Invite The World To Dinner Influencers’ Biographies Brazil ‐ Josimar Melo
Title: Food and Wine Journalist Organisation: Folha de São Paulo
Biography Josimar Melo is one of Brazil’s most respected gastronomy journalists. Writes for Folha de São Paulo, Brazil’s largest daily paper. Is Editor‐in‐chief of Basilico, a gastronomy website. Hosts National Geographic Channel’s The Guide. Chairperson for San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants. Brazil –Rodrigo Oliveria
Title: Chef Organisation: Mocoto Restaurants
Biography Celebrated Brazilian chef. Mocotó is Brazil’s fourth best restaurant on the San Pellegrino’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Mocoto is also one of four Brazilian restaurants featured in Newsweek’s 101 Best Places to Eat Around The World. Canada ‐ Jessica Allen
Title: Digital Correspondent Organisation: The Social on CTV
Biography The Social is a Canadian talk series that brings a daily perspective on up‐to‐ the‐minute news, pop culture, and lifestyle topics that matter most to Canadians. A socially interactive series, The Social incorporates viewer feedback and conversation through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Jessica Allen is The Social’s digital correspondent, she owns ‘The Jess Files’, a blog on thesocial.ca and writes on everything from food, films, and books to science and history. She maintains a personal food blog, Foodie and the Beast, and is Editor‐in‐ Chief of T Magazine, a bi‐annual publication by Terroni, a Toronto Italian restaurant where she worked for nearly a decade. Canada –David Hawksworth
Title: Chef Organisation: Hawksworth Restaurant
Biography Chef David Hawksworth owns Hawksworth Restaurant, in the heart of downtown Vancouver, where he has created the ideal setting to deliver compelling contemporary Canadian cuisine. Winner of 2012 and 2013 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards Restaurant of the Year and Chef of the Year and for three consecutive years, Best Upscale Dining, as well as enRoute magazine’s top three Best New Restaurants, and Maclean’s magazine Restaurant of the Year. Spent a decade honing his talents in Europe working in Michelin‐starred kitchens such as Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, L’Escargot and The Square. Named Western Living’s ‘Top 40 under 40’ and became the youngest chef inductee in to the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame in 2008. Travelled as guest chef to the James Beard House, Sevva in Hong Kong, Splendido Bar & Grill in Toronto and Cakebread Cellars in the Napa Valley. Appeared as a guest judge on Food Network Canada’s Top Chef. China –Hui Li (Xiao Yue) 晓雪
Title: Editorial Director and Publisher Organisation: Elle Magazine (China)
Biography Hui Li is a famous opinion leader with Chinese woman. Takes the initiative with her colleagues to transform ELLE China into a truly multimedia brand including features such as fashion website portal, TV channel, credit card function and mobile newspaper. Has published her first book Elegance to share her experience as a career woman, a caring mother and a lovable girlfriend. China ‐ Jianmin Dong 食尚小米
Title: Blogger, TV Food Program Planner and Host Organisation: CCTV
Biography Jianmin Dong is a popular food and wine blogger and is regularly invited on many TV and radio programs as a food expert to share his experiences. Is the planner and consultant of TV food programs including CCTV, The Travel TV and Dragon TV. Hosted and directed many food and wine and travel programs. Published series of food and wine related books. Known as Shi Shang Xiao Mi, has great popularity among his fan base with 94 million viewership of his Sina blog and around 1 million followers of Sina Weibo. China –Yichen Ding 丁一晨
Title: Illustrator and Blogger
Biography Yichen Ding is a young and popular illustrator. She created the cute cartoon image of Ding Xiaodian on renren.com in 2011. Has published many popular comic books since 2011. Has a big fan base on social platform, e.g. with over 4 million followers on Sina Weibo, regarded as the cute, pretty and young new generation comic book artist. China ‐ Jinghui Cai 蔡景晖
Title: Chief Operating Officer Organisation: Qyer.com
Biography Qyer.com is a travel site which boasts nearly 10 million users and 5 million activated mobile app users, partner with Bookings.com and Airbnb. Qyer’s core products cover travel guide, forum, inquiry and tips, travel planner, among others. Jinghui Cai is also the former Chief Representative of Lonely Planet in China. China –Jing Li 菁制美食
Title: Freelance and Digital Influencer Organisation: Top Travel Magazine
Biography Jing Li is a gastronomist and author. She is a certified Western‐style food chef and successful baker. Known as Jing Zhi Mei Shi, has over 600,000 fans on Sina weibo. Published several books about western cuisine and beverages. China ‐ Ying Chai Au Yeung 欧阳应霁
Title: Writer, Commentator, TV Host, Food Culture Event Curator Organisation: Top Travel Magazine
Biography Ying Chai (Craig) Au Yeung is a top food influencer in Greater China. Joined Hong Kong Commercial Broadcasting TV in 1988 as producer and director. Hosted a diet TV show in 2005 and has published many diet books in recent years. Works at Mingpao Daily as food columnist. China –Yifan Liu 刘一帆 (Steven Liu)
Title: Judge of Master Chef (China), Executive Chef of Fairmont Peace Hotel Organisation: Travel Channel China
Biography Yifan Liu is the Executive Chef of the Fairmont Peace Hotel. Was one of the 3 judges for Master Chef China, and gained a big fan base by his profession and charm. He now works for the Travel Channel as the host for program “Master is coming” , which is a show about food trails, when travelling in different countries. The show is broadcast through Travel Channel Satellite TV nationally and also online. China –Jun Jin (Shou Ma) 瘦马
Title: CEO and Broadcaster Organisation: Fun and Fancy
