers. The salumist’s…

Gavin Kaysen moved back to Minneapolis because he values community. After heading the kitchen at El Bizcocho in San Diego, competing in The Next Iron Chef, and serving as Executive Chef at Michelin-rated Cafe Boulud in Palm Beach, Toronto and New York, he decided to go all-in on his own concepts. The James Beard Award-winner sought to meld high-end French culinary techniques with seasonal Midwestern flavors. The results: Spoon and…

Scott Lawrence got an idea a decade ago on a trip to Alaska with his buddies. His epiphany emerged around a campfire, and it sparked into what became Breakside Brewery in Portland, Oregon. Since opening its doors in 2010, delicious Breakside brews are on tap at three locations and countless bars and restaurants, distributed in 8 states, they were named Brewery of the Year at the 2017 Oregon Beer Awards…

Joe and Katy Kindred met in Chicago, moved to San Francisco, and worked in world-class restaurants before deciding to move back to Joe’s hometown of Davidson, North Carolina. There, they started a family, saved up and opened their first restaurant. After living a whole story, that was only the beginning. Joe’s now racked up multiple James Beard nominations, and Katy’s an accomplished sommelier, among many other things. Their focus on…

Native Angeleno Ray Garcia is just your average law school-bound poli-sci and business economics UCLA grad who decided to become a chef instead. He paid his way through college working in restaurants and discovered a love for cooking even the siren song of the legal system couldn’t contend with. And it worked out. His first restaurant, Broken Spanish, racked up countless accolades by Esquire, USA Today, LA Weekly, Los Angeles…

A two-time James Beard winner, Traci owns six different restaurants across California. Many of her eateries feature Mexican soul food including San Francisco’s Mijita (“little one”) taqueria as well as School Night, a Mexican-Peruvian inspired cocktail bar. Chef Traci relishes a good challenge, having competed in a variety of cooking competitions from Top Chef to beating the legendary Mario Batali on Iron Chef America. She’s also an avid philanthropist whose…