Each year, San Diego Food + Wine Festival sets the stage for more than tastings – we create a moment where chefs push themselves, attendees become judges, and a single bite can steal the show. During SDFW weekend, that energy was on full display as chefs from San Diego, Baja, and beyond put their best plates forward in two of the Festival’s most anticipated culinary competitions: Chef of the Fest at Grand Tasting and Taco TKO at Grand Fiesta.
Across both events, the excitement was palpable. Attendees eagerly sampled dish after dish, judges debated every detail, and chefs cooked with the kind of focus that only comes when pride, creativity, and community are on the line.
Chef of the Fest: Grand Tasting’s Most Coveted Bite
Held during the Grand Tasting Presented by Southwest Airlines®, Chef of the Fest is where hundreds of chefs compete for the ultimate crowd-voted honor. With thousands of attendees tasting and casting ballots, the pressure is real – and so is the reward.
This year, Chef Hanis Cavin of Carnitas’ Snack Shack took home First Place People’s Choice Chef of the Fest (and a $5000 cash prize) with his Duck Confit Toast, featuring Maple Leaf Farms duck, dried cherry jus, frisée, radicchio, orange zest, and toasted pistachio on focaccia.
Rounding out the winners:
Second Place: Chef Jason Witzl, Jolie Coronado – Couscous Salad with grilled prawns, whipped yogurt, pickled golden raisins, and shishito peppers
Third Place: Chef Ethan Yang, Glass Box – Snapper Crudo with herb-jalapeño oil, heirloom tomato chutney, and harissa aioli
Taco TKO Presented by Euhomy: High Stakes, Big Flavor at Grand Fiesta
The competition moved to Liberty Station for Grand Fiesta, home of the beloved Taco TKO Presented by Euhomy – a high-energy showdown where bold flavors, cultural influence, and creativity collide. With more than 3,000 attendees tasting and voting, chefs competed for both People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice honors, along with two newly introduced categories: Best Non-Taco and Best Overall Bite.
Meet the chefs who took home top honors and a variety prizes including up to $3,000, a Euhomy Ice Maker and air travel provided by Southwest Airlines®.
People’s Choice Taco TKO – First Place: Chef Marcus Twilegar, Cherryfish – Shoyu Braised Beef Cheek Taco with Brandt Beef, burnt pineapple pico, and kimchi corn tortilla
Judges’ Choice Taco TKO – First Place: Chef Tim Eylens, Del’s Hideout — El Pato Taco with Maple Leaf Farms duck confit, Oaxaca cheese, poblano crema, and balsamic reduction
Judges’ Choice Best Non-Taco: Chef Eddy Cortes, Alchemy – Choose Thy Poison – Mini Tetela de Rabo de Toro, featuring squid-ink–infused masa negra filled with adobo-braised La Canasta oxtail
Judges’ Best Overall Bite: Chef Eddy Cortes, Alchemy – Choose Thy Poison – Mini Tetela de Rabo de Toro, featuring squid-ink–infused masa negra filled with adobo-braised La Canasta oxtail
“Winning Best Overall Bite and Best Non-Taco Bite this year meant everything to our team. Funny enough, we originally weren’t planning to participate—but after talking with Pilar and some of your staff, I felt inspired to jump in last minute. I poured my heart into that bite, which we now proudly serve at Alchemy. For a brand-new concept to step in so spontaneously and come out with these awards…it was incredibly validating and motivating. We’re truly grateful.” Chef Eddy Cortes, Alchemy – Choose Thy Poison
More Than a Competition
What makes these competitions special isn’t just the winners – it’s the experience. With dishes judged on flavor, presentation, innovation, and execution by a respected panel of culinary leaders, and thousands of attendees tasting and voting alongside them, the energy was unmistakable.
Together, Chef of the Fest and Taco TKO capture what the San Diego Food + Wine Festival does best: spotlighting talent, celebrating culture, and creating unforgettable moments where chefs and food lovers meet over truly exceptional bites.
2025 Taco TKO Judges
This year’s competitions were evaluated by an esteemed panel of industry leaders from both sides of the border, including:
Alan Bautista Plascencia – Rosarito Tourism Ambassador & Baja Culinary Fest Organizer
Ana Ley – Sommelier
Bill Esparza – James Beard Award–winning food journalist, author of L.A. Mexicano, and host of Taqueando podcast
Carlos Gaytán – Michelin-starred chef of Mexique, Tzuco, Paseo, Teté Cocina del Alma, Céfiro, and more
Chris Stone – Content creator behind @sdfoodies
Emily Brubaker – Executive Chef, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa; Winner, NBC’s Yes, Chef! Season 1
Flor Franco – Chef, Franco Group; Member of the Mexican Conservatory for UNE; first female chef inducted into the Disciples of Escoffier
Frans van der Lee – Cofounder, President & COO, Chef’s Roll
Julio Marruffo – Wine expert and content creator behind @wineexperiencebaja
Rodrigo Fukumoto – Chef, Hikaru San Sushi Catering
Romina Mendoza – Sommelier
Suzette Gresham – Michelin-starred chef of Acquerello
