Chefs Gala - Table to Table

Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, celebrated its 2026 Chefs Gala presented by American Express with Chef Honoree and James Beard Award-winning Chef Kwame Onwuachi, along with more than 30 outstanding chefs, craft brewers, wineries, mixologists, and distillers. Over 300 guests came together for the gourmet evening to support our food rescue mission and future growth.

Co-Chairpersons

Chefs Ryan DePersio and Jamie Knott

We were deeply grateful to have Chefs Jamie Knott and Ryan DePersio back as Co-Chairs of our Chefs Gala. Through their dedication and commitment, they brought together a roster of top culinary talent in New Jersey to support our mission – helping to make our Chefs Gala a unique & unforgettable experience.

Ryan is chef/partner of Battello, Ember & Eagle, Kitchen Step, & TillingHouse.

Jamie is a trustee on our Board of Directors. He is the owner of Saddle River Inn, Saddle River Cafe, Cellar 335, and Madame.

Chef Honoree

Chef Kwame Onwuachi

Kwame Onwuachi is a James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and author.

His impressive career includes being named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025, and Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs. Additionally, he was chosen as Esquire magazine’s 2019 Chef of the Year, and a 30 Under 30 honoree by both Zagat and Forbes. Additionally, he was named the Most Important Chef in America by the San Francisco Chronicle. His highly acclaimed restaurants Tatiana, Dōgon and Maroon all maintain the status of toughest reservation to get in their respective cities. Chef Kwame has appeared on numerous TV shows and is about to launch his third published book.