Culinary Tourism Professionals to Know 2025

Co-Creator, Mangoes & Palm Trees | Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) | Nutritionist THE GLOBAL DISCOVERY: MANGOES & PALM TREES I am a food and travel writer and the co-creator of Mangoes & Palm Trees. Alongside my husband and our son, Victor, I lead a nomadic life documenting the world’s most vibrant flavors from our base in Southeast Asia. As a medically trained professional, my mission is to find the scientific truth in cultural traditions. We specialize in mapping "Safe-Plate" street food protocols, fusing cultural immersion with clinical travel safety to prove that global adventure can be healthy and vibrant. CLINICAL SCIENCE MEETS HOLISTIC WISDOM My perspective is built on the discipline of elite athletics, the precision of clinical medicine, and a deep curiosity about global health rituals. - The Discipline of Performance: As a former elite rhythmic gymnast, I learned early that nutrition is a chemical requirement for resilience. This immersion in high-performance biology defines my work today. - Medical Precision (DMD): As a Doctor of Dental Medicine, I spent years on the front lines of systemic health. I saw how inflammation and nutrition manifested in patients long before they reached a general physician. To bridge the gap between clinical science and vitality, I immersed myself in nutriciology, turning "wellness" into a measurable, biological reality. GLOBAL VITALITY & WELL-BEING Living and studying internationally, including time in South East Asia, transformed my perspective. I believe you cannot truly understand well-being without seeing how the world lives—finding the harmony between movement, environment, and tradition. I strip away the noise of the wellness industry and replace it with science-backed, soulful wisdom. EXPERTISE FOR MEDIA & FEATURES I provide expert commentary on the intersection of medicine, nutrition, and travel: - Nutritional Chemistry: How diet dictates mental and physical performance. - Systemic Health: Why oral health is the window into longevity. - Global Vitality: How world food cultures and "Safe-Plate" travel impact human biology. I don’t just teach well-being; I live it. My mission is to help you understand your own biology so you can write your own story of health. Connect for expert commentary, wellness consulting, and global partnerships.

Passionate traveller and co-founder of CheckinAway.com, where I share detailed reviews and guides for upscale hotels and unique destinations. Exploring the world one trip at a time—here to share insights and help you plan unforgettable adventures!

I’m the Founder & Managing Director of Eating Europe, where I’ve been helping travelers discover Europe’s food, culture, and local life since 2011. My journey started when I moved to Rome in 2009 and fell in love with how food was woven into daily life. What began as casual walks through my neighborhood — introducing friends to the local butcher, gelato maker, and chefs — grew into food tours that offer travelers authentic, personal connections to the cities they visit. Since then, I’ve worked closely with local chefs, artisans, and small businesses across Europe to create immersive food experiences in cities like Rome, Lisbon, Amsterdam, and London. My expertise is in European food culture, culinary traditions, and experiential travel — showing people how food can tell the real story of a place and its people. Topics I can speak to: European food culture & traditions Experiential travel & food tourism How food connects people to place Building authentic food experiences Local food scenes in Rome, Lisbon, Amsterdam, London, and more

I’m the founder and on-the-ground host at Our Dolce Vita, an all-inclusive Italy tour operator for U.S. travelers. I provide quote-ready insights on Italy trip planning, itineraries, seasons, logistics, pricing, family travel, and what “all-inclusive” really means on the ground. I also work closely with travel advisors and specialize in Northern Italy, Tuscany, and Sicily. Based in Italy.

Jen is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of Peel with Zeal, a food and recipe website focused on bold, approachable recipes and practical cooking know-how. She specializes in gluten-free cooking without compromise, emphasizing big flavor, smart techniques, and realistic home cooking. Jen has been featured in national publications and works with brands as a recipe developer, food writer, and culinary educator.

