The heat was on, the competition fierce, and the flavors were absolutely bold!

On Sunday, June 1st, the 2025 Top Chef Yummie Culinary Competition brought high-energy excitement to Casa Pacifica’s 32nd Annual Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival! Attendees gathered around the Yummie Culinary Pavilion to witness culinary showdowns between some of the region’s most talented chefs, as they plated their best Sweet and Savory creations for an elite panel of judges.

And the results? A dazzling showcase of creativity, passion, and flavor.

Savory Category:

• 1st Place: Chef Rafael Lopez, Parque 1055
  • Winning Dish: Pomegranate Braised Short Ribs with Celery and Crispy Onion

• 2nd Place: Chef Victor Melchor, Woodstock Farina
  • Winning Dish: Abuela’s Pie (Slow-cooked chicken mole on fermented dough with melted jack cheese, white onion, and micro cilantro)

• 3rd Place: Chef Martin Ledesma, El Encanto Restaurant
  • Winning Dish: Ahí Tuna Tostada (Wonton tostada with crushed ahí tuna)

Sweet Category:

• 1