For 15 years, Roy Shvartzapel has traveled the globe, working for and learning from the most important gastronomic figures of our time, including Pierre Hermé, Ferran Adria, Thomas Keller and Iginio Massari.

I have known James for years, his culinary skills are well above my pay grade, opening the restaurant of his dreams Commis in his home city of Oakland. All while driving this passion to make delicious food in a town he loves inspires me everyday. Ok I will just say it James you rock!!

What can I say other then Ed Lee is a brilliant chef great friend, we have cooked together and had so much fun in so many places. This was a really great conversation and I am so happy we can share it.

Chef Ron has always loved food – whether he was digging in to his mom’s homemade Sunday roast or mixing up waffle batter on Saturday morning. After completing a Culinary Arts diploma in his hometown of Vancouver, he took off to New Zealand to play competitive rugby and travel abroad, until an unfortunate injury ended his career in his early 20s. That’s when he decided to move back to Canada and give cooking a shot.

I have known Chef Tu for many years and he is always surprising me with his delicious food and infectious positivity. He is so much more than a Chef, he is a teacher, spokesperson, film maker, advocate, leader, and a fucking incredible person who I am proud to call a true friend. Please be sure to watch Blood line his new documentary about being a child of an immigrant Vietnamese family growing up around food and where he is today. Tu is the real deal.

Sarah Sturm (@sarah_sturmy) is a professional off-road cyclist, graphic designer and coach living in Durango, CO. She had her breakthrough season in 2019 winning BWR, 2nd at Leadville 100 and keeping her Single Speed CX National title but wasn’t new to the cycling scene.

Serena lives in Bend with her husband, Ben, and medium-sized pup, Piper, and loves her morning coffee almost as much as she loves riding her bike.

I must say being able to call Lauren Hall a friend is amazing in so many ways. She can tear your legs off with a smile and has the ability to bring the best out of everyone. Watching her race was incredible but what she is doing now will have a long lasting effect on the next generation of cyclists.

I have been fortunate to know Daniel Handler for many years at first I didn’t even know he was an author. Even better I think he was glad I didn’t make a big deal about it I thought he was just an incredibly funny guy and our kids went to school together.

I am proud to call George a friend but most of all we are both from Rhode Island. Georges love for skateboarding sees no end and his amazing craftsmanship of using the old skateboard as a means of art and resources to make new skateboards is sustainable and inspiring.

Jack rides more in a month than most people ride in a year.

I have known Brett and his wife Shelly for nearly 30 years. Take a journey on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride as I chat with Brett about the phenomenal experiences he has had, the champions of the sport who have become family friends, and the joy that collecting has brought to both he and his family.

Chef Gregory Gourdet is the culinary mastermind from Portland, OR, who is currently opening his first restaurant, Kann. The project is inspired by his Haitian heritage and will bring the cuisine into the American spotlight at this wood fired concept, opening in early 2022. The restaurant aims to be a safe, diverse and equitable workplace for all. 

Adventurer, Photographer, Story Teller, & Celebrator of Nature

Sam is one of the most amazing chefs & we share so many amazing memories of cooking for people and with people. I am honored to call him a friend and someone who has inspired me as a chef for so many years. Sam has so much to offer our industry. Please enjoy this interview with him and his son that we did in Portland at Jackrabbit in the fall.

I am beyond honored to call these 2 gentleman friends. I have been fortunate to have many a lunch with them both. Having spent time staging in St John many years ago, to hosting them both at Incanto many years ago for a special dinner.

There are so many great things I could say about Rick the list is endless, he is such a talented chef and restauranteur, parent, husband (sheia’s to be specific), philanthropist.

When we first met in 1996 we became instant friends he is a fountain of brilliance and fun. I would alway’s bounce things off of him food wise ingredient wise. We are always able to pick up where we left off without missing a beat.

Nick Muncy has a set of Brass ones, not only is he working full time as a pastry chef for Michael Mina he decided to start, produce and publish his own culinary magazine.