Culinary Fusion Contest 2024
Special June Diversitastic! Dining Experience
Culinary Fusion Contest 2024
Four evenings that promise to take attendees on a culinary adventure like no other.
Innovative chefs, adventurous culinary students, and creative home cooks create unique dishes combining ingredients, techniques, or spices from at least two different continents/cultures for a chance to win cash awards up to $1,000. Thirty (30) special guests get to sample seven (7) of these creations each night along with the ten (10) judges.
Each night a first and second place winner will be announced and you have a chance to vote for the Audience Choice winner for the night.
The Culinary Fusion Contest takes place at the beautiful Creative Village’s Union West Building, Valencia College’s Downtown Campus – Walt Disney World Center for Culinary Arts and Hospitality.
Wednesday, June 5: Night 1
- Contestants: Jahmari Marsh, Michelli Denardi T., Dylan Phillips, Violetta Gir, Apollo Hamwey, Adity Gandhi, Marquise Smith.
Thursday, June 6: Night 2
- Contestants: Ashley Alonso, Jennifer Bellorin, Stephanie Duggins, David Folger, Toolia Kamanya, K Charles Phillips, Shaan Roopnarine
Monday, June 10: Night 3
- Contestants: Sajan Premajan, Marco Gonzalez, Asawin Jockkeaw, Zach Mehner, Josefina Mercedes, Stopher Condry, Kamari White
Tuesday, June 11: Night 4
- Contestants: Kegan Baker, Rachel Ellis, Alexander Gonzalez, Beena Hadley, Mike Martino, Carolina Peinado, Saal Shuler
Watch the recap of the
2023 Culinary Fusion Contest
meet the judges
Will Adkison:
I’m the Chef and owner of Sweet & Salty Island Grindz, currently home of the viral Tik-Tok sandwich. I’ve been in the Orlando food scene for about 6 years now. Prior to that I served in the Navy for 20 years. I started off my culinary journey here in my Food Truck during the height of COVID, luckily with hard work and consistency in the community I was able to expand into my now physical location inside of Henry’s Depot’ Sanford. I’ve been blessed to collaborate and work with a lot of local favorite Chefs to explore the art of cooking. My focus right now is mainly Pacific Islander cuisine, but thanks to my upbringing and military career I am well versed in food from all over the world.
Kassanndra Santiago:
Kassanndra Santiago is a professional photographer, marketing strategist, experiential event consultant, & community advocate residing in West Orlando, FL.
Kassanndra has been testing everything West Orlando has to offer; from Chinatown to the scattered food trucks you can find every other block. Pine Hills is truly a melting pot full of flavor. Unafraid to try new foods, she has ventured into writing about her foodie adventures for the Midtown Press.
She has founded two digital initiatives for her local community in West Orlando (@MyPineHills) & statewide for LGBTQ+ Florida Residents (@LGBTQFLORIDA). Kassanndra is currently the Vice President of LOUD Central FL, the VP of Operations for Las Semillas, a Community Board member of Contigo Fund, & a reoccurring contributor for The Midtown Press.
Kymbat Iglikova:
Kymbat Iglikova is an Associate Broker, Licensed Real Estate Instructor Certified Distance Education Instructor with a B.S. in Education and an extensive experience in management and leadership.
She was born and raised in Central Asia, is fluent in several languages, and an ambassador of Central Asian cuisine and culture. From her travels and love of culture, she has observed that food is the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people get together to eat, make memories, and express love.
She has owned and managed an interpreting agency for over a decade in service to clients locally and globally, government agencies, immigration attorneys, educational organizations, real estate professionals.
Jason Kelly:
Jason Kelly, 35, is a native Orlandoan with deep roots in both Central Florida and the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao. He is the Digital Executive Producer at WFTV Channel 9, where he oversees digital strategy, social media and content creation. He also serves on the city of Orlando’s Historic Preservation Board and the Mills 50 District’s Board of Directors. When he’s not at work or serving the community, he’s either at home cooking Caribbean or Southern cuisine or on the hunt for delicious food, beer and bourbon.
Alicia Chea-Junga:
Alicia is an Orlando native, proud wife, and mom to three wonderful children. With her unique blend of Chinese, Caribbean, and Cuban heritage, Alicia’s family celebrates diversity in all its flavors! Alicia’s love for everything local echoes through her advocacy, fostering a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere within Orlando’s landscape. Her journey encapsulates a harmonious blend of technical acumen, cultural pride, and a dedication to nurturing community connections through the universal language of good food and shared experiences. She highlights these experiences as a blogger on her Instagram account @eatswithalicia
Kadeem Stewart:
Kadeem Stewart, is an Art Professional of over 11 years whose primary medium is photography. Born in New York, to Jamaican parents Joan and Alrick, Kadeem prides himself in his creativity and eclectic food interest. After years of working in the food industry he retains a large interest in the culinary arts with hobbies that range from mixology, dehydrating fruits for tea making and grilling when the weather permits. Those who know him personally know he often jokes that if he wasn’t a photographer he would be a chef.