Chef Timothy Brice is a Southern California–based private chef, writer, and culinary creative known for his ingredient-driven approach to modern California cuisine. As the founder of Taking Stock Private Chefs and Catering, Brice blends Mediterranean and live-fire techniques with a focus on seasonality, storytelling, and craft. With more than two decades of experience cooking for restaurants, large catering companies (Wolfgang Puck and others), private clients, baseball stadiums, and retreat centers across Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and the California coast, Brice has earned a reputation for food that feels both elevated and deeply personal. His work draws inspiration from the region’s farmers, artisans, and coastline, and from culinary influences like Chez Panisse, Zuni Café, and Gjelina. Chef Brice frequently speaks on topics including the radicalism of home cooking in times of need, seasonal cooking, culinary entrepreneurship, creative reinvention, and the evolving role of chefs as storytellers.

Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN, is a distinguished culinary nutrition expert and thought leader who seamlessly bridges the worlds of professional cooking and nutritional science. As a classically trained chef and registered dietitian, she has established herself as a preeminent voice in plant-forward cuisine and innovative food education. With multiple award-winning cookbooks and a robust media presence, Newgent has emerged as a highly sought-after authority in culinary nutrition and wellness. A respected industry influencer, Jackie serves on the Forbes Health advisory board and leverages her extensive expertise as a national media personality and contributor to national health platforms like U.S. News & World Report. Her professional journey includes an impressive tenure as a chef instructor at the prestigious Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. Currently, she continues to shape culinary education as an instructor at The Gourmandise School in Santa Monica and through her private teaching. Newgent's professional portfolio extends beyond traditional roles, serving as a nutrition coach for My Peak Challenge and a strategic culinary nutrition advisor to major food companies and emerging plant-centered businesses. Her multifaceted approach to nutrition and cooking has positioned her as a unique and influential professional who is reshaping how we understand the intersection of food, health, and sustainability. Based in Los Angeles, Jackie continues to inspire and educate through her dynamic work across media, education, and culinary innovation.

I am a Certified Sommelier offering expert wine tasting, pairing, and more. I have contributed to many articles for Sommelier quotes, pairings, and more. I also am a certified Olive Oil Sommelier, and specialize in olive oil and wine pairings, olive oil recipes, mixology, as well as polyphenols and health of olive oil.

Host of bespoke culinary experiences, private dinners, and intimate luxury events in Montepulciano, Tuscany.

I’m a chef, entrepreneur, and educator with more than two decades of experience at the intersection of food, wine, agave spirits, and travel. As the founder of Marcus Guiliano Productions and chef-owner of Aroma Thyme Bistro, I’ve built award-winning hospitality concepts rooted in real food, direct sourcing, and deep relationships with producers. My work extends beyond the kitchen. I lead immersive wine and agave experiences through VIP Winery Vacations, taking guests inside vineyards, cellars, and distilleries most travelers never access. I’ve personally visited hundreds of wineries across Europe, the United States, and Mexico, and I continue to study and document traditional agave production alongside master distillers. Through education, writing, speaking, and hosting, I focus on helping people understand what they’re drinking and eating — not just consuming it. Whether I’m teaching professionals, hosting travelers, or building hospitality brands, my goal is the same: to elevate taste, transparency, and connection from source to glass.

My perspective was forged by 15 years directing luxury operations. From managing elite properties to overseeing maritime logistics on Spanish yachts, I mastered the true standard of excellence. That chapter taught me the intense attention to detail required to run world-class operations—precision, integrity, and the ability to anticipate a guest's every need before they even realize it. A decade ago, I pivoted from managing luxury to documenting life. For the last 10 years, I’ve been a culinary nomad, traveling the world to meet the people behind the plates. This decade has been about more than just food; it’s been about the stories told in night markets, the friendships forged over shared meals, and the sheer joy of discovery. I traded boardrooms for back alleys and spreadsheets for spice markets, learning that the most "five-star" experiences are often found in the most humble places. Today, I blend those two worlds. I bring the rigor of my professional background to the curiosity of a traveler. Whether I’m researching guajillo chilies or mapping regional spice routes in Southeast Asia, my mission is to find the soul of a destination through its people and its food. I believe every hidden culinary gem deserves to be documented with respect, and every journey should be an adventure shared with the people you love.

