Cooking Demonstration by

MATT VAWTER

Executive Chef/Owner

Rootstalk  

Radicato

James Beard Foundation Award winner for “Best Chef: Mountain,” Chef Matt Vawter began his culinary career in Summit County, Colorado, where he trained at Colorado Mountain College. He spent over a decade working with Chef Alex Seidel at Fruition and Mercantile Dining & Provision in Denver, refining his technique and philosophy around intentional sourcing. In 2020, Vawter returned to his roots to open Rootstalk in Breckenridge, followed by Radicato in 2022, a modern Italian concept inspired by seasonal ingredients and classic traditions. Both restaurants reflect his passion for technique-driven cuisine, high-quality local ingredients, and heartfelt hospitality. Vawter also prioritizes creating supportive environments for hospitality professionals to thrive in mountain communities.

Cocktail Demonstration by

BILLIE KEITHLEY

Liquid Chef

Breckenridge Distillery

Crafting memorable cocktails from award-winning whiskeys is an art and “science” that Billie has mastered. The world surrounding Keithley is her sensory inspiration board, from the smells of the seasons and a visual from the sky to ideas garnered from Food Network shows and every book and magazine about culinary crafts and spirits.  Keithley’s approachable demeanor and incredible passion for the craft boldly shine. Her role at the Breckenridge Distillery can be summed up in one word – unique. Guests can expect show-stopping cocktails with smoke, fire, and bubbles, a signature of Billie’s.

KELLY BRENHOLT

Owner/Chef

Ridge Street Kitchen

Kelly’s culinary background started young with a family in the Midwest who loved to eat. Growing up with a large family made mealtime fun and crazy. From then on, Kelly has loved and enjoyed food. Before making the move to the Rocky Mountains, Kelly attended Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Canada and London, graduating with a diploma in Cuisine and Pastry. As well as Ridge Street Kitchen, her and her husband Paul Brenholt own South Ridge Seafood Grill.

cameron baker

Partner/Chef de Cuisine

Rootstalk  

Radicato

Cameron Baker began his culinary journey at age 15 in Summit County, working under chef David Welch at Food Hedz World Café. After studying culinary arts and hospitality management at Colorado Mountain College, he joined the team at Mercantile dining & provision in Denver, eventually becoming Sous Chef and later continuing his growth at Fruition Restaurant. In 2020, Cameron returned to Summit County to help open Rootstalk as Chef De Cuisine and now holds that role at both Rootstalk and Radicato, where he is also a partner. Known for his dedication and leadership, Cameron is committed to fostering a passionate, collaborative kitchen environment that delivers exceptional dining experiences.

MATT FACKLER

Chef 

Fatty’s Pizzeria

Matt graduated in 1991 from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park New York and has been cooking ever since. He has worked in Nantucket, North Carolina, Florida and Chicago before making his way west to Colorado.  Matt was the Chef de Cuisine at Cafe Alpine for 8 years and Head Chef at Ski Tip for 2 years, allowing him to grasp the Colorado food scene. He has opened several restaurants in Breckenridge including Relish and Twist and took over operations at Fatty’s Pizzeria in 2019.

AMY FLANNERY

Sommelier

Giampietro’s Pasta & Pizzeria

Amy Flannery is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and is the Beverage Director for several restaurants in Breckenridge, Colorado including: Briar Rose Chophouse, Giampietro, Empire Burger and Sancho Tacos & Tequilas. When Amy is not sharing her passion for food and beverage pairings with others, she enjoys traveling to other regions of the world to experience new cultures and cuisines and also spends as much time exploring in nature as possible.

michael halpin

Partner/Chef

Hearthstone 

Originally from Chicago, Mike attended culinary school at Kendall College, and later worked as Chef de Cuisine at Merriman’s, on the big island of Hawaii. Mike’s culinary passions center on great taste first and foremost, followed by freshness of ingredients, a belief that simple is often better, and a commitment to using locally sourced and sustainably raised foods whenever possible.

GABRIELA HENRÍQUEZ

Owner/Chef

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Born in the charming town of Greenwich, Connecticut, Gabriela Henríquez brings global flair to every culinary creation. A graduate of the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Mexico, she is especially known for her signature chocolate-covered strawberries—a treat that has earned her a loyal following. Now the proud owner of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory locations in Vail, Silverthorne, and Breckenridge, she shares her passion for gourmet indulgence with locals and visitors alike, blending tradition, innovation, and a touch of sweetness in every hand-dipped delight.

OLIVIA HICKS

Head Chef

Prospector

Raised on a farm in small-town Kentucky, Olivia developed a deep appreciation for fresh, quality ingredients and the power of food to connect people. After moving to Summit County in 2014, she honed her culinary skills under the guidance of influential mentors and fell in love with creating memorable dining experiences. From her early days as garde manger to becoming Head Chef, her journey reflects dedication, passion, and perseverance. In 2024, she brought her vision to life by opening Prospector Gastropub, where she serves vibrant, seasonal dishes that blend modern comfort cuisine with Breckenridge’s rich heritage.

DAN KRAFT

Winemaker

Continental Divide Winery

Originally from Western Colorado, Dan first became interested in fermentation while homebrewing at Colorado College where he got his bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Dan then headed to California to Navarro Vineyards in Anderson Valley, where the process of vinification proved captivating. He completed his Master’s in Food Science with an Enology concentration at Oregon State University. After graduating, he began working at Kevin White Winery in Washington and also produced his own label, Seekseekqua, from organic vineyards in the Willamette Valley. Dan has been the Winemaker at Continental Divide since 2018.

THOMAS LARSEN

Head Brewer

Highside Brewing

Meet Thomas, Highside Brewery’s Head B! He has many years of being the head brewer for multiple well-known Colorado breweries, (plus some time brewing in Norway). You’re going to love all the craft brews he comes out with!

mike laverty

Executive Chef

Highside Brewing

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America’s original Hyde Park campus, Chef Mark Laverty brings more than two decades of culinary leadership to his role as Executive Chef at Highside Brewing. Mark’s career spans high-end resorts, boutique hotels, and award-winning kitchens across the country—including the ultra-luxurious Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, where he helped open a Michelin-rated property in California’s Bay Area. 

Chef Mark recently launched an all-new menu at Highside Brewing, featuring a creative take on gourmet BBQ that blends bold mountain flavor with refined culinary technique. Whether crafting dishes for intimate gatherings or leading large-scale banquet operations, he brings passion, discipline, and a deep love of hospitality to every plate. 

randy lemere

Chef

Twist Creative Cuisine

Traveling the world in search of culinary adventures, Chef Owner of Twist Restaurant, Randy LeMere embraces the Colorado Rocky Mountains to bring you bold, fresh and unique flavors.

Patrick murphy

Director of Hospitality

Rootstalk

Radicato

Patrick Murphy, a Colorado native, began his hospitality journey after graduating from Regis University and working in Denver’s restaurant scene for over a decade. He joined Mercantile Dining & Provision in 2016, where he spent four years as bar manager refining his craft and leadership style. In 2020, Patrick moved to Breckenridge to help open Rootstalk and now serves as Director of Hospitality and partner for both Rootstalk and Radicato. He’s passionate about creating memorable dining experiences and fostering a warm, team-driven service culture.

Reginald Nebab 

Resort Executive Chef

Spencer’s Steaks & Spirits at Beaver Run Resort 

Reginald Nebab has over 20 professional years of experience in the culinary industry. A majority of that time was spent in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. There Reginald worked alongside and operated restaurants for some of the world’s most renowned names in the business.

TODD NELSON

Owner/Chef

Giampietro’s Pasta & Pizzeria

Todd Nelson began his restaurant career at age sixteen in Dallas, Texas, developing a passion for the industry that led him to graduate from the Culinary Institute of America in 1994. He honed his skills at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Sihlhalde in Zurich before returning to Dallas to lead the kitchen at Mi Piaci. In 2001, Todd moved to Breckenridge, Colorado, turning a favorite family destination into the home base for his restaurant ventures. With two business partners, he opened a series of successful concepts, including Giampietro Pizza and Pasta, Empire Burger, Briar Rose Chop House and Saloon, Park & Main Quality Foods (now closed), and Sancho Tacos & Tequila.

NICCI RUSSELL

Owner/Master Baker

Baked in Breck

Nicci Russell is the founder of Baked in Breck, a woman-owned bakery she launched in 2021 after trading a career in neuroscience for a life of joy in the Colorado mountains. Inspired by her grandmother’s love of baking, Nicci blends nostalgia, creativity, and heart into every treat she creates. Baked in Breck isn’t just about sweets—it’s about crafting moments of warmth, connection, and lasting memories.

maxine seehafer

Bartender

Cabin Juice

From Chicago to Colorado, to follow the music while studying to be a dental hygienist, Maxine is a wonderfully energetic spirit! She embraces every moment with a smile and brings a bright, positive energy to everyone around her. Get ready for laughter and good times when she’s in the room. 

maxwell shroeder

Bar Manager

Prospector Gastropub

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Maxwell Schroeder brings over 16 years of hospitality experience to his role as Bar Manager at Prospector Gastropub. Max thrives on curating drinks that surprise and delight. With a deep passion for the craft and no plans of leaving the industry anytime soon, Max continues to elevate the bar program at Prospector with both skill and heart.

jOE ZERWAS

Executive Chef

Horseshoe

Originally from Houston, Chef Joe attended the Texas Culinary Academy. He opened Bourbon & Bacon as owner and proprietor quickly followed by a second venture, Bacon Brothers. Joe then joined the Breckenridge Ski Resort as chef and senior general manager overseeing three on mountain locations before becoming the Executive Chef of Horseshoe on Main Street. When not in the kitchen Chef Joe can be found hiking Summit County trails, snowboarding down Breckenridge ski resort or in the chair adding to his extensive tattoo collection!

JIM ZOELLER

Chef de Cuisine

Aurum Food & Wine

Chef Jim Zoeller is a creator at heart, influenced by a lifetime of adventure, creativity, and a bit of chaos. From his childhood in Burlington, Vermont, through his years as the vocalist for a heavy metal band, and as he laid down roots in Summit to start his family and build his career, Jim has met each chapter of his life with fearlessness, enthusiasm, and an appetite for the unexpected.  

Along his journey, Chef Jim has honed his craft the old-fashioned way, in the kitchen, learning by doing. Over 23 years in Breckenridge, he’s worked with many talented restauranteurs and chefs, refining his skills, clarifying his vision, and shaping a style all his own. 

His approach to food is guided by the same sense of adventure and creativity that has led him here. He uses varied textures, colors, and bold, layered flavors to create an adventure on each plate. Whether he’s reinventing comfort food or experimenting with vibrant seasonal ingredients, Chef Jim brings a unique, personal touch to everything he creates. 

Kia Neill

Ceramics, mixed-media

Kianeill.com

Kia will be helping you create your own Wine Glass Yoke in the Quandary Antiques cabin.

Kia Neill is native to Chicago Illinois and received her MFA from The University of California San Diego. She has taught art for more than 20 years and presently teaches for Breckenridge Creative Arts and for Think 360 Arts. Neill is a mixed media collage artist working with photography, video, drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture and installation. She has produced a number of municipal and corporate commissions for Southwest Airlines Hobby International Airport, City of Houston, The Children’s Museum of Denver Mariposa Campus, the Aspen Police Department, the Town of Silverthorne, Town of Breckenridge, Town of Alma and most recently for Meow Wolf Denver Convergence Station. 

KERRI ANNE STASSEN

Metalsmithing

KA Soul Creations 

Kerri Anne will welcome you into the Hot Shop where you will create your own custom Wine Glass Charm. 

Kerri Anne is the creator and designer of Soul Creations jewelry. She has been a Summit County resident for 13 years. She has been metalsmithing and creating handmade sterling silver jewelry for about 6 years. Using traditional metalsmithing techniques, she loves to create pieces that stand out and showcase handpicked stones. Wearable artwork is something she really enjoys creating to “make your soul shine.” 

Ingrid “kiki” Diaz-Davis

Fiber arts

Simple Art Studio 

Ingrid Díaz-Davis, known as Kiki, born in Guatemala, and raised in the southeastern Chiquimula lands, into the heart of a fourth generation Ranchers family. Kiki has been always loved and encouraged by her family, and with all the support of them she was able to earned in 2009 her degree in Architecture at the Universidad del Istmo in Guatemala. 

At the end of 2018 she moved to the USA and settled in Summit County, Colorado with her husband. She found herself disconnected from her former architecture career, family and community, and after taking a long hiatus she began using art and creative expression to help process the abrupt change in lifestyle and to cope with complex emotions that immigrating comes with like grieving, guilt and disconnection.

In 2021 She and her husband Derrick founded Simple Art Studio as a way to have a creative outlet and create with others. From her studio she creates Simple, Colorful and Nature inspired art, she ventured successfully into textile art, printmaking, jewelry and clothing design. Kiki enjoys the free expression of art without judgment and is always exploring and finding new ways to create

Nicole Sletta

Precious Plastics Coordinator, Breck Create

Nicole will be hosting participants in the Fuqua Livery Stable where you can make Grape and Cherry Brooches. 

Nicole was born and raised in Park City, Utah, where she first discovered her passion for art through the Kimball Arts Center, a local arts nonprofit. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Western Washington University, focusing on sculpture and installation art, with a minor in Arts Enterprising and Cultural Innovation.

During her college years, Nicole worked as an installation assistant for a gallery while also overseeing the wood and metal studios. After graduating, she moved to Breckenridge, where she worked as a lift operator and later as a tour guide at the Country Boy Mine. Nicole joined Breck Create as an installation assistant, then additionally as a studio technician, patron services specialist, and instructor. She is now the full time Precious Plastic Coordinator. In her free time, Nicole enjoys weaving, skiing the trees, paddle boarding, and camping.

AIMEE KUIPER 

Author, illustrator, Breck Create Artist-in-Residence 

@aimeekdot

Aimee Kuiper is an author and illustrator from the suburban wilds of Savage, Minnesota. Her vibrant character art centers around third culture stories, bringing diverse characters to life. 

During her Breck Create residency, Aimee will write and illustrate two chapters in her ongoing children’s graphic novel series, The Micaiah Monson Story. This series highlights the stories of Third Culture Kids through the magical adventure of a young girl searching for her mother.

You can find Aimee in her studio working with sustainable, kid-friendly materials such as biodegradable cardboard, recycled paper, crayons, colored pencils, and craft markers.

JUSTIN TYLER TATE 

Sculpture, Breck Create Artist-in-Residence 

@justin_tyler_tate

Justin Tyler Tate is a Canadian-born, internationally recognized artist known for a diverse and prolific practice. Receiving a BFA from NSCAD University and a MFA from Helsinki Academy of Fine Arts, his work spans the gamut of sculpture’s expanded field.

During his residency, Justin Tyler Tate will explore the intersection of biology and craft through a series of innovative wooden sculptures. Using locally sourced deadwood, Justin will design pieces that are inoculated with mushroom spawn and propagated with mycelium and lichen. Over time, these sculptures will transform as the organisms interact with and consume the materials, releasing spores that accelerate the natural process of decay.

The resulting works will be unique, evolving collaborations between human intervention and nature, fostering a deeper dialogue about the relationship between art, ecology, and the local environment. These sculptures will continue to transform organically over the years, creating a dynamic connection with the landscape and its inhabitants.

DIEGO ESPINOZA

Musician

Diego is a multi-talented musician known for his musical expression through Flamenco, Bossa Nova, Gypsy jazz, jazz, Cuban, and various Latin styles. He is renowned for his innovative use of a looper, skillfully incorporating percussion sounds by tapping the guitar, while simultaneously playing guitar, bass, and showcasing his vocal talents singing in Spanish, English & French. Diego continues to enchant audiences with his eclectic musical repertoire and dynamic live performances, embodying a fusion of cultures and musical influences from around the world.

DIAMOND

Sue and Martin Carter

Laura and Jerry Dziedzic

Louise and Steve Slater + Margaret and Tim O’Neal

MJ and Hans Wurster

SILVER

Sue and Howard Carver

Geri and Louis Gasperut

Jenny and Mike Lundin

Tamara and Jonas Valdez

RUBY

Jon and Vicki DeSimone

Jill and David Hughes

Karen and Jim Warrick

PEARL

Jim and Debra Anderson

Carol Bodnar

Maggie and Wally Ducayet

Alana and Sherman Glass

Beth and Neil Groundwater

Shelley and Steve Harris

Joann and John Paul Johnson

Kaylon and James Phillips

Bill and Marilyn Taylor

Russ and Janey Trowbridge