We’re looking for cooks and chefs from across the United States to participate in our Center Stage LA program. Through a series of rounds we will learn about you as we look to find two winners to be sent on an all expense paid trip to the LA Chef Conference in Los Angeles on Monday Oct 17, 2022. You will attend the conference as a VIP and have the opportunity to shine with your own station to put forth a dish for all attendees.*
Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn and commune with some of the best chefs in the country and get global recognition via Chef’s Roll’s 1.5 million social media following. In addition you will get knitted out with the latest Chef’s Roll Apparel and gear and get featured on our website and social media channels.
Hear about the experiences from our most recent Center Stage winners that attended the MAPP Conference in Ft. Lauderdale:
“The experience of winning Center Stage is a true blessing. It gave me confidence in my cooking and got me to focus on THIS moment more than ever. I put aside unnecessary insecurities and am concentrating on the food we’re putting out, the team we’re building, and am driving myself to learn more and get better each day than the day before. I am ambitious as I was the first day I started working on the line. I wish all the contestants best of luck!“
-Soojin Lim, Executive Sous Chef, Alexander’s Steakhouse
Center Stage 2022 MAPP Conference winner
“The opportunity to participate in Chef’s Roll Center Stage opened so many doors for me in the hospitality world. From Michelin-starred chefs to founders of culinary organizations like the ACF, MAPP & The James Beard Foundation. Being exposed to the diversity of people during the event was an absolute privilege and would benefit any chef in the industry.”
-Sarah Betcher, Pastry Chef, The Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club
Center Stage 2022 MAPP Conference winner
HOW TO APPLY
Whether you are a gifted culinary student, advancing line cook that dreams of Michelin stars, seasoned chef de cuisine or even a chef owner that is looking to build an empire…we want you to apply.
ROUND 1: Aug 1-21st
Step 1: Fill out the registration form below so we can learn more about you.
Step 2: Create a cold dish that represents your culinary journey to this point in time. Post a photo of the dish to a public Instagram or email it to centerstage@chefsroll.com with the description and the story behind it. If posting to Instagram be sure to tag @chefsroll and use #CRcenterstage2022LA
SELECTED TO ADVANCE:
- Kristin Rivera – Hau Tree – Sous Chef
- Benithmar Carolina – Ascanio Four by Brother Luck – Prep Cook
- Saul Velazquez – Santé Conscious Concept Brand – Executive Chef
- Joshua Bonee – LimeHoney Restaurant Group – Executive Chef
- Jozephene Gutierrez – Christopher’s Kitchen – Executive Pastry Chef
- Martha Garcia – Zoma Culinary – Chef/owner
- Rasheeda Purdie – Chef/Founder of Ramen By RA and PT Culinary Instructor, Hostos CUNY – Chef
- Ivan Cruz – Julep – Executive Chef
- Noelia Mastrangelo – Ritz Carlton Sarasota Restaurant – chef
- Joshua Beaucond – Fort Ruger Market – Chef
- Michael Vincelette – Present company – Chef de partie
- Rivana Kooblal – The Broadmoor Hotel – Cook 2
- Devin Jarmon – Food Fire + Knives – Private Chef
- Joanna Caballero – FOOD LA LA Food Alchemist – (Recipe Developer & Food Stylist)
- Joshua Black – Kimpton Bars + Restaurants – Executive Chef, Task Force
- Jeremy Williamson – Blue Collar Restaurant Group – Culinary Director
- Carlos Areiza – Bloom – Sous Chef
- Jai Tandon – Musaafer Houston – Sous chef
- Enior Coronado – The Georgian room – Chef de partie
- Esai Negrete – Kiran’s – Executive sous chef
- Adam Hollamon IZA Whiskey and Eats – Sous Chef
- Jo Soeung – Wow Baguio – A Pasalubong Shop and Chef Jo LLC Culinary Services
- Ronny Miranda – Sobre mesa Oakland – CDC
- Fernando Oberlin – Oberlin Catering – Executive Chef
- Christopher Brown – Alma Mexicana – Executive Chef/GM
- Alexander Lempka – Hamlet & Ghost – Head Chef
- Diego Salazar – Platea Miami steakhouse and ceviche bar – Executive Chef
- John White – Think Food Group – Head Chef
- David Ruiz- Scalo – Executive Chef
- Jesse Houston – 8Bit Ramen – Chef / Owner
ROUND 2: Aug 22-Sept 4
For this next round we’re really looking to get inside the head of advancing chefs and see the passion, the creativity and the potential!
By September 4th midnight, everyone who wants a chance a making it to the next round must email a photo showcasing your plating skills to centerstage@chefsroll.com
Besides a great photo of your dish, the level of detail and thoughtfulness in your description is a key factor. Only 4 will be chosen to advance.
SELECTED TO ADVANCE:
- Kristin Rivera – Hau Tree – Sous Chef
- Joshua Black – Kimpton Bars + Restaurants – Executive Chef, Task Force
- Enior Coronado – The Georgian room – Chef de partie
- David Ruiz- Scalo – Executive Chef
ROUND 3: Sept 7-14
4 finalists will be chosen to participate in Zoom interviews with the team from Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions, a leading hospitality recruitment and placement firm for culinary professionals. Based on the interviews, two winners will be chosen for the all expense paid trip to the LA Chef Conference and prize packages.
*The two winners will each concept a dish based on given requirements. Our in house culinary team will do all the mise en place for the dishes before LA Chef Con so the winners can just plate and serve their dishes to the attendees during the lunch, giving them time to attend and enjoy the rest of the conference.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CENTER STAGE WINNERS
Sous Chef at Hau Tree
Chef de Partie at The Georgian Room
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTING PARTNERS
About LA Chef Conference
The LA Chef Conference celebrates the strength and diversity of LA’s restaurant community. Some of the top chefs and restaurateurs in the city participate in the panels and talks, cooking demos, and the chef driven pop up lunch – of course the after party is not to be missed! Come hungry for education, inspiration and delicious bites.
