Best Chef 2026
Cheer on local chefs competing for the title Best Chef, enjoy tastings from top North Shore restaurants, and show your support for our neighbors in need.
Tickets on sale now
An Evening of Culinary Excellence, Giving Back, and Fun!
Best Chef
Friday, April 10, 2026
6 – 9 pm | Marriott Peabody
Join us for Best Chef 2026, the signature fundraiser for Beverly Bootstraps — an unforgettable night of flavor, competition, and community.
NEW this year: Exclusive Chef Tasting Tables
A limited number of 10-person premier tasting tables — along with a select number of individual tasting seats — are now available. These guests will be the lucky few (besides the judges!) to sample the chefs’ competition dishes up close.
Event Highlights:
- Best Chef Competition – Watch three top chefs create innovative dishes inspired by ingredients found in our Food Pantry.
- Taste of the North Shore – Savor a delicious mix of over 15 returning favorites and exciting new restaurant tastings.
- NEW this year: Complimentary beer and wine.
- Live Auction – Bid on unique experiences in support of a vital cause.
- Fund-A-Need Paddle Raise – Lift your paddle to make a direct impact for Beverly Bootstraps, helping provide food security, housing stability, and critical support to neighbors in need.
- Community & Connection – Mingle with fellow food lovers, local leaders, and friends in a lively, inspiring atmosphere.
Your participation helps Beverly Bootstraps provide food security, housing stability, education, and critical support to families and individuals working toward self-sufficiency.
Our 2026 Competing Chefs
Aaron Chambers
Chef Aaron Chambers, the talent behind Settler and Bernadette, trained under Raymond Blanc and built a global career that includes Michelin-starred Café Boulud and leading Boulud Sud to two stars from The New York Times.
Now based in Salem, he brings his farm-to-table roots and world-class experience to every detail of the dining experience.
Julio Varela
Born in Guatemala, Julio began cooking at 14 and built a 30+ year career in top restaurants, hotels, and country clubs before bringing his talents to Boston’s North Shore.
Now a culinary leader at Mission Boathouse and Mission on the Bay, he specializes in New American cuisine, leading with passion, precision, and professionalism.
Mogorosi “Mogs” Moremong and Maddy Thompson
Mogorosi “Mogs” Moremong, Culinary Program Manager at ROOT, brings 17 years of global culinary experience and a passion for mentoring the next generation of chefs.
Maddy, a 2025 graduate of ROOT’s Culinary Training Program, now works alongside Chef Mogs supporting curriculum, workshops, and alumni engagement.
Our 2026 Celebrity Judges
Bill Fogarty
A 2025 Best Chef Competitor, Chef Bill Fogarty believes in working with local farmers and vendors, maintaining the integrity of food, and becoming a steadfast part of the community. He is the owner and chef of Kitchen Table in Beverly.
Ryan Blodgett
Ryan Blodgett is the General Manager and Chef Instructor of La Chanterelle at Endicott College. A collaborative leader, Ryan brings a diverse background to the judges’ table along with a deep commitment to teamwork and excellence.
Anna Rossi
Anna Rossi will make a repeat appearance as a Best Chef judge. She brings an authentic connection to food, travel, and the art of gathering. From her early days on MasterChef USA she is now a nationally celebrated home cook.
Want to make an even bigger impact? Become a sponsor!
Our sponsors gain:
- Exclusive VIP experiences and tables
- High-visibility logo placement on event signage, website, invitations, and social media
- Recognition from the stage and in press materials
- Opportunities to connect directly with attendees and showcase your brand
Tickets and sponsorships are limited—don’t miss out!
EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY - Presenting Sponsor
$25,000
- Table for 10 guests with Chef’s Tasting experience.
- Title recognition as “Presenting Sponsor” in all marketing materials.
- Prominent logo placement on event signage, invitations, website, and social media.
- Opportunity to provide opening remarks and address guests.
- Recognition in press releases, media coverage, email campaigns, and post-event recap.
- Photo opportunity for check presentation and social media highlights.
- Logo inclusion on event favors.
LEAD SPONSOR
- Table for 8 guests.
- Logo featured on event signage, invitations, website, and social media spotlight.
- Recognition during the event program and inclusion in press releases and email campaigns.
- Opportunity to provide branded items to guests.
- Social media spotlight post highlighting your support.
PARTNER
- Tickets for 4 guests.
- Logo on select print materials, email campaigns, and website.
- Acknowledgement during the program.
- Social media spotlight post.
SUPPORTER
- Tickets for 2 guests.
- Name recognition on print materials, email campaigns, and website.
- Shout out during the event program.
- Social media thank you post.
Thank you to our generous 2026 sponsors!
Sustainability Partner:
Showcase Your Cuisine at Best Chef 2026 – Taste of the North Shore
We’re excited to invite restaurants and food businesses to be part of Best Chef 2026 on Friday, April 10, 2026 at the Boston Marriott Peabody. This signature event brings together 250+ guests for an unforgettable evening of food, fun, and community impact—an excellent opportunity to showcase your culinary talents to an engaged and generous audience.
What We’re Asking From Participating Vendors:
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Provide tastings of one or more menu items for 250–300 guests.
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Supply any heating/cooling equipment needed to keep your food at safe temperatures.
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Have at least one staff member present to serve at your table the evening of the event.
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Submit a Certificate of Insurance for the Boston Marriott Peabody.
What Beverly Bootstraps Provides to You:
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An 8-foot table for your food presentation.
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Small plates, bowls, and utensils for tastings.
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Table linen (or bring your own branded linen for added flair).
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Exposure to 250+ event attendees—potential new customers and supporters.
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Recognition in event marketing, including website listing and logo placement, social media spotlights, email campaigns, and local media coverage as part of the Taste of the North Shore.
2026 Participating Taste of the North Shore restaurants:
