Meet the Talent Behind the 2026 Chef Summit
On January 24, 2026, the Grand Summit Hotel will transform into a gourmet haven as we welcome 12 award-winning chef teams, each showcasing their own unique creations.
Say goodbye to the usual après-ski fare and get ready for a culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds with bold, inventive flavors. This is your chance to sample dishes prepared by some of the finest chefs around. Trust us, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill burgers and fries!
Meet the Chefs
Meet the amazing local Maine chefs serving up unforgettable dishes, showcasing the best of the state’s fresh flavors and culinary talent.
Matt Ginn
General Manager & Executive Chef of Dry Dock
Matt Ginn is General Manager and Executive Chef at Dry Dock on Portland's historic waterfront. A Maine native with over a decade of culinary leadership experience, Ginn spent 10 years as Executive Chef for Prentice Hospitality Group, overseeing award-winning restaurants including Evo Kitchen + Bar, Chebeague Island Inn, The Good Table, and Twelve. Named Maine Lobster Chef of the Year in 2015, he has also competed and won on the Food Network's "Chopped," in 2018.
Will & Mary Sissle
Owner and Cheesemonger of Sissle & Daughters Cheese Shop
Will and Mary Sissle are the owners and cheesemongers behind Sissle & Daughters, a specialty cheese shop and grocer in Portland. The couple opened their first business, The Cheese Shop of Portland, in 2018 on Washington Avenue, dedicating their professional lives to seeking out and sharing exceptional cheeses, charcuterie, and specialty foods with the Greater Portland community. In 2024, they rebranded as Sissle & Daughters Cheesemongers & Grocers in honor of their two daughters, Hattie and Tess.
Chris Gould
Chef & Owner of Central Provisions & Tipo
In 2017 Chef Chris and Paige opened their second restaurant Tipo, featuring Neapolitan pizzas, handmade pastas and Italian themed small plates. Chris is also the proud father of two very strong-willed little girls, Lucille, and Jocelyn.
Ilma Lopez
Pastry Chef & Owner of Chaval
A native of Venezuela, Ilma Lopez grew up in the kitchen alongside her grandmother. After getting her start at Malabar in Caracas, she was accepted to the pastry program at Stratford University in Virginia. Today, Lopez is the Pastry Chef and co-owner of Piccolo and Chaval in Portland, Maine.
Damian Sansonetti
Chef & Owner of Chaval
In the summer of 2016, Damian and his business partner and wife Ilma purchased a restaurant in the West End of Portland, Maine. In 2017 they completed a complete renovation and launched Chaval. The restaurant has Spanish & French-inspired seasonal cuisine, craft cocktails, and a well-chosen wine list with a neighborhood atmosphere.
Justin & Danielle Walker
Chef & Owners of Walkers
In 2018, Justin and Danielle Walker opened Walkers Maine in Cape Neddick. The Walkers menu revives classic New England dishes with chef Justin’s seasonal, modern perspective, bringing comfort and nostalgia that mixes the old with the new and celebrates a region rich in history and proud of its native ingredients.
Hannah Ryder
Executive Chef at Twelve
Hannah's passion for cooking began early, nurtured by family dinners that emphasized the importance of good food and togetherness. Leading the kitchen at Twelve, she combines culinary tradition with a commitment to creating exceptional dining experiences, all while fostering a collaborative and innovative environment for her team.
Lori Mitchell
Chef & Owner of Boothbay Craft Brewery
After 28 years working as an Independent Public Health Dental Hygienist (IPDH) in the dental field, Lori knew it was time for a new chapter. She, her husband Win, and their sons Riley and Cody decided to take the leap together into a family business. That vision became Boothbay Craft Brewery, Tavern, and RV Resort—a project they’ve hand-built and nurtured from 2006 to the present day.
Jessica Lalumiere
Private Chef at The UpBeetGinger
Jessica was born and raised in Maine. After earning her Certified Public Accountant license, she left her public accounting job to pursue her passion for cooking. In 2021, Jessica launched her own private chef business, UpBeetGinger. In this role, she prepares multi-course meals in clients' homes and customizes the menu to suit each host's preferences.
Harding Smith
Chef and Owner of The Front Room Restaurant & Bar, The Grill Room & Bar, The Corner Room Kitchen & Bar, The Boone's Room, and The Mountain Room
Harding is a Mainer by birth. Once he graduated from Portland’s Deering High School, he left Maine to experience the rest of the world. After an apprenticeship in Venice, Italy, Chef Smith relocated to Maui, Hawaii where he was the chef of several well-known restaurants. Upon his return to Maine, Harding embarked on his dream of opening of a casual neighborhood restaurant and bar.
Maria & Shane McGarvey
Chefs & Owners of Applecroft Craft Catering
Shane and Maria, the co-owners of Applecroft, have established a catering company that embodies sustainable farming, a deep appreciation for the outdoors, and the art of wood-fired cooking. Together, Shane and Maria craft weekly seasonal menus in collaboration with the finest farmers and fisheries in Mid-Coast Maine.
John Harnois
Executive Chef at Camp
John Harnois is Executive Chef at Camp, Sunday River's signature restaurant that celebrates Maine's tradition of escaping to camp with comfort food elevated by sophisticated techniques and fresh, local ingredients. A Portland native who trained at Le Cordon Bleu, Harnois brings diverse culinary expertise to Camp's scratch-made menu.
Tastebuds Delight
Gather your friends, bring your appetite, and prepare for a night of good eats, great drinks, and even better memories! This is the ultimate culinary event you won’t want to miss.
Tickets are available now, get yours before they’re gone.
See you on January 24, 2026 at the Grand Summit Hotel.