Claudia Menezes:
Claudia Menezes, a prominent figure in the travel industry, currently holds the positions of Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at GoPegasus. Hailing from Brazil, she brings with her a rich heritage in the travel sector, instilled from an early age by her family’s involvement in pioneering Brazil’s tourism landscape.
Her passion for the art of cooking along with her journey as a home chef and her travels to various countries to explore diverse culinary traditions, uniquely qualifies her as an ideal judge. Hailing from a culture where meals are pivotal gatherings, and where we’re either enjoying a meal or planning the next one, she brings a deep appreciation and understanding of how food serves as a bridge between cultures and people.
She is a featured blogger for Panrotas, Brazil’s leading travel trade publication, where she shares insights and updates through her column “Direto De Orlando” (Direct from Orlando). She also serves on the Board of Directors for Visit Orlando, further solidifying her influence and leadership in the tourism and culinary industry.
Chef Alex Erdmann:
Alex Erdmann is an accomplished German-Certified Master Chef with a master’s in International Hospitality Management from Switzerland and more than 30 years of leadership experience in the hospitality and food service industry.
Beginning his career in Germany, Alex worked in numerous positions throughout the world including, Austria, Switzerland, Israel, and the United Kingdom. While stateside, he continued his culinary endeavors with corporations like Royal Caribbean Cruises and the Disney Cruise Line and has served in educational leadership positions at institutions like the Washburne Culinary Institute, Baker College, Lexington College, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
As Dean of the School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality at Valencia College, he build the Walt Disney World Center for Culinary Arts and Hospitality occupying over 50,000-square-feet of educational space on floors 3,4 and 5 at Valencia College`s Downtown Campus (UnionWest) which is also shared with the University of Central Florida.
Gam Marotta:
I’m originally from Thailand and my parents own a Thai restaurant down in West Palm Beach. I’m a big foodie, love to travel for food, and a Michelin guide enthusiast. I share my food experiences on Instagram: @gamsfoodadventure
Dalila Ramos:
Dalila, known for her “Taco Tuesday’s Talks w/Dalila” series, brings over 23 years of experience in the mortgage industry. Seamlessly blending her expertise in mortgages and homeownership with her love for tacos, she has crafted a unique platform. Beyond her series, Dalila travels the country, exploring taco shops, conducting interviews, and spotlighting different companies and organizations.
As a bilingual Chicago native, she champions homeownership among women, single mothers, and the minority community, leveraging her passion for social media/technology.
Gladys Leipego:
My name is Gladys Leipego also known as T-zo Lee. I am a proud mother and grandma. I chair the board of Batswana in Florida Association and I’m based in Orlando but was born in the beautiful country of Botswana. I’m the founder and owner of T-zo Lee Foods a small food business specializing in imported foods and spices from my home country. On my spare time I love to travel and enjoy planning trips.
Professional and home chefs will combine ingredients, spices, or preparation techniques from different countries to create fusion dishes that are both delicious and unique. Guests can look forward to a special Fusion Cocktail and rum tastings featuring a special rum selection by our exclusive beverage sponsor Barcelo. as well as a cultural performance.
Get your tickets now:
Culinary Fusion Contest - Night 1 - Chefs
$59.99
Culinary Fusion Contest - Night 2 - Chefs
$59.99
Culinary Fusion Contest - Night 3 - Chefs
$59.99
Meet the Chefs
Chefs Night 1 (Pro)
Harris Ansari
Pablo Emilio Ramos-Nieves is a Universal Chefpreneur in addition to being a mixed media artist. Chef Pablo Emilio dedicates countless days and nights to studying, researching, and finding new star-wandering recipes. Chef Pablo Emilio received second place winner award at the 2022 Fusion Fest Competition in Orlando, FL.
Denny Tornatore
I am Italian-American from New York and Florida. I have been cooking Italian food for over 30 years. I have owned Tornatores restaurant for the past 14 years and I love cooking and feeding people.
James Gregg
I have been passionate about cooking since I was 18 years old. I have a creative drive that pushes me to always do better than the day before. I love to play around with new flavors and mix two cultures into one dish.
Abeoler Lewis
Originally from Gasparillo Village, Trinidad & Tobago, I immigrated to Florida in 2014. My son was born with a stomach that hadn’t fully developed and he struggled with digesting several foods. This encouraged me to pursue further education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Pablo Ramos Nieves
Pablo Emilio Ramos-Nieves is a Universal Chefpreneur in addition to being a mixed media artist. Chef Pablo Emilio dedicates countless days and nights to studying, researching, and finding new star-wandering recipes. Chef Pablo Emilio received second place winner award at the 2022 Fusion Fest Competition in Orlando, FL.
Anthony Blakey
I’m ChefTonyTone one of the premier personal chefs in Central Florida. From The Tidewater Area of Virginia. Chef Tony has been whipping up timeless eats since he was 8 years old!
Leonardo Tamashiro
I Graduated from the best Culinary School of Paris, Gregoire Ferrandi, where I worked for the oldest and the most iconic restaurant of Paris, known for their ducks, La Tour d’Argent. I had the chance to work for Guy Savoy at L’Ateliet du Maître Albert, where I discovered a true passion for wines and moved out to London, UK to work as a sommelier. I arrived in the U.S. in 2016.