Culinary Classes Professionals to Know 2025

I am the Director of Siam Culinary Academy. I make sure our school offers the best of Thai cuisine, from simple dishes to professional-level training, helping students master both flavor and technique. As a source, I can share easy recipes, cooking tips, and kitchen hacks that readers love. I can also recommend equipment and tools, from simple utensils to professional gear, and explain how to use them. When it comes to ingredients, cooking methods, or Thai food in particular, I’m always happy to give clear answers that make a story stronger.

I am a professional Chef and Pastry Chef with extensive experience encompassing culinary arts, restaurant openings, recipe development, creating culinary education programs, and training kitchen teams. I am also: - Honorary member of the Chefs and Cooks Guild of Belarus; - WACS-certified judge (World Association of Chefs' Societies) in the "Pastry Arts" and "Culinary Arts and Hot Kitchen" categories; - Food stylist and dish plating specialist; - Author of 9 recipe books, including “Home Cooking Encyclopedia”; - Author of one of the most famous Russian food websites – VkusnyBlog.com. I'm experienced in modern cooking technologies (sous vide, fermentation, working with molecular textures, etc.), well versed in food pairing and flavor combinations, highly skilled in classic culinary and pastry techniques. I've traveled through numerous countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia, immersing myself in the local cuisines in their authentic settings. There are too many achievements to list here, but you can view them via the link in my profile. I am interested in collaborating with journalists and media creators. I look forward to working with you!

I was trained in France and started career in Michelin-starred kitchens before opening my own baking school in Bangkok : Chef Lucas Baking Studio. I help students create bread, pastry, and desserts that combine tradition with creativity. I can provide recipes, baking tricks, advanced techniques, and advice on tools or equipment for home and professional bakers. Journalists can rely on me for clear answers about pastry, bread making, and desserts that fit any kind of story.

Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN, is a distinguished culinary nutrition expert and thought leader who seamlessly bridges the worlds of professional cooking and nutritional science. As a classically trained chef and registered dietitian, she has established herself as a preeminent voice in plant-forward cuisine and innovative food education. With multiple award-winning cookbooks and a robust media presence, Newgent has emerged as a highly sought-after authority in culinary nutrition and wellness. A respected industry influencer, Jackie serves on the Forbes Health advisory board and leverages her extensive expertise as a national media personality and contributor to national health platforms like U.S. News & World Report. Her professional journey includes an impressive tenure as a chef instructor at the prestigious Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. Currently, she continues to shape culinary education as an instructor at The Gourmandise School in Santa Monica and through her private teaching. Newgent's professional portfolio extends beyond traditional roles, serving as a nutrition coach for My Peak Challenge and a strategic culinary nutrition advisor to major food companies and emerging plant-centered businesses. Her multifaceted approach to nutrition and cooking has positioned her as a unique and influential professional who is reshaping how we understand the intersection of food, health, and sustainability. Based in Los Angeles, Jackie continues to inspire and educate through her dynamic work across media, education, and culinary innovation.

Culinary professional with a dynamic background honed in fine dining, high-volume operations, and diverse hospitality settings. Experienced in crafting elevated dining experiences and leading large-scale culinary teams to excellence. Skilled in business development, marketing, pricing strategy, and operational efficiency. Rooted in Culinary Arts, alongside Hospitality and Restaurant Management, from Le Cordon Bleu. Let’s connect to discuss culinary leadership and innovation!

Shellie Pomeroy is the founder and creative director of Silk & Willow, a globally recognized textile brand celebrated for its trendsetting, naturally dyed products and dedication to sustainability. As an expert natural dyer, color trendsetter, and tablescape stylist, Shellie draws her inspiration directly from the quiet beauty of the natural world. Her philosophy celebrates the harmony of colors found in nature, which she translates into exquisite silk ribbons and textiles. This process is thoughtfully detailed in her authored book, "Natural Tables," published by Chronicle Books. Shellie spends her days tending to her gardens and walking the land, gathering inspiration that she transforms into designs for events ranging from intimate gatherings to high-end luxury and celebrity celebrations. With a deep respect for historical methods and the earth, Shellie’s work is a reminder that true luxury is found in meaningful, handcrafted details. She consults as an expert on silk textiles, color theory, and table styling, sharing her unique vision for creating cherished moments infused with nature's beauty.

Igniting Culinary Excellence: As a teenager, I dove headfirst into the hospitality industry, igniting a passion that has propelled my journey. A born operator, I've honed my skills across decades of leadership roles, conquering the dynamic spectrum from fast food to fine dining and every epicurean realm in between. My work drives transformative success in partnership with each and every client. Decades of Expertise: With a rich history in both corporate and franchised restaurant concepts, I've honed my craft and developed a deep understanding of the industry's nuances. Today, my focus is on leveraging the best of corporate structure and processes to empower independent restaurateurs. Whether they're starting out, aiming to grow, or navigating a market rebounding from the pandemic, I'm dedicated to guiding them toward success.