Biography Jun Jin, also known as Shou Ma, is the former Vice President of the Trends Media Group. Founder of the Chinese edition of Men's Health, For Him Magazine and Robb Report. He is a top influencer in fashion and lifestyle area and has published 8 books since 2000 with some of them becoming bestsellers. Has his own studio and runs a fusion program Fun and Fancy with iQiyi. China –Jia Yi Zhang
Title: Celebrity and Actor Organisation: Top Travel
Biography Jiayi Zhang is a famous TV actor and has built up a reputation as an excellent role model for Chinese men. He achieved national fame by winning many drama awards in China including the Best Actor from The China Golden Eagle TV Art Festival recently. China –Shu Chen
Title: Celebrity and Actor Organisation: Trends Traveller
Biography Shu Chen is a famous actress and singer and has appeared on TV in a variety of roles. Her most recent role was on the popular TV series Honey Bee Man. Ms Chen is married to a Chinese‐Australian musician, Zhao Yinyin, he graduated from Sydney Conservatorium of Music and The Juilliard School. ZHAO is a very famous pianist and an talented musician, he has lived in Australia for over 20 years. France‐ Anne Lataillade
Title: Food and Wine Blogger Organisation: Papilles et Pupilles
Biography Anne Lataillade is the creator of the blog Papilles et Pupilles. The blog's main focus is on recipes responding to the famous question: What should we eat tonight? Also information on recipes, products and ingredients, culinary programming books and travel. The travel stories focus on discovering the flavours of the countries as a great way to understand the local culture and to promote a destination. Papillae and pupils has consistently been in the top 3 French culinary blogs. France ‐ Christophe Michalak
Title: Pastry Chef, Author, TV Presenter Organisation: Pastry Chef at Plaza Athenee Hotel Paris, Dans la peau d’un chef
Biography Christophe Michalak has been the Pastry Chef of the three‐Michelin starred Hotel Plaza Athénée since 2000. In 2009 he was named in the prestigious Michelin guide of who's who. In 2013 he launched his own cooking school Michalak Master Class as well as a patisserie Michalak Take Away in Paris. He has presented the TV show Cake of my Dreams and was a judge on the France 2 program Who will be the next big Pastry Chef?. He recently co‐produced food and wine TV show Dans la peau d'un chef (In a chef’s skin), a daily show which aired on France 2. France ‐ Andrea Petrini
Title: Journalist, Food Writer, Creative Advisor Organisation: L'Officiel Voyage, L'Optimum, Fooding, Omnivore, GQ ‐ L'Express, L'Express Styles, Le Nouvel Observateur
Biography Andrea Petrini is a journalist, food writer and creative advisor. He regularly works with Gambero Rosso, Gault Millau and Libération, writes for Cook_Inc, Biscuit, Express and Fooding. Chairman of the French judging panel of The World's 50 Best Restaurants. Creative director of Cook it Raw. He spends a large part of the year on the road, travelling throughout the world to discover contemporary cuisine. Germany ‐ Thomas Buhner
Title: Chef Organisation: Restaurant La VIE
Biography Thomas Bühner’s avant‐garde, three‐dimensional aromatic cuisine has enabled him to develop his very own style over the past ten years. He has been one of Germany’s top chefs for over 20 years. He received his third Michelin star at the end of 2011. Germany –Nicole Stich
Title: Blogger – www.deliciousdays.com Organisation: Delicious Days
Biography Started the food blog "Deliciousdays" in 2005 where she combines her passion for design and food. On the blog she shows recipes, craft tidbits about Munich, travel experiences, cookbook reviews and most importantly, everything delicious. When Nicky isn’t blogging, she writes cookbooks of which three already have been published. Germany – Ferdinand Dyck
Title: Food Editor Organisation: Guner + Jhar (deli, Beef!, Essen & Trinken)
Biography Ferdinand Dyck writes for publishing house Gruner + Jahr, one of the most important publishing houses in Germany, and the most important one in terms of quantitative and qualitative food titles. Editor at publishing house Gruner + Jahr. Writes for Deli, Beef!, Essen & Trinken Hong Kong ‐ Walter Kei
Title: Celebrity Chef, Food Writer & Editor, Columnist, TV Host and Author
Biography Kei’s passion for wining and dining really took off in the early 1990s when he travelled a lot for his job and had the opportunity to eat at the top culinary capitals around the globe. In response to the city’s then‐lacklustre dining scene, Kei decided to take up culinary lessons, which then led to cooking stints on TV, food columns in magazines and eventually, the creation of his very own private home kitchen and cooking class venue in 2006. He travelled most countries around the world and his articles are found in most magazines and newspapers in Hong Kong every month. Hong Kong – Vanessa Yeung
Title: Model, TV Host and Columnist
Biography Vanessa Yeung is a model, television host and columnist. She has modeled for brands such as Hermès and Chanel in Paris and New York, penned columns for Elle, Hong Kong Economic Times and other major publications, starred in numerous TV shows and movies. Yeung has cooked with Alain Ducasse, Paul Bocuse and Joël Robuchon and written a 400‐page recipe book that shares the secrets of the world’s top chefs. She has spent the last 3 years traveling the world to visit over 100 Michelin restaurants and interview 26 Michelin chefs for her book. Hong Kong ‐ Chip Tsao
Title: Food Writer & Editor, Columnist, TV Host, Blogger, Author, Movie Director, Publisher Organisation: CUP Magazine
Biography Multilingual Hong Kong‐based columnist, broadcaster and writer. Chip Tsao began his journalism career in the United Kingdom as a reporter for the BBC and Radio Television Hong Kong. Tsao currently writes for various magazine and newspaper including Apple Daily and HK Magazine. Hong Kong ‐ (Edmond) Ho‐Cheung Pang
Title: Film Director, Screenwriter, Novelist, Actor, Playwright, Blogger
Biography Ho‐Cheung Pang has firmly established himself as one of Hong Kong's most popular directors. His feature film ‘Love in the Buff’ opened the 36th Hong Kong International Film Festival, in March 2012. Through his movie, Pang build up his exposure in China as well, his weibo fans exceed 4 million. India –Maria Goretti
