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.
thank you for joining us!
Best Chef 2026
Thank you so much for joining us at the Best Chef fundraiser on Friday, April 10! We hope you enjoyed the delicious offerings from all Taste of the North Shore restaurants and had a great time supporting Beverly Bootstraps.
A huge thank you to our incredible celebrity chefs and judges—your talent and energy made the evening unforgettable. And a special shout-out to Chef Mogs, who took home the title of Best Chef 2026!
We’re also so grateful to our event sponsors—thank you for making this night possible. (Check out their logos at the bottom of this page!)
At Beverly Bootstraps, we provide critical resources to families and individuals so they may achieve self-sufficiency. Your support helps us continue to offer emergency and long-term assistance, including access to food, housing stability, adult and youth programs, education, counseling, and advocacy.
Thank you again for being part of such a meaningful evening and for helping us continue this vital work.
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.
Katy Sweetland
Katy blends culinary training from Endicott College and La Chanterelle with over five years of event expertise at Misselwood and now AMG, where she leads corporate and financial events. A proud Beverly Bootstraps partner, she brings community passion and hospitality insight to the Best Chef judging panel.
Thank you to our generous 2026 sponsors!
Sustainability Partner:
2026 Participating Taste of the North Shore restaurants:
