The 22nd edition of the extraordinary festival is being hosted by Destination Kohler. It offers exclusive access to distinguished culinary personalities and elevated experiences in the storybook Village of Kohler.
The headlining talent for this year’s Kohler Food & Wine has been announced by Destination Kohler. It includes Martha Stewart, Gavin Kaysen, Daniela Soto-Innes, Eddie Jackson, Eric Haugen, Fabio Viviani, Roger Mooking, Derrell Smith, and Chefs from America’s Test Kitchen. The premier epicurean event in the Midwest begins on Thursday, October 19, with the highly anticipated philanthropic Chef’s Challenge. It continues throughout the weekend with immersive culinary experiences, collaborations, and live music for attendees to explore and savor.
According to Sanjiv Hulugalle, Group President – Hospitality & Real Estate at Kohler, “Kohler Food & Wine is a beloved celebration, and our desire to exceed guest expectations pairs well with our passion for partnering with acclaimed talent. The result is an inspiring event with a loose vibe, intimate feel, and stunning aesthetic. We treasure every opportunity to provide guests with the highest level of gracious living through our service excellence, bespoke luxury hospitality, and selection of gastronomic delights – perhaps the most sharable form of art.”
Guests are given the opportunity to embark on their own curated journey throughout the community of Kohler. They can indulge in chef-led masterclasses, unexpected tastings, and evening soirées. They also have the chance to directly interact with and learn from some of the country’s most innovative chefs, discerning wine experts, and esteemed restaurateurs.
To ensure availability, guests are encouraged to sign up in advance at Kohler Food & Wine. They will receive an alert on July 25th when the packages first become available. The packages historically sell out within hours of going on sale. This year, new packages offer varying levels of access, such as The Art of Good Taste Package, which includes all-inclusive access to any event and a variety of VIP amenities. Additionally, there are packages like the Martha Stewart Package and Gavin Kaysen Package, which provide the only access to their intimate five-course dinners, and the Taste of the Vine Package, which grants access to the most popular event.
The Bartolotta Restaurants are returning to Kohler Food & Wine for the third year. They will take over one of the culinary stages for the day and also host a signature dinner to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Kohler is privileged to partner with this premier Milwaukee restaurant and catering organization, allowing guests to experience the culinary expertise of some of the best local chefs.
Martha Stewart is known as the Founder of the first multi-channel lifestyle company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. She is an entrepreneur and a bestselling author of 99 lifestyle books to date. Martha has also won an Emmy Award as a television show host. Her magazines, television shows, books, and home products are popular among more than 100 million devoted fans each month. Martha is considered the go-to source for all aspects of everyday living, including cooking, entertaining, gardening, home renovating, collecting, organizing, crafting, healthy living, holidays, weddings, and pet care.
Gavin Kaysen is an award-winning chef and the founder of Soigné Hospitality Group in Minneapolis. He is recognized for his nationally renowned restaurants and cafés in the Twin Cities, as well as his leadership in the culinary profession. In 2022, Gavin released his first cookbook titled “At Home,” which features approachable recipes for both novices and professionals. He has received two James Beard Awards, winning Rising Star Chef of the Year in 2008 and Best Chef: Midwest in 2018. Gavin also serves as the executive culinary producer for the reboot of Iron Chef on Netflix in 2022.
Daniela Soto-Innes, a Mexican-born chef, holds the distinction of being the youngest chef to be named the World’s Best Female Chef by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. She is also a James Beard award winner and has been featured in Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30. The Consulate of Mexico has recognized her for her work representing her native country abroad. Daniela’s latest restaurant venture, Rubra, is set to open in Punta Minta in Fall 2023.
Eddie Jackson, a former NFL player, has transitioned into a celebrity chef and is the owner of Rosehill Beer Garden and Food Truck Park in Houston, Texas. After winning the 2015 season of The Next Food Network Star, he became a beloved member of the Food Network family. Eddie has appeared on several shows, including Outchef’d, Christmas Cookie Challenge, BBQ Blitz, Kids BBQ Championship, and Cooking Channel’s Yum and Yummer. He also hosts Eddie Jackson’s Game-Day Playbook on foodnetwork.com. Additionally, Eddie has authored his first cookbook, Game-Day Eats.
Eric Haugen is a renowned chef, operator, and Food Network personality. He is known for his appearances on Iron Chef America and for serving as the lead judge on Big Restaurant Bet. Eric is the founder of ERICKIMGROUP and an operating partner of Ring On Hook, both prominent hospitality development, management, and advisory companies. His portfolio includes The Twelve Thirty Club, The Global Ambassador Hotel, Las Botellas, and he serves as a culinary partner with Virgin Voyages.
Fabio Viviani gained fame through his participation in Bravo’s Top Chef seasons 5 and 8, earning the title of “Fan Favorite.” His success on-screen and off-screen has established him as one of the most influential names in culinary and hospitality in the country. Since his arrival in the U.S. in 2005, Fabio has launched over 40 hospitality ventures.
Roger Mooking is a celebrity chef, restaurateur, television host, author, and award-winning recording artist. He has earned an international reputation as a multimedia artist and entertainer, showcasing a globally inspired vision that reflects his rich family heritage, love for people, and passion for travel. Roger is best known as the host of the internationally celebrated grilling and barbecue show, Man Fire Food.
Derrell Smith, a former NFL athlete turned chef, is the host of Tastemade’s popular show “Mad Good Food.” On the show, he demonstrates the value of cooking not only for others but also for oneself.
Representing “America’s Test Kitchen,” the top-rated cooking show on public television, are cast members including Chief Creative Officer Jack Bishop, Executive Editorial Director and co-host Bridget Lancaster, and Executive Editorial Editor and co-host Julia Collin Davison.
For further details regarding the festival programming, individuals can visit the website www.KohlerFoodandWine.com.