Meet our culinary inspirations

Born in 1965 in Compton, CA, Kevin Bludso is a renowned American chef, restaurateur, and television personality. He has made a significant impact on the culinary world with a passion for barbecue and a commitment to preserving the tradition of Southern-style cooking.

Chef Kevin’s impact extends beyond his culinary accomplishments. As an African-American chef, he has broken barriers and inspired aspiring chefs from diverse backgrounds. His success story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a genuine love for one’s craft.

TV Appearances

Beyond his restaurants, Chef Kevin has made a name for himself on television. He has appeared as a judge and mentor on various cooking shows, including “The American Barbecue Showdown.” His warm personality, extensive barbecue knowledge, and genuine passion for food have endeared him to audiences worldwide.

As a talented chef and restaurateur, Gilbert Cetina has made a significant impact on the culinary scene with his acclaimed restaurant, Holbox. Growing up in a culinary family nurtured his passion for cooking from an early age.

Holbox was awarded the prestigious Michelin Guide California Bib Gourmand in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. This recognition signifies the restaurant’s exceptional value and high-quality cuisine. The Michelin Guide is globally known for its discerning standards, making this achievement a testament to Chef Gilbert’s culinary prowess.

Chris Oh is a highly accomplished and talented chef who has made a name for himself in the culinary world by showcasing his talent and expertise on various renowned cooking shows. He has an impressive list of culinary accomplishments, including winning Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen and Esquire’s Knife Fight, being a regular chef on Food Network’s Kitchen Inferno and NBC’s Food Fighters, and appearing as a judge on FYI’s Late Night Chef Fight.

A Closer Look at His Culinary Journey and Contributions

Chef Chris jumpstarted his culinary career with his participation in Cutthroat Kitchen, a high-stakes cooking competition known for its intense challenges and sabotages. His victory in this competitive environment demonstrated his ability to think on his feet, adapt to unexpected obstacles, and create exceptional dishes under pressure.

His success in Cutthroat Kitchen led to his participation in Knife Fight, another culinary competition where talented chefs face off in head-to-head battles. Chef Chris’s victory in this show showcased his culinary skills and creativity, as he proved himself capable of crafting delicious and innovative dishes that impressed the judges and viewers alike.

Chef Mark is the owner of The Brothers Sushi and a rising star in the Los Angeles sushi scene. Since its establishment in Woodland Hills, CA, in 2018, The Brothers Sushi has garnered a reputation for its exceptional sushi cuisine, specializing in seasonal catches from Japan and unique offerings like dry-aged fish

As a rising star in Los Angeles, Chef Mark and his sushi restaurant continue to make waves in the city’s culinary landscape with their dedication to quality, innovation, and exceptional flavors.

The Brothers Sushi Difference

One of the standout features of The Brothers Sushi is its commitment to sourcing the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Chef Mark ensures that the restaurant offers a diverse selection of fish, including bluefin tuna, Ora King Salmon from New Zealand, Kanpachi, and hamachi. These varieties of fish are known for their exquisite taste and texture. Their inclusion on the menu showcases Chef Mark’s dedication to providing an authentic sushi experience.

In 2022, The Brothers Sushi expanded its operations to Santa Monica, bringing its outstanding sushi offerings to a new location. This expansion further solidified Chef Mark’s reputation as a skilled and ambitious restaurateur. The decision to open another branch in Culver City demonstrates the success and popularity of The Brothers Sushi, as it continues to attract a growing customer base.

As wine ambassador at the Boisset Collection, Mary Kouladjian is a highly experienced professional with over 10 years of expertise in the world of wine. She specializes in organizing wine tastings, wine pairings, and education, creating wonderful wine experiences for her clients. While primarily based out of Southern California, she has adapted her work to be accessible virtually, enabling her to share her passion for wine with a broader audience.

Her dedication to her craft and to delivering exceptional wine experiences have made her a sought-after wine ambassador. Her passion for wine, paired with her extensive knowledge and expertise, ensures that each event she organizes is memorable and enjoyable. Whether it’s a private tasting, a corporate event, or a virtual gathering, Mary’s ability to create wonderful wine experiences sets her apart in the industry.

Sharing Her Wine Education

In addition to organizing wine tastings and pairings, Mary also focuses on wine education. She offers workshops and seminars that cover a wide range of topics, from wine basics to advanced tasting techniques. Through these educational sessions, participants gain a deeper understanding of wine production, viticulture, and the art of wine appreciation. Her engaging and informative approach makes wine education accessible to first-time enthusiasts, seasoned connoisseurs, and everyone in between.

Jeff Bovon is a successful entrepreneur and a passionate food lover with a deep appreciation for culinary delights. As the owner of J&J Distributors, a thriving food distribution company, Jeff has made it his mission to connect people with the finest ingredients and flavors from around the world. His entrepreneurial spirit and love for food have contributed to his success in making a significant impact on the culinary landscape.

Journey in the Food Business

Jeff’s interest in a career in the food industry began when he recognized the need for a reliable and comprehensive food distribution service. Starting from humble beginnings, he built J&J Distributors from the ground up, focusing on delivering exceptional products and services. His commitment to quality, sustainability, and supporting local producers has earned him a reputation as a respected figure in the food industry.

As a long-time food lover, Jeff understands that food is not just about sustenance; it is an experience that brings people together. He believes that food can create connections, evoke emotions, and tell stories. This passion for food and its ability to make meaningful connections has driven J&J Distributors’ success.

Giovani specializes in handcrafting luxury Bordeaux and Rhone wines. He has made plenty of these products, which have garnered 90+ ratings from esteemed wine critics consistently. His ability to balance tannins and fruit, diversified experience working with other varietals, and mastery of the wine-aging process have earned him a reputation as one of California’s best winemakers.

As one of California’s most prestigious wineries, Callaway Vineyard & Winery takes pride in having Giovani as a winemaker. He lends his expertise and knowledge to push the boundaries of winemaking possibilities to create some of the most elegant and complex wines the industry has ever seen.