Top chefs from across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties brought their best to the table during the 2025 Top Chef Yummie Culinary Competition, one of the most anticipated highlights of Casa Pacifica’s 33rd Annual Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival on June 7 at California State University Channel Islands. Competing in Sweet and Savory categories, chefs wowed judges with dishes that showcased exceptional flavor, creativity, and technical skill.

When the tasting was complete, the judges crowned the following chefs as this year’s Top Chef Yummie winners:

Savory Winners

First Place: Chef David Alonso, Parque 1055 – Hibiscus-Marinated Steak with Jalapeño Avocado Mousse

Second Place: Jose Rodriguez, BG’s Café – Mayan Pulled Pork Taco

Third Place: Chef Felipe Cuevas, Mothers Tacos – Confit Carnitas Tacos

Sweet Winners

First Place: Gina Stymacher, Camarillo Cupcake – Orange Creamsicle Pot de Crème with Candied Pistachios

Second Place: Levi Richard, Sports Bar at Chumash Casino – Lemon Blueberry Cup

Third Place: Chef Martin Ledesma, Rocks and Drams – Deconstructed Tiramisu

Selecting this year’s winners was no easy task. The distinguished judging panel included Chef Alex Montoya of Nurifo Solutions—the most decorated Top Chef Yummie Culinary Competition winner in the event’s history—along with Chef Eric Kopelow of Cedarlane Natural Foods, Chef Masa Shimakawa of Soko at Fairmont Miramar, Chef Emily Conklin and Chef Rachel Conklin of Cooking with Conks, and Chef Abdu Romero of Birnam Wood Golf Club.

The Top Chef Yummie Culinary Competition is one of the signature attractions of the Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival, celebrating the incredible restaurants, chefs, wineries, breweries, and artisan food vendors that make Ventura County’s culinary scene so vibrant. Check out the winning dishes here: Yummie Culinary Competition – Casa Pacifica Angels – Wine, Food & Brew Festiva