Our Experts

Chris Blatner is an Executive Bourbon Steward and the creator of the popular Instagram page @‌urbanbourbonist. He appears frequently as a guest whiskey expert on podcasts and is an independent consultant for whiskey and spirits brands. Blatner presents educational whiskey segments on local television in Chicago, IL as well as national television. Blatner also serves as the Executive Director of Bourbon Charity.

Mathew Woodburn-Simmonds is the founder of Home Coffee Expert. A website that aims to provide its followers with the best possible information about every step of the coffee-making (and drinking) process, with gear reviews and easy-to-understand explainers on coffee brewing methods. His obsession with coffee began during his college days when he worked as a barista in 3rd wave coffee shop and extended well into his time as a restaurant manager and sommelier. He is best known for his strong opinions around social media's obsession with adding anything and everything to coffee.

Nathan Myhrvold is the founder of Modernist Cuisine and lead author of "Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking," "Modernist Cuisine at Home," "The Photography of Modernist Cuisine," "Modernist Bread," "Modernist Pizza, Food & Drink: Modernist Cuisine Photography," "Modernist Bread at Home," and "Natural Wonders." In addition to being the first chief technology officer at Microsoft, he holds a doctorate in theoretical and mathematical physics, two master's degrees, and earned a culinary diploma in France.

Nicole Bean owns and operates two Pizaro's Pizza locations with her family in Houston. Trained in Napoletana pizza making by her father, she later studied American-style pizzas at The International School of Pizza. With seven years of experience, Bean serves Detroit-style and New York-style pizzas, preserving authentic regional flavors. In 2018, she received the Rising Star award at the International Pizza Expo Caputo Cup. Bean continues to perfect her craft in pizza and bread making, with plans for additional locations and restaurant concepts.

Nicole Patel, founder of Delysia Chocolatier, was named 2025's Best Chocolatier in the Americas and earned the Six Star Grand Master Chocolatier title for the 12th time. With 750+ awards, including 103 gold and 231 silver medals, she's a standout in Truffle Artistry, Spicy Chocolate, and more. Her journey began in 2006 with homemade truffles, and a 2008 trip to Texas Wine Country inspired her to craft the state's first wine-infused truffles, launching Delysia Chocolatier and a self-taught path to national acclaim.

Chef Russell Kook, Executive Chef at The Bellevue, brings Midwest roots and Michelin-level experience to the table. A Le Cordon Bleu grad, he trained under acclaimed Chef Todd Stein, leading kitchens at The Florentine, Cibo Matto, and The Roof at the Wit. He's cooked at the James Beard House, battled Bobby Flay on "Iron Chef America," and earned a perfect score on "Hell's Kitchen." After a decade with top Chicago steakhouses, Kook returns to his roots, blending bold flavors, custom spice blends, and refined technique to elevate classic dishes.

Silvio Correa's passion for cooking began at 14 on the beaches of São Paulo, Brazil. He mastered grilling fresh fish and meats over open flames, eventually becoming a sought-after BBQ chef in his hometown. In 2000, he brought his bold Brazilian flavors to California, co-founding Silvio's Brazilian BBQ and cooking for major events like Coachella. Today, through Silvio's Personal Chef and Tropicali Brazilian Kitchen, he delivers unforgettable BBQ and inclusive cuisine to private clients and top companies across Los Angeles.