Title: TV personality
Biography Maria Goretti is a TV personality who is married to popular Bollywood actor, Arshad Warsi. In 2010, she started her food blog and enrolled in UK’s Tante Marie School of Cookery, an institute run by the Michelin‐starred chef, Gordon Ramsay where she learnt the nuances of Indian, French, British, Mexican and Italian cooking. Maria is the brand ambassador for Haagen Dazs ice creams in India. India ‐ Sanjeev Kapoor
Title: Chef Organisation: Jimmy Hu (Pune), Stir Crazy (Thane), Sura Vie (Delhi), The Yellow Chilli (Chennai | Delhi | Kolkata | Mumbai | Thane)
Biography Sanjeev Kapoor is chef, TV host, author of 10 best selling cookbooks, restauranteur and winner of several culinary awards. Has won numerous accolades including the Best Cooking Program, Best Executive Chef in India by Food and Hotel Service in 1993, and the "Mercury Gold Award" at IFCA Geneva (1993) for ‘Best Meal Concept and Creation’. His innovations in Indian cuisine earned him recognition for his creations both in India and abroad. Kapoor's cooking show which debuted in 1993, popularized Indian cooking programmes and now has a loyal following of more than 150 million viewers in 60 countries. India ‐ Manish Mehrotra
Title: Executive Chef Organisation: Pan Asian Cuisine for 'Old World Hospitality'
Biography Manish Mehrotra is a celebrity Indian Chef and winner of Foodistan television game show. He is the Executive Chef for Pan Asian Cuisine for Old World Hospitality and heads the kitchens of Indian Accent (New Delhi), Oriental Octopus (New Delhi, Noida and Lavasa) and Tamarai (London). His creativity is showcased by the unique amalgamation of the freshest local produce combining home style nostalgic tastes with unusual ingredients from across the world. Through his career, he has won awards including the Vir Sanghvi Award, Best Chef of 2010 & 2012, HT City Crystal Awards and American Express Best Chef of the Year. India ‐ AD Singh
Title: Managing Director Organisation: Olive Bar and Kitchen
Biography In 15 years, AD (as he is affectionately called) has contributed to the gastronomic revolution that has swept India. His restaurants in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad are as beloved for their cuisine as for their indefinable aura of chic comfort and camaraderie. In 2000, AD opened the Olive Bar and Kitchen, voted one of Bombay's top five and India's top twenty restaurants by Outlook magazine. 2003 saw the launch of Olive in Delhi, which was immediately chosen as one of the world's best new restaurants Olive Beach followed in Bengaluru, which was named one of India's ten best restaurants. Olive Beach in Delhi is another feather in his proverbial hat. His recent offerings include Guppy by ai, a lively Japanese‐inspired restaurant; and LAP, a members‐only restaurant; both in Delhi; the Monkey Bar gastropub and the elegant likethatonly Asian inspired restaurant in Bengaluru, The Olive Bistro at Pune, The Olive Bistro at Hyderabad, and Sodabottleopenerwala in Gurgaon. India ‐ Rahul Akerkar
Title: Chef Organisation: Indigo (Mumbai), Neel (Mumbai), Moveable Feast
Biography Celebrity Indian Chef and Founder of deGustibus Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. Indigo, Indigo Delicatessen, Neel ‐ Tote on the Turf and the fine catering venture, Moveable Feast. Rahul Akerkar began his culinary journey in a small French bistro, while in college in the United States. He went on to work in many of New York’s finest kitchens over a ten‐year period during the 1980s before moving back to India in 1989. He opened Indigo in 1999, which quickly drew critical acclaim as Mumbai’s finest stand‐alone restaurant. In 2005, he went on to open ‘Indigo Delicatessen’, popularly known as the Indigo Deli ‐ another first for Mumbai. He launched Tote on the Turf in 2009, an impressive 25,000 square feet award‐ winning venture in architecture, design and hospitality, quickly establishing itself as the hottest nightlife destination, a hub for gourmet Indian cuisine and sumptuous banquets, frequented by the who’s who of Mumbai. India ‐ Kunal Kapur
Title: Executive Chef Organisation: Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon
Biography Kunal is an Indian celebrity chef, best known as the host and judge of the TV series MasterChef India Season 1, 2 and 3 on Star Plus. Kunal has made television appearances both in India and abroad and was also a guest judge on an episode of Season 2 of MasterChef USA. He is currently the executive sous chef at Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon. Kunal is noted for his Indian cooking skills and have several awards and accolades to his credit including Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship, in the field of Food & Beverage, by the Government of New Zealand. India –Rashmi Uday Singh
Title: Food Critic and Columnist
Biography Gourmand World cookbook Award winner Rashmi Uday Singh, is synonymous with writing about Good Food and health for the past two decades. Having studied law and management, she worked with the prestigious Indian Revenue Service, which she quit after 15 years as Deputy Commissioner to follow her creative muse in newsprint and television. Author of 32 books and regular columnist for ‘The Times of India’, ‘Bombay Times’ and ‘Chennai Times’, it is for her extraordinarily popular Good Food Guide that she is most celebrated (India’s first ever city restaurant guide). The first‐of‐its‐kind handy insider’s guide to good food established Rashmi as the nation’s most clued‐in commentariat on all things edible. She also runs the highly esteemed ‘Rashmi Uday Singh’s Good Food Academy’. Indonesia ‐ Alexander Thian
Title: Celebrity Blogger, Writer, Chief Digital Officer, ‘Celebtweet’ Organisation: Amrazing