My perspective was forged by 15 years directing luxury operations. From managing elite properties to overseeing maritime logistics on Spanish yachts, I mastered the true standard of excellence. That chapter taught me the intense attention to detail required to run world-class operations—precision, integrity, and the ability to anticipate a guest's every need before they even realize it. A decade ago, I pivoted from managing luxury to documenting life. For the last 10 years, I’ve been a culinary nomad, traveling the world to meet the people behind the plates. This decade has been about more than just food; it’s been about the stories told in night markets, the friendships forged over shared meals, and the sheer joy of discovery. I traded boardrooms for back alleys and spreadsheets for spice markets, learning that the most "five-star" experiences are often found in the most humble places. Today, I blend those two worlds. I bring the rigor of my professional background to the curiosity of a traveler. Whether I’m researching guajillo chilies or mapping regional spice routes in Southeast Asia, my mission is to find the soul of a destination through its people and its food. I believe every hidden culinary gem deserves to be documented with respect, and every journey should be an adventure shared with the people you love.

Mallory Morgan is the co-creator of The Curly Spoon, a food blog focused on desserts, brunch, and party food recipes for home bakers and hosts. With a degree in dietetics, plus a background in food safety and recipe development, she brings a well-rounded perspective to baking, kitchen practicality, and food content creation. Mallory shares original recipes, baking tips, and entertaining inspiration designed to help readers create food that feels simple, special, and worth sharing. She is especially interested in desserts, brunch recipes, seasonal baking, and practical ideas that make gatherings easier and more memorable. Mallory is available to provide expert commentary on baking, recipe creation, dessert trends, entertaining, and everyday kitchen tips.

Erin Gierhart is the founder and recipe developer behind State of Dinner, a food site focused on well-tested, dependable comfort food and desserts rooted in American tradition. She has over 15 years of experience in restaurant operations and is a certified food safety administrator who has taught food safety courses. Her work specializes in pies, cheesecakes, and family-style home cooking, with an emphasis on clear instructions, proper technique, and recipes that perform reliably in a home kitchen. Erin develops and tests every recipe herself and regularly provides expert insight on recipe testing, food safety, and practical cooking for busy home cooks.

Jen is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of Peel with Zeal, a food and recipe website focused on bold, approachable recipes and practical cooking know-how. She specializes in gluten-free cooking without compromise, emphasizing big flavor, smart techniques, and realistic home cooking. Jen has been featured in national publications and works with brands as a recipe developer, food writer, and culinary educator.

Co-Creator, Mangoes & Palm Trees | Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) | Nutritionist THE GLOBAL DISCOVERY: MANGOES & PALM TREES I am a food and travel writer and the co-creator of Mangoes & Palm Trees. Alongside my husband and our son, Victor, I lead a nomadic life documenting the world’s most vibrant flavors from our base in Southeast Asia. As a medically trained professional, my mission is to find the scientific truth in cultural traditions. We specialize in mapping "Safe-Plate" street food protocols, fusing cultural immersion with clinical travel safety to prove that global adventure can be healthy and vibrant. CLINICAL SCIENCE MEETS HOLISTIC WISDOM My perspective is built on the discipline of elite athletics, the precision of clinical medicine, and a deep curiosity about global health rituals. - The Discipline of Performance: As a former elite rhythmic gymnast, I learned early that nutrition is a chemical requirement for resilience. This immersion in high-performance biology defines my work today. - Medical Precision (DMD): As a Doctor of Dental Medicine, I spent years on the front lines of systemic health. I saw how inflammation and nutrition manifested in patients long before they reached a general physician. To bridge the gap between clinical science and vitality, I immersed myself in nutriciology, turning "wellness" into a measurable, biological reality. GLOBAL VITALITY & WELL-BEING Living and studying internationally, including time in South East Asia, transformed my perspective. I believe you cannot truly understand well-being without seeing how the world lives—finding the harmony between movement, environment, and tradition. I strip away the noise of the wellness industry and replace it with science-backed, soulful wisdom. EXPERTISE FOR MEDIA & FEATURES I provide expert commentary on the intersection of medicine, nutrition, and travel: - Nutritional Chemistry: How diet dictates mental and physical performance. - Systemic Health: Why oral health is the window into longevity. - Global Vitality: How world food cultures and "Safe-Plate" travel impact human biology. I don’t just teach well-being; I live it. My mission is to help you understand your own biology so you can write your own story of health. Connect for expert commentary, wellness consulting, and global partnerships.

California based Interior designer with a decade of experience designing commercial and residential spaces for private clients, real estate investors and award-winning architecture firms.

I am the head chef, recipe creator, photographer, and writer behind The Forked Spoon. I create delicious family-friendly recipes that anyone can make, and my website has over one million users per month. 

