Ojai Valley Food & Wine 2025

What an incredible weekend at Ojai Food and Wine, including a truly special night cooking alongside friends and colleagues from past Food and Wine Best New Chef classes. There’s something really meaningful about spending time with people who inspire you—colleagues, friends, and chefs who continue to raise the bar. 

Huge thanks to Ben Kephart and the incredible team at Ojai Valley Inn, who somehow manage to make it all look effortless while championing the people behind the food and wine. Every detail spoke to the meticulous care and craft they put into this weekend. Appreciation also to Food and Wine and OpenTable for backing such a thoughtful event, and to Jono Pandolfi for the stunning serviceware that helped bring each dish to life.

As always, one last thank you to Matt Morris & John Troxell for capturing the weekend so elegantly.