Biography Alexander Thian is the author of The Not‐So‐Amazing Life of @Amrazing and The Journeys 3 with 17 other writers. He is one of the most influential Indonesian ‘celebtweet’ and has been active on Twitter since 2010 and photography, travelling and food are his obsessions. He is the Chief Digital Officer of Digital Petrichor, a digital brand consultancy in Indonesia. Alex is also a contributor for the travel segment in a digital lifestyle magazine called ShoppingMagz. Indonesia ‐ Stainslaus (Hans) Danial Sabianto
Title: Food Blogger Organisation: Eat and Treats
Biography Hans is the author of eatandtreats and he has been documenting and his love for food since October 2012. Eatandtreats is now growing as one of the leading food and travel blog in Jakarta. Indonesia ‐ Petty Siti Fatimah
Title: Editor‐in‐Chief & Chief Community Officer Organisation: Femina
Biography Femina provides timely and useful information covering all aspects of the lives of the modern Indonesian women. It was the first ever women’s magazine in Indonesia and has been in publication since 1972. Femina provides guidance and inspiration for its readers, the modern women of Indonesia today those who live in the real world, aware of global trends but still value their identity as Indonesian women. Italy ‐ Paolo Marchi
Title: Founder Organisation: Identita Golose
Biography Paolo Marchi has been a food journalist for newspaper Il Giornale from 1979 to 2011 He is the founder and director of his own blog www.marchidigola.it In June 2006 he won the award Veronelli as best emerging food and wine writer. He founded the food convention, Identita Golose, an international cooking convention held in Italy each year that is dedicated to signature cuisine and pastry making. He wrote several food book, his last book is “Guida ai Ristoranti d’autore of Italy, Europe and the World” in 2013 this volume reached its sixth edition. Italy ‐ Bruno Gambacorta
Title: Founder and TV Presenter Organisation: Eat Parade
Biography Bruno Gambacorta, is the creator of the popular RAI ‐ TV program Eat Parade which focuses on healthy eating and drinking, enogastronomic events and insights into the best of traditional Italian and international food and wine. He has received a special Premiolino award for his articles and TV programs on Italian food culture and also for his range of products made in Italy. He wrote the book “Eat Parade” (Rai ERI ‐ Vallardi) and he was awarded the prize “Libri da gustare” for the book. Italy –Gabriele Rubini (Chef Rubio)
Title: Chef and TV Presenter Organisation: Discovery Chanel Italia
Biography Italy’s Gabriele Rubini, aka Chef Rubio is on Discovery Channel Italia’s DMax Station with street‐food show “Unti e Bisunti” (Greasy and Greasier), In each episode, Chef Rubio eats his way through a city and chooses a food that intrigues him the most. Once chosen, he takes his signature stance, rubs the ends of his barbell moustache and challenges the master to a street‐cart culinary dual. Italy –Lorenzo Cogo
Title: 1 Michelin Star Chef Organisation: El Coq restaurant
Biography Lorenzo Cogo is the youngest Italian Michelin starred chef. He had international cuisine experience before opening his restaurant in north‐east of Italy, Vicenza. This international experience brought him to elaborate a unique and instinctive cuisine in the Italian foodie scene. He worked as chef in Australia, at the restaurant Vue de Monde in Melbourne and also at Marque Restaurant in Sydney. He also worked in Asia, and in Europe in the following prestigious restaurants: Asador Etxebarri in Pais Bascos and at Noma in Denmark. Italy –Davide Scabin
Title: 2 Michelin Stars Chef Organisation: Combal.zero
Biography Davide Scabin is an Italian Michelin starred Chef. He is famous for his revolutionary way of cooking and is one of the most innovative of Italian chefs. In 1994 he opened the restaurant Combal. After critical success he opened a new restaurant, Combal.zero, close to the important modern art pole, Castello di Rivoli in Turin. Over the years Combal.Zero has gained international recognition and awards, including two Michelin stars and a rank of 28 in the San Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants of 2011 and on 2014 he ranked 51 in the same prestigious list. Japan ‐ Yasuyuki Ukita
Title: Travel and Wine Writer Organisation: Various travel magazines
Biography Yasuyuki Ukita is a travel and wine writer who works with various print media including lifestyle magazine, travel magazine, food and wine magazine. Has published and edited books about how your diet effects the mind and body. He also conducts wine seminars to introduce his travel experience to wine countries by showcasing photos and wine tasting. Japan ‐ Naoko Terada
Title: Travel Journalist Organisation: EXCITE blog, OPNERS web magazine
Biography: Ms Naoko Terada is a travel journalist who travels throughout Japan and overseas for more than 150 days every year and has visited more than 60 countries so far. She works with various websites, travel guidebooks, travel and lifestyle magazines, newspapers. She took advantage of the overseas tourism experience, and committed herself to the tourism industry in Japan. This involved attending seminars as an advisor, and she was also a Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism Board member in Japan. Japan ‐ Takuro Tatsumi
Title: Actor / Personality on wine TV show Organisation: Wine Romanticism on BS Japan TV, Takuro Tatsumi official blog
Biography: Mr Takuro Tatsumi is an actor known for being a wine lover. He is the main host of a weekly TV wine program called “Wine Romanticism”. He plays in numerous TV dramas, movies and stage shows, active as an MC and director for classical concerts, a planner of overseas trips and banquets, and he is a writer. He enjoys many hobbies such as horseback riding, Japanese chess, and writing Haiku poems. Well‐known as a food and wine connoisseur, he is vice president of the Association of Nippon’s Wine Lovers and was knighted by Japan Sommelier Association and many other wine tasting organisations. Japan ‐ Mika Kowaki
Title: Chief Editor Organisation: ELLE à Table magazine
