Aaron Zendnerr – Aaron is currently the Executive Chef for Sodexo at Sierra Nevada College and owner/confectioner of Mr. Z’s Micro Confectionery. Mr. Z’s was honored at the first “Platinum Chocolatier Award” at 2011 Chocolate, Wine & Roses Festival. Between the years 2005 and 2010 Mr. Z’s has received 8 awards including a People’s Choice Award in every year entered. Aaron is happy to continue on as a supporting member of the talented Chefs providing chocolate creations at the festival as well as a judge in future events.
Maggie Browder – Owner & chef of Meals by Maggie, an Incline Village catering company that provides tasty, “home-cooked” meals for busy families in the North Lake Tahoe area. She also specializes in personalized event catering. Website: www.mealsbymaggie.com
Christine Wahle-Thoma – While living in Paris, France she had the opportunity to take cooking classes at the Cordon Bleu. There she developed a keen interest in cooking and learned much about the specialties offered particularly in cheeses, wines and chocolates.
Robyn Hugar – Robyn went to culinary school in Honolulu Hawaii and worked as a pastry chef in a fine dining restaurant. She received an advanced pastry training degree and worked at a gourmet bakery in Chicago. Robyn has competed and placed in culinary competitions in the chocolate and pulled sugar showpiece categories.
Joy Michiel – Joy is a local actress / singer / comedienne. During the day she works as Entertainment Editor for the local publication, The Weekly Magazine. For the past three years she has also been one of the main food writers for The Weekly, visiting restaurants throughout the area to sample cuisine and write dining reviews. She is an excellent amateur chef and baker and has taken several classes on chocolate. Website: www.bigjoy.com