Alessia Corpino is an Italian-born, New York-CT-based designer and creative strategist known for bridging Italian luxury craftsmanship with contemporary design thinking. As Founder and Principal of Alessia Corpino Design, she leads hospitality and residential projects that embody timeless sophistication, emotional resonance, and cultural depth. Her portfolio includes collaborations with The Newbury Boston, Park Hyatt New York, ModernHaus Soho, M Social Times Square, and The Limelight Hotel Boulder with Aspen Hospitality, as well as long-standing relationships with Molteni&C, Poliform, Venini, and FLOS. Her studio’s work is defined by a refined understanding of space, storytelling, and material integrity — transforming interiors into living narratives that connect people and place. Before founding her namesake studio, Alessia built a decade-long career at Yahoo! in Milan, London, and New York, managing global partnerships exceeding $500M and leading international sales and marketing teams. This corporate foundation sharpened her ability to merge business strategy with creative direction, a hallmark of her multidisciplinary approach today. Fluent in Italian, English, and Spanish, Alessia embodies a global sensibility and human-centered vision — designing experiences that unite beauty, function, and meaning. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Hospitality Design, Vogue, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal.

I'm Stephen Ingber, founder, owner, and executive chef of MileHighCook, a high-end private dining and hospitality company based in Denver, Colorado. Before I was a chef, I spent 15-plus years in brand partnerships, experiential marketing, and influencer work with some of the biggest consumer brands out there. Anheuser-Busch, FanDuel, Fubo Television, Gymshark. I built premium experiences for high-net-worth audiences for a living. That background didn't leave me when I walked into the kitchen. It's baked into everything MileHighCook does. I'm more life-trained than classically trained. I completed an abbreviated culinary program at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa, California, but the real education came from living it. All 50 states. Almost 40 countries. Going into grocery stores in foreign cities, eating where the food actually comes from, understanding how culture and cuisine are the same thing. That worldliness shapes every menu I build. MileHighCook started from a single Yelp ad for Thanksgiving drop-off meals and a phone call I never expected. Three years later, we've completed over 500 events across weddings, corporate retreats, brand activations, ski chalet dinners, and everything in between. We've grown from just me to a team of 20 to 25 trained, background-checked, insured chefs and service members stationed across Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Arizona. We serve resort communities including Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, Park City, Jackson Hole, Sedona, and Scottsdale, with no travel fees and no compromises on quality. The philosophy is simple. Listen first, cook second. Every experience is custom-crafted around the client, not around the chef's ego. We handle everything so the client gets to actually enjoy their own event. The long-term goal is bigger than private chef services. We're building the trusted hospitality brand this industry doesn't have yet. High-end dining, on your terms.

Rudy Clai is known as the "Mobster Chef," a figure who blends culinary expertise with a deep interest in mafia history and culture. He is active on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, where he presents himself as an author, business consultant, life coach, and an authority on mob and mafia history. Clai's content often revolves around Italian and Continental cuisine, and he also offers advice and "mob therapy," positioning himself as a unique voice at the intersection of food and organized crime lore

I own and operate A Recipe For Fun, a food blog that shares scratch-made recipes with seasonal ingredients. I use my background in education, training, and culinary arts to share fun + flavorful recipes with others.

Christina Gales is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Christina Gales Travel, a boutique travel consultancy specializing in European itineraries, Caribbean escapes, elevated family travel, milestone celebrations, and luxury ocean and river cruises. A Fora and Virtuoso-affiliated advisor based outside Chicago, Christina has planned hundreds of trips across 20+ countries and serves over 100 clients nationwide. With extensive destination training across Europe, the Caribbean, Iceland, Hawaii, and Mexico—plus specialist certifications in luxury travel, cruise planning, and ecotourism—she brings both breadth and depth to every journey. Her preferred status with 8,500+ hotels, resorts, and cruise lines globally allows her to secure exclusive perks and VIP experiences for clients. As both a travel professional and mother of five, Christina is frequently sought after for her expertise in family travel strategy, multi-generational trip design, and making luxury travel approachable for real families. She speaks regularly on European travel planning, destination trends, the psychology of travel, and the shift toward meaningful, purpose-driven travel experiences. Her itineraries favor local culture, boutique hospitality, and personalized experiences over mass-market tourism. Known for her warm, collaborative approach and concierge-level support, Christina helps travelers feel confident, connected, and inspired—from dream to departure to memories that last a lifetime

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct "forever homes". She works with high-achieving professionals (like physicians, attorneys, and CEOs) to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique. With 20 years of experience in high-end interior design, Lesley ensures a smooth, stress-free design experience, providing proactive communication and concierge-level service. She finds true joy in designing homes that celebrate her clients' successes and build a lasting family legacy. Media outlets including Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart, Forbes Home, Business Insider, and HouseBeautiful have celebrated Lesley for her signature aesthetic of bold, colorful, and collected interiors that offer a fresh take on Southern design.