Bergerac-born Joris grew up surrounded by food: his father owned a butcher shop, and his mother ran a pizzeria. After training as a chef in Spain, France, and London, he moved to Portland, opening Bergerac Bistro together with his wife Gisella  in 2015. Last summer, the couple opened their second restaurant, Chantrel, in West Linn.

 The first-generation daughter of Belarusian immigrants, Bonnie is an award-winning chef and cookbook author who grew up in Chicago immersed in the food and drink culture of the former Soviet Union. She and her husband Israel own Kachka, a renowned Portland restaurant, dumpling company, and vodka brand which carry on these traditions. Kachka will debut a new distillery bar this summer.

Lola’s debut book, Group Living and Other Recipes, was published by Spiegel and Grau in 2024. A former editor for Edible Portland magazine, her work has also appeared in the Guardian, TIME, and Slate. She is also the owner of Umi Organic, a noodle company with a commitment to providing nutritious public school lunches. 

Born and raised in Nice, Soizic has been working in hospitality ever since she first landed a seasonal job at a resort in Boise as a teenager. A hotel management school graduate and former restaurant manager, since 2019 she has worked in catering, where she enjoys collaborating with outstanding chefs to create inspiring menus and experiences.

Anina is a food justice advocate passionately committed to the idea that food should be a joyful, nourishing experience accessible to everyone. She has pursued this goal at multiple food pantries, school gardens, and the Oregon Food Bank. She is also author of the food justice blog Who Deserves to Eat?