Rudy Clai is known as the "Mobster Chef," a figure who blends culinary expertise with a deep interest in mafia history and culture. He is active on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, where he presents himself as an author, business consultant, life coach, and an authority on mob and mafia history. Clai's content often revolves around Italian and Continental cuisine, and he also offers advice and "mob therapy," positioning himself as a unique voice at the intersection of food and organized crime lore

Marketing Manager for a family-run food and retail destination in Pennsylvania that brings together a sandwich shop, bakery, cheese production, ice cream, coffee, and a country market under one roof. Experienced in driving in-store traffic, shaping customer experience, and growing a brick-and-mortar business through seasonal promotions, product-led marketing, and community engagement. Focused on how physical food businesses compete in a convenience-driven world by creating memorable, in-person experiences that keep customers coming back.

I am an experienced leader and educator who has worked in journalism, marketing, higher education, content management, social media and recipe development. I am also author of eight books, including the recently released Disney Princess Tea Parties Cookbook and the popular Super Easy 5-Ingredient Cookbook. My writing has appeared in dozens of print and online publications including the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, Connecticut Magazine, The Today Show Website, iVillage, Momtastic, SheKnows and Betty Crocker publications. I specialize in multi-platform storytelling, social and digital marketing and leveraging audience trends and data to successfully exceed short- and long -erm goals for my publications. I believe in encouraging curiosity in my colleagues and teams. I believe that each person’s unique voice is what makes writing special. And I believe that a collaborative, team-based work environment is essential to creating great work with the highest integrity, accuracy and vision.

With 11 years of dedicated experience in the travel industry, I specialize in curating authentic, highly optimized travel experiences for the modern explorer. Based on the Black Sea coast in Pomorie, Bulgaria, my expertise bridges the gap between traditional travel consulting and digital-first destination discovery. For media inquiries, I offer deep insights into how the travel industry has transformed over the last decade, the intersection of travel and digital presence, and expert perspectives on European and Balkan tourism.

I started this MyBreakingViews (MBV) to help people like me who are curious, culture-loving explorers to discover the world with confidence. My goal is easy. To help you taste new flavours, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and uncover your identity through intentional travel all through the lens of global storytelling and soft diplomacy.

Chef Brian Duffy blends Irish heart and Italian soul into bold, fearless cooking. Raised near Philly in a family where both parents cooked, he started in restaurants at 14 and soaked up every lesson before honing his craft at Walnut Hill College. Since the early 90s, he’s opened 100+ restaurants worldwide, led by a relentless entrepreneurial streak and a gift for building teams, concepts, and craveable menus. Today, he runs the Duffified Experience Group and partners with brands like Wurzpott Spices, Molly Bz Cookies, YumCrunch, and World Chef. On screen, Brian’s no‑nonsense style has made him a go‑to personality for more than two decades—spanning 3+ seasons of Bar Rescue, Food Network judging, his own show Opening Night, and a fan‑favorite turn on BBQ Brawl. His podcast, Duffified Live (2019–2021), drew tens of thousands of weekly downloads and built a tight community of food lovers. Beyond the kitchen and the camera, Brian is a sought‑after emcee and host for everything from World Food Championship to live and scripted events. What truly drives him is immersion—he doesn’t just visit a place; he learns its markets, street food, and traditions, from Mexico to Europe, expanding his palate and sparking new ideas that show up on plates everywhere. He lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with his family, and when he’s not in a kitchen or on a plane, you’ll find him outside—hiking, skiing, or chasing the next trail.

Providing quality and excellent service.

Whether the product I have been selling for over 10 years in aviation or restaurant business for both B2B and B2C, I searched for the answer to a simple question: "What do they need to buy my product?" Thanks to my advanced knowledge of MS Excel, after I understand, analyze, and visualize the data, I begin by emerging with market, market share and target segments. Then, I create the communication plan by highlighting the features that I will communicate with the product according to the needs and access channels of each segment. I make optimum use of the marketing budget given to me by making ROI calculations of marketing tools such as paid search, social media ads, incentives, etc.. After getting the permanent residence and work permit from the Canadian government, I want to move my experience and skills to Canada. Thanks to my fluent English and French, I look forward to exceeding new goals.