Biography ELLE à Table magazine is a bi‐monthly, gourmet and lifestyle magazine. The magazine introduces stylish recipes, suggestions for enjoying trends in wine and spirits, the latest kitchen tools, restaurant information and overseas food reports. The magazine only publishes in four countries in the world ‐ Sweden, France, Holland and Japan. Japan‐ Takanori Nakamura
Title: Travel and Gourmet Writer and Columnist Organisation: Fountains Magazine (JAL hotels magazine), Red U35 website
Biography: Mr Takanori Nakamura is a celebrity columnist who writes about the luxury life as the theme and works with various travel, lifestyle and gourmet magazines and newspapers. He is a TV Commentator talking about essence of the luxury life. He also appears on the cooking TV show and has published a recipe book. A member of Japanese representative selection committee for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. He was inducted as a “Chevalier de I’Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne” from France in 2007, the “CAVA Knight” from Spain was given to him in 2010, and also was appointed to the first “Mr. StyleNorway” by Royal Norwegian Embassy in Japan in 2010. He is the Chief Director of the Japanese Kimono Organization also has the Master of Kendo, Japanese Martial Arts and Japanese Tea Master. Korea ‐ Sungyun Kim
Title: Food Journalist Organisation: Chosun Daily
Biography Sungyun Kim is a well know food journalist for Chosun Daily, the top newspaper in Korea. His passion for food started when he lived in Hong Kong for many years. His first trip to Australia was in the time of his University years, where he won the first prize in an competition among students to design and find the best travel route design ‐ his theme was “Australia Food Route”. He is also an advocate for many food related companies. Korea ‐ Eunsil Jang
Title: Chief Editor Organisation: La Main Magazine
Biography La Main magazine specializes in cooking and is published with the hands of visual photo directors, food content planners, magazine feature editors and food editors. Various articles such as travel, essay, and columns, are tied together with one single topic – Cooking. The Delicious Series is a travel column combining destinations and the local food scene. Eunsil Jang has been the Food Content Director and Chief Editor for 7 years. Korea –ChaniI Park
Title: Chef and Columnist Organisation: Locanda and Mongro Restaurant
Biography Chef Chanil Park is based at Locanda and Mongro Restaurant in Seoul. He has published a number of best sellers on food, culture and tastes. Chef Park studied in Italy and his cooking is a mixture of Korean and Italian. He is a member of the Italian slow food campaign and a director of the slow food campaign movement in Seoul. He is a popular columnist and writes in newspapers, especially in Joongang Daily, Chosun Daily and Hangyorye Daily. Korea –Seonae Yu
Title: Feature Editor (Food, Travel, Arts, Architecture) Organisation: Luxury Magazine
Biography Luxury Magazine is Korea’s most popular prestige membership magazine since its inception in 2001. The readers understand the value of the extraordinary, can afford to invest for a great lifestyle of their own. They are opinions leaders, trend‐ setters, high‐income professionals aged 30 and over. Ms Yu first started as a travel writer and is now focusing on high end lifestyle, especially fine dining food culture. Korea – Chunghun Roh
Title: Freelance Travel Writer Organisation: Style H magazine (Hyundai Department Store, VIP magazine)
Biography Chunghun Roh started as a travel writer on one of the trade newspapers in 1999. He became a freelance writer from 2001 and travelled more than 61 countries and 500 cities. He writes in magazine and newspapers every month and days, especially for The Traveller, Style H, Happy House, Maison, Travie, Gold & Wise, Samsung S, The BC and etc. He is currently a reporter on MBC TV, Busan “Fisherman’s Table” TV show introducing various dishes related to seafood. He is also a radio presenter on travel and food on the nation wide MBC Radio Tablo’s Dreaming Radio, Treasuring Night and TBS Radio Sweet Night. Malaysia –Chef Wan
Title: Celebrity Chef & Host Organisation: Host on Asian Food Channel, Astro, RTM
Biography Chef Wan is a household name in Asia with more than 20 years of experience in the industry and is known for his flamboyant sense of style. With 12 cookbooks published and more on the way, Chef Wan is also a food critic for major dailies and magazines in Malaysia. He has appeared as a guest judge on Masterchef Australia and has also been invited to participate in the Margaret River Gourmet Festival. Chef Wan is also a Friend of Australia. Malaysia ‐ Anis Nabilah
Title: Food personality and Blogger Organisation: Host on Asian Food Channel & TV3
Biography Anis Nabilah is a Malaysian celebrity chef and media personality best known as the host of television cooking shows such as Icip‐Icip, Sesedap Rasa, Enak Tradisi, Rasa‐Rasa and Food Short. Current series, Selera on TV3, is in its fourth season and she is currently filming new food content for the Asian Food Channel. Malaysia ‐ Sherson Lian
Title: Celebrity Chef & Host Organisation: Host on Asian Food Channel, Astro, RTM
Biography A chef by profession he has now embarked on a TV hosting gig and has his own cooking show. Sherson was a guest judge in reality program Dapur Selebriti and host of a Malaysia's lifestyle cooking show 5 Rencah 5 Rasa. Also stars in Asian Food Channel Original Production, Great Dinners Of the World, which documents his travels through France and Scotland with three other talented chefs as they serve up delicious dinners for their VIP guests. Co‐owner of a restaurant, Elegantology in Kuala Lumpur and the set‐ up of the business was featured in a reality series on Asian Food Channel. Malaysia – Julie Wong
Title: Food Editor Organisation: The Star
Biography Julie Wong is a Senior Editor with The Star, the leading English daily in Malaysia. She was previously the editor of the popular food magazine, Flavours, and is a well‐respected voice in the culinary scene. She is also the force behind several books on food such as The Star Street Food Guide, Famous Street Food of Penang and Nyonya Flavours. NZ ‐ Michael Van de Elzen
