Culinary runway rumble
The heat is on, and the competition is cooking! Watch talented chefs bring their skills, creativity, and bold flavors to the Culinary Runway Rumble. With celebrity judges and bragging rights on the line, who will rise to the top? Come see who brings the flavor and takes home the crown!
WHO’S COOKING?
Gary Caldwell
Executive Chef, Marcus Bar & Grille
Hailing from Louisiana, Gary Caldwell brings over twenty years of culinary expertise to his role as Executive Chef at Marcus Bar & Grille. His culinary journey began at the age of fifteen in a New Orleans Popeyes, but his passion was originally ignited in his grandmother’s kitchen. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of New Orleans in 2001, Gary honed his skills at Pascal’s Manale before spending fifteen years in Las Vegas, including time with the opening team at Wynn Las Vegas. His career then led him to Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel and subsequently back to the South, where he served as Executive Chef of Ludacris’ Chicken and Beer as well as City Pharmacy in Covington, Ga. Known for his “Modern Bayou” style as well as for being a 2024 Chopped winner, Gary enjoys family time, fishing, gardening, and supporting small-town businesses.
Justin McAlpine
Executive Chef, ECCO
Chef Justin McAlpine discovered his passion for cooking at the age of thirteen, volunteering in local restaurants before earning a position at Bottega under four-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Frank Stitt. After graduating from Jefferson State Culinary Institute on a full scholarship, Justin joined Southern Living Magazine as a Test Kitchen Developer, further developing his culinary creativity. His career led him to Atlanta, where he has worked as a Private Chef and Executive Chef across restaurant and corporate settings. A Food Network Supermarket Stakeout winner, Justin is known for his versatility, innovation, and commitment to exceptional food. Outside the kitchen, he enjoys spending time with his family and young son, August.
Kenneth Harmon Jr.
Chef Manager, Vino Volo
Kenneth Harmon Jr. brings a passion for culinary creativity and Southern hospitality to his role as Chef Manager for Paradies Lagardère at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, overseeing Vino Volo, Southern National Market, and PizzaBoxx. A longtime Atlanta resident, Kenneth has built his career across a variety of dining experiences, including Mary Mac’s Tea Room, One Flew South, and Ludacris’ Chicken+Beer, working alongside acclaimed Atlanta chefs. His culinary journey began after winning a national culinary management competition at the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference. Known for his innovative approach to food and love for the airport’s fast-paced energy, Kenneth continues to create memorable dining experiences that celebrate the flavors and hospitality of the South.
shaun doty
Head Chef, Bantam & Biddy
Chef Shaun Doty has built an impressive culinary career spanning acclaimed Atlanta restaurants, MICHELIN-starred kitchens in Europe, and some of the South’s most celebrated dining destinations. After training at Johnson & Wales University and working alongside renowned chef Gunter Seeger at The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, Shaun became a standout in Atlanta’s culinary scene, opening acclaimed concepts including MidCity Cuisine, Shaun’s, Bantam + Biddy, and Yeah! Burger. Recognized as a James Beard Award semifinalist and named one of the South’s Best Chefs by Best Chefs America, Shaun is known for his globally inspired approach and passion for locally sourced ingredients. Today, he brings his creativity and love of diverse food cultures to Jules at Barnsley Resort while mentoring the next generation of culinary talent.
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