It’s the culinary event of the year…Table to Table’s Chefs Gala and it just got even bigger and more exciting! Due to the event’s demand, we’re moving the festivities to a brand new stunning venue, The Rockleigh.
It promises to be an unforgettable evening you won’t want to miss. You will enjoy a multi-course sit-down dinner prepared tableside by New Jersey’s finest chefs, perfectly paired with wines, cocktails, and libations, and topped off with decadent gourmet desserts. Plus, our exhilarating live auction features exciting, one-of-a-kind experiences — with every bid supporting Table to Table’s vital food rescue mission.
Seats are limited, so secure yours now before they’re gone. See you at The Rockleigh!
For more information, contact Joey Mazza, Director, Special Events and Restaurant Partnerships, at jmazza@tabletotable.org.
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026
NEW VENUE: The Rockleigh in Rockleigh, New Jersey
5:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception
7 p.m. Chef-Curated Dinner with Wine Pairings
Co-Chairpersons
Chefs Ryan DePersio and Jamie Knott
We are deeply grateful to have Chefs Jamie Knott and Ryan DePersio back as Co-Chairs of our Chefs Gala. Through their dedication and commitment, they have 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.
Chef Coordinator
Deanna Kenny
Wine Chair
Chuck Russo
Participating Chefs
Giuseppe Agostino
Verana
Brandon Campney
Stirling Tavern
AJ Capella
Summit House
Roberto Carnero
Warique
Casey Colaneri & Gus Gutierrez
Cubita
Michael Cosenza
Mike’s Pasta Shoppe
Antonio De Ieso
Fiorentini
Luis Estacio
The Capital Grille
Robbie Felice
Viaggio
Leia Gaccione
The Saint Clair
Jeffrey Galan
Fossil Farms
Melanie Gonzalez
Saddle River Inn
Alex Gorant
Axia Taverna
Stephen Hayek
Saddle River Cafe
Aaron Kirtz
Wheelhouse Cheese & More
Dan Lipow
The Foraged Feast
Dennis Mathews
Ember & Eagle
Jack O’Connor
Adelaide
Salvatore Pisani
Jersey Artisan Co.
Greg Power
Matisse 167
Jay Powles
Sushi by Sea
Timothy Quinlan
Private Chef
Logan Ramirez
Gioia Mia
Andrew Riccatelli
The Morris Proper
Leonardo Argoti Rubio
Bijoux Pastry
Dean Schreefer
Echo Lake Country Club
John Sclafani
Off The Hook Seafood
Robert Sigona
Gelotti
Tom Silvestri
ORA
Sam Stymest
Sam’s Table
Daniel Suseck
Petrossian
Lawrence Talis
The Committed Pig
Joe Tartamella
Canoe Brook Country Club
Koen Vanderstraeten &
Matthew Pasquinucci
Fortune Fish & Gourmet
Christina Vene
Cakes of Wrath
Sean Yan
Ram & Rooster
Curated Libations
Special Honorees
Founder’s Table
Elisabeth Durbetaki†
†In Memoriam
Emil and Debbie Iannone
Ilene Isaacs
Mission Impact Award
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Grand Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Silverman Shin & Schneider PLLC
Photos from 2025 Chefs Gala
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.