Title: TV personality, author, ‘Food Truck Garage' Organisation: Mindfood Magazine
Biography Michael Van de Elzen is one of New Zealand's best known chefs. After a period working as a chef in the UK, New Zealand ‐ born Van de Elzen returned to New Zealand in the late 1990s, and in 2003 opened the award‐winning restaurant Molten, in Mount Eden, Auckland. He also hosted TV show, The Foodtruck. NZ ‐ Annabelle White
Title: Food writer, author, celebrity chef, TV, radio and magazine personality Organisation: NZ edition of Australian Women's Weekly
Biography New Zealand food writer and author of eleven cookbooks. She was a long time food columnist for the Sunday Star‐Times and also wrote the popular Food Detective column. She is now freelancing and has regular commissions with the NZ edition of the Australia Woman's Weekly. Annabelle is also busy with cooking classes and the public speaking circuit. NZ – Sarah Tuck
Title: Food Writer and Photographer Organisation: Dish Magazine and Yahoo Inc
Biography Sarah Tuck is a leading food and wine writer, recipe developer, food stylist and photographer in New Zealand. She began her freelance career after working with New Zealand celebrity chef Annabel Langbein doing recipe development and styling. She has worked for NZ publications including Mindfood, Taste NZ, Life & Leisure Magazine, Dish Magazine, providing recipes which she styles and shoots her self. She also works regularly for NZ MasterChef judge and restaurateur Simon Gault. When Sarah isn't working she spends every spare minute creating recipes, which she shares on her blog, From the Kitchen. NZ –Jo Elwin
Title: Editor Organisation: Bite magazine and bite.co.nz
Biography Jo Elwin is the editor of APN's New Zealand Herald weekly BITE magazine and bite.co.nz. BITE.co.nz is New Zealand's most visited online food site and hosts over 8,500 recipes online as well as trends, tips, chef profiles, wellness and lifestyle features. BITE is also the content hub for related articles from other APN New Zealand titles such as VIVA and Canvas. Jo is charged with providing her readers with weekly inspiration and a credible source of fresh food ideas, recipes and news and as such is one of New Zealand's busiest and most respected food editors. NZ –John Corbett
Title: Freelance Food and Wine Writer Organisation: Sunday Star Times
Biography John is a career journalist and editor of more than three decades, having worked in Europe, USA, South East Asia and New Zealand. He is a talented writer and has moved through the design and architecture to food and travel writing genres, the latter being an area is extremely passionate about. John is fluent in French and is exceptionally well read on cuisines of the world, follows food trends closely and writes about such topics in his www.alimentary.co.nz blogsite. Singapore ‐ Hsueh Yun Tan
Title: Food Editor Organisation: The Straits Times and The Sunday Times
Biography Hsueh Yun Tan is the Food Editor of The Straits Times and The Sunday Times. The Straits Times is an English‐language daily newspaper and is Singapore’s highest selling newspaper. Singapore ‐ Esther Au Yong Lee
Title: Deputy Country Editor Organisation: Yahoo Singapore
Biography Yahoo Singapore is a very established portal in Singapore, and also one of the most popular search engine websites. The platform's ability to creatively use content to make it interactive is there, and its reach can be potentially extended to Malaysia, Indonesia and the region. Singapore ‐ Pin Yen Tan
Title: Correspondent/ Features Editor Organisation: Zaobao and ZBBZ
Biography Zaobao is the Chinese daily and is the most‐read Chinese print publication in Singapore. It not only reaches out to the Chinese‐speaking Singaporeans but also the large number of affluent mainlanders living and working in Singapore. The editor also writes for monthly lifestyle luxury title Zbbz, which targets these same readers, but is presented in magazine format. Singapore –Evelyn Chen
Title: Editor Organisation: Zagat, Bibik Gourmand
Biography Evelyn Chan is the local editor of Zagat and a former Time Out food critic who contributes to numerous premium publications including New York Times, Telegraph Travel, Conde Nast Traveller and CNN Travel as well as writing her own well established blog, Bibik Gourmand. She is also the South East Asia Chair of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Singapore ‐ Andre Chiang
Title: Chef and Restaurateur Organisation: Restaurant Andre
Biography Andre Chiang is chef and owner of Restaurant Andre. Art and philosophy are guiding principles for Taiwan‐born Chiang and octaphilosophy is his way of describing the key characteristics of his gastronomy. Restaurant Andre is listed on the World's Best Restaurants as #37. Singapore ‐ Ee Waun Sim
Title: Freelance writer specialising in F & B Organisation: Flavours, Epicure and simplyfabulicious website
Biography Ee Waun is an experienced food writer and she writes with depth and insight. Flavours is a food magazine published in both Singapore and Malaysia. She also writes for another major food title Epicure magazine. UK ‐ Matthew Jukes
Title: Columnist and author Organisation: Daily Mail
Biography Has been the wine correspondent for the Daily Mail since 1999 and also writes for MoneyWeek, The Week and Decanter Magazine. He is responsible for the wine lists at several top London restaurants. He is the author of fourteen wine books, most recently 100 Most Iconic Wine Estates and is the Founder and Patron of Touch Wine, Wine Rules & Touch Vinnie‐Yard ‐ all raising money for homeless charities in Australia. Matthew is a keen supporter of homeless charities around the world. He is the Patron and Founder of Touch Wine, an organisation that raises money for the homeless charity the Hutt St Centre in Adelaide, South Australia. UK ‐ Allan Jenkins
Title: Editor Organisation: The Observer Food Monthly
Biography Allan Jenkins is Editor of Observer Food Monthly. He was previously editor of the Observer Magazine, and food and drink editor on the Independent newspaper. He once lived in an experimental eco‐community on Anglesey, growing organic food on the edge of the Irish sea making him a true foodie. The Observer is a British newspaper, published on Sundays. In the same place on the political spectrum as its daily sister paper The Guardian, whose parent company Guardian Media Group acquired it in 1993, it takes a social liberal or social democratic line on most issues. First published in 1791, it is the world's oldest Sunday newspaper. UK ‐ James Steen
Title: Journalist and Author Organisation: Various
Biography James Steen is an award‐winning journalist, author and ghost‐writer. He is passionate about food and cooking, and has collaborated on the autobiographies of Marco Pierre White, Raymond Blanc and Keith Floyd. James collaborated with Marco and Raymond on their most recently‐ published cookbooks and continues to work with them on book, newspaper and magazine projects, as well as brand‐building ventures He is a member of the Guild of Food Writers and contributes to a wide variety of publications, usually with a focus on the subjects of chefs, food, eating and drinking. James also freelances for top UK publications such as The Times and The Daily Telegraph. UK ‐ Andy Harris
Title: Editor Organisation: Jamie Magazine
Biography Andy is founding editor of Jamie Magazine, Jamie Oliver’s food and travel magazine sold in over 45 countries. Each issue is packed with more than 100 recipes by Jamie and other top chefs from around the world. His career began in the UK with the Sunday Times, Vogue, Tatler and Elle In the late 90’s he moved to Australia to work on Vogue Entertaining and Travel. In 2003 he revamped Gourmet Traveller and Wine Magazines in Australia In addition to editorial work, Andy’s is a keen foodie and he created the food for Baz Luhrmann’s film Australia. Andy continues to work on his own book projects, as well as projects such as TV series with Jamie Oliver. UK –David Constable
Title: Freelance Journalist Organisation: Various
Biography David Constable is a journalist, travel writer and editor of Brash UK. David contributes to Tatler, Condé Nast Traveller, Food and Travel, Port Magazine and newspapers The Sunday Times, The Independent and Metro making him a key target for food and travel stories in the UK. David has written features on his many experiences around the world as well as interviewed celebrities, athletes and chefs. UK –Xanthe Clay
Title: Food Writer Organisation: The Telegraph/ UK‐Ireland Chair of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants
Biography Xanthe Clay is a food columnist for the Daily Telegraph and a freelance journalist for other publications. She is also a Leiths‐trained chef. She is concerned with real life food issues, such as how to get the kids to enjoy vegetables and why food labelling is so often misleading. Xanthe is the new Academy Chair for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and current President of the Guild of Food Writers in the UK. Her journey with food started after travelling around Arabia, China and South America, she started working as a bookseller, specialising in cookery books. Then, after that bookshop closed, Xanthe re‐trained as a chef at the renowned Leiths School of Food and Wine, before working in kitchens in Bath. UK ‐ Clare Smyth
Title: Chef Organisation: Restaurant Gordon Ramsey
Biography Clare Smyth MBE is an Northern Irish chef who is Chef Patron at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. In 2002 Clare joined Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and worked her way up the ranks to become Senior Sous Chef. Clare left London in 2005 to gain experience abroad and joined the kitchen at Alain Ducasse’s renowned Le Louis XV in Monte Carlo. Soon after returning to London and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in 2008 she was promoted to the position of Head Chef. Clare was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2013, for her services to the hospitality industry. She was also awarded Chef of The Year in the Good Food Guide 2013. UK ‐ AA Gill
Title: TV and Restaurant Critic, Author Organisation: The Sunday Times, Table Talk, Vanity Fair
Biography Adrian Anthony Gill is a British writer and critic who uses the bylines A. A. Gill and AA Gill. He is a restaurant reviewer for The Sunday Times and Vanity Fair restaurant reviewer as well as a television critic. He has spent 40 years amassing various life experiences before he chanced upon a writing career, starting as a particularly acerbic and witty food critic for London's Sunday Times. USA ‐ Eric Ripert
Title: Award‐winning Chef, Restaurateur, Author and TV personality Organisation: Avec Eric
Biography Eric Ripert is a French chef, author and television personality specialising in modern French cuisine and renowned for his work with seafood. Ripert's flagship restaurant, Le Bernardin, located in New York City, holds the maximum ratings of four stars from The New York Times and three stars from the Michelin Guide. He serves as a regular guest judge on Bravo’s Top Chef and is the host of his own PBS TV series Avec Eric, which has won Emmy and James Beard awards. Eric will be filming 6 episodes of Avec Eric in Australia in NT, SA, TAS, NSW, WA and one episode dedicated to ITWTD. Eric has won several James Beard awards. USA –Aldo Sohm
Title: Sommelier Organisation: Le Bernardin
Biography As wine director of Le Bernardin, New York’s longest rated four‐star restaurant, Aldo Sohm oversees a 15,000 bottle wine collection made up of 900 wine selections from 12 countries with vintages from as early as 1875. Additionally, he trains the sommeliers in enticing food and wine pairings that range from classic to daring. Sohm joined the team in May of 2007, and under his direction, Le Bernardin won the 2009 James Beard Award for “Outstanding Wine Service.” USA –Colman Andrews
Title: Editorial Director Organisation: The Daily Meal
Biography Writer, editor and authority on food and wine. In culinary circles, he is best known for his association with Saveur magazine, which he co‐founded in 1994 and where he served as Editor‐in‐Chief from 2001 until 2006. After resigning from the magazine he became the restaurant columnist for Gourmet. In 2010, he helped launch a food and drink website, The Daily Meal, and serves as its editorial director. He is considered one of the world's foremost experts on Spanish cuisine, particularly that of the Catalonia region. USA –Jonathan Waxman
Title: Chef Organisation: Barbuto/ The Daily Meal
Biography Working as a successful chef, restaurateur and author, Jonathan Waxman has graced such prestigious kitchens as Chez Panisse in Berkeley and Michael's in Los Angeles. Waxman went on to open his own restaurant in New York City — Jams, as well as the famed Washington Park. Today, Waxman is the chef and owner of Barbuto in Manhattan's West Village. His first cookbook, A Great American Cook, was published in 2007. Jonathan is also a Daily Meal Council Member. USA –Shane Mitchell
Title: Contributing Editor and Lifestyle Correspondent Organisation: Saveur /Travel + Leisure Magazine
Biography Shane Mitchell is a culinary travel writer whose work has taken her from the highlands of Iceland to the sub‐Saharan plains of East Africa. Her work has appeared in Australian Gourmet Traveller and she is the lifestyle correspondent for Travel + Leisure. She has also been honored with an IACP Bert Greene award for culinary writing. USA ‐ Meena Thiruvengadam
Title: Editor/ Freelance Writer/ Contributor Organisation: Yahoo Travel/ Yahoo Finance
Biography Meena is Editor at Yahoo! Finance, the USA’ most‐visited financial news, a contributor to Yahoo! Travel and a freelance writer. Part of the large Yahoo! media group, Yahoo! Travel is a top travel site in the U.S. market. Contributes articles to Yahoo! Travel and the Editor‐in‐Chief specifically requested that Meena attend this famil. Created as a comprehensive travel guide the site offers complete destination information to help consumers through every step of the travel planning cycle. The site covers a variety of travel topics from current travel related news, where to eat, hotels, getaways, deals and more. Meena also contributes travel and business stories for publications including USA Today, Wall Street Journal, GlobalPost.com, Afar.com, and more. USA ‐ Christine Muhlke
Title: Executive Editor Organisation: Bon Appetit
Biography Bon Appétit is an American food and entertaining magazine published monthly. Bon Appetit Executive Editor Christine Muhlke is also the co‐author of "Manresa: An Edible Reflection" with David Kinch and "On the Line: Inside the World of Le Bernardin" with Eric Ripert. She was formerly the food editor at the New York Times Magazine. USA –Matt McCallister
Title: Executive Chef/ Owner Organisation: Restaurant FT33
Biography Executive chef and owner of Restaurant FT33 in Dallas, Texas. Restaurant of the Year by D magazine in December 2013. James Beard Foundation Award semi‐finalist for Best Chef Southwest 2014. Contributor to several Dallas‐area publications including Dallas Morning News Awards include: o Food & Wine’s 2014 ‘Best New Chef’ o D Magazine’s 2013 ‘Restaurant of the Year’ o Bon Appetit’s 2013 ‘Top 50 New Restaurant’ o James Beard Foundation Award 2014 semi‐finalist, Best Chef Southwest USA ‐ David Prior
Title: Writer, Creative Director, Stylist Organisation: Conde Nast Traveller, New York Times and more
Biography David Prior is a storyteller. His editorial work has appeared in Australia, Europe, the United States and Asia. He is a Contributing Editor at Vogue Living, contributes to T: The New York Times Style Magazine, NOWNESS, Monocle and Modern Farmer. David has been featured in British Vogue and writes ‘postcards’ for a popular monthly recipe column in delicious magazine. The Atlantic online, GQ, San Francisco Chronicle and Architectural Digest amongst others have also featured his work. He is also the host of RE:find for Yahoo! an innovative travel video series profiling tastemakers and their cities. USA –Alice Waters
Title: Chef, Author, Proprietor Organisation: Chez Panisse
Biography Alice Waters is an American pioneer of a culinary philosophy that maintains that cooking should be based on the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients that are produced sustainably and locally. In 1996, Waters’s commitment to education led to the creation of The Edible Schoolyard at Berkeley’s Martin Luther King, Jr., Middle School: a one‐acre garden, an adjacent kitchen‐classroom, and an “eco‐gastronomic” curriculum. She established the Chez Panisse Foundation in 1996 to support the Schoolyard and encourage similar programs that use food traditions to teach, nurture, and empower young people. Waters is Vice President of Slow Food International, a nonprofit organization that promotes and celebrates local artisanal food traditions and has 100,000 members in over 130 countries. She is the author of eight books, including The Art of Simple Food: Notes and Recipes from a Delicious Revolution. USA –Jamie Feldmar
Title: Senior Editor Organisation: Tasting Table
Biography Jamie Feldmar is a Senior Editor at Tasting Table, an IACP Award‐ nominated website and free daily email for adventurous eaters across the country. She helps dictate and edit stories for the online outlet and is interested in new restaurants, interesting ingredients, small scale producers and chef profiles. She has contributed to numerous outlets, including: Saveur, Travel + Leisure, BonAppetit.com, New York Magazine, The Art of Eating, Edible Brooklyn, Tasting Table, The James Beard Foundation, Serious Eats, Gilt Taste, and more. Previously, Jamie was the Managing Editor at Serious Eats. USA –Andrew Richdale
Title: Executive Editor Organisation: AFAR Magazine
Biography Executive Editor for AFAR Magazine. AFAR is a travel publication focused on experiential travel. It is written for those who to seek to completely immerse themselves in the culture of their destination through its natives, foods, traditions, religion, architecture, and sights.