Meet our panel of judges!
Laura Corrin
Current role: Healthy Communities Policy Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension
Previous role: Casting for Chopped, Top Chef, Top Chef Just Desserts, and Restaurant Stakeout
Before Laura transitioned into her current work in nutrition and wellness at various non profits in Brooklyn, NY and currently at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Erie County, she spent many years as a casting director for TV and film in LA and NYC. It was through her casting roles on acclaimed food competition shows like Top Chef and Chopped that she discovered her passion for food and cooking. This experience ultimately inspired her to pursue her current role at CCE: creating greater health equity through a NY State grant focused on improving nutrition, physical activity, and wellness in schools and communities across Western New York.
Laura is also a current and active member of the Buffalo and Erie County Food Policy Council.
Michael Dimmer
Chef/Owner,
Marble + Rye
Michael Dimmer, born and raised in Buffalo, NY, is the Chef/Owner of Marble + Rye located at 112 Genesee Street. After graduating from the UB School of Architecture, Michael realized that his true passion was the industry that helped pay his bills through college—restaurants. After starting a small catering company and saving up enough money, his second entrepreneurial venture was born—The Black Market Food Truck. Three years later (in 2015), Marble + Rye opened its doors to the public and has been serving Downtown Buffalo for the past 10 years.
Jessica Arends
Executive Chef,
Buffalo AKG Art Museum/Cornelia
Chef Jessica Arends studied culinary arts and service management at Paul Smith’s College. Her career sent her to Italy, Ireland, Mexico, and Nashville, Tennessee, before bringing her back to Western New York, where she is now the Executive Chef at Cornelia at the Buffalo AKG.
WEST SIDE CHOPS IS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:
Chef de Cuisine Sponsor
Sous Chef Sponsor
Saucier Sponsors
