Our 2025 Chefs Gala was a great success! Thank you to all the guests, chefs, mixologists, breweries, and honorees who made this event truly spectacular. View photo galleries of guests and the program along with photos of chefs and the food below. There is also a link to a gallery of photos from BC The Mag.
Chef Honoree
Chef Christian Petroni
From the age of six, all Christian ever wanted to do was to become a chef. Born and raised in Bronx, NY, he spent his early years in the kitchen under the tutelage of Andy Pforzheimer and the Barteca Group until opening his own wood-fire Italian restaurant, Fortina. He opened five more successful restaurants in just eight years, becoming one of New York’s authorities on Italian cuisine and the art of red sauce.
Christian hit the national stage, winning Next Food Network Star season 14 and became an instant fan favorite through his charm and infectious positivity. He became a recurring guest judge on Food Network shows that include: Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, Guy’s Grocery Games, Diners Drive-Ins, and Dives, and Tournament of Champions.
Christian founded Gabagool Media, a multi-media and consulting company specializing in content creation, apparel, and providing guidance for chefs and small businesses worldwide. Christian’s first cookbook, Parm to Table, hits shelves Sept. 23, 2025. At his core, Christian loves to connect with people through food and lives to make them feel like family.
Co-Chairpersons
Chef Jamie Knott and Chef Ryan DePersio
Chef Jamie Knott is owner of Saddle River Inn, Saddle River Cafe, Cellar 335, & Madame. He is a trustee on Table to Table’s Board of Directors.
Chef Ryan De Persio is the chef/partner of Battello, Kitchen Step, Ember & Eagle, & TillingHouse.
Participating Chefs and Breweries, Wineries, & Distilleries
Chefs
John Michael Beam, Afficionado Coffee Roasters
Brandon Campney, Sterling Tavern
AJ Capella, Summit House
Bianca Concepcion and Jeff Galan, Fossil Farms
Michael Cosenza, MIke’s Pasta Shoppe
Mary Cumella and Logan Ramirez, Gioia Mia
Ryan DePersio, Battello, Kitchen Step, Ember & Eagle, & TillingHouse
David Felton, The Morris Proper
Leia Gaccione, The Saint Claire
Felix Gonzalez, Viaggio Ristorante
Melany Gonzalez, Saddle River Inn
Alex Gorant, Axia Taverna
Bryan Gregg, Blue Morel
Aaron Kirtz, Wheelhouse Cheese & More
Dan Lipow, Foraged Feast
Christina Marcelli, Marcelli Formaggi
Off The Hook Seafood
Ben Pollinger, The Hill
Sal Pisani, Jersey Artisan Co.
Tim Quinlan, Ava’s Kitchen & Bar
Andrew Riccatelli, Bacarosa
Dean Schreefer, Echo Lake Country Club
Robert Sigona, Gelotti
Tom Silverstri, ORA
Melissa Stanard, The Goods
Lawrence Talis, The Committed Pig
Joe Tartamella, Canoe Brook Country Club
Geoff Taylor, The 130 Club
Christina Vene, Cakes of Wrath
Wine pairings provided by Chuck Russo’s Wine & Spirit World
Breweries, Wineries, & Distilleries
Frankie Medina, JCR Hospitality, Battello, Kitchen Step, Ember & Eagle, & TillingHouse
Founder’s Table Inductees
At this year’s Chefs Gala, Table to Table will proudly welcome the newest additions to our Founder’s Table.
Edgar Brieva
James P. Bush
Chef Jamie Milkman
Gerard Woods
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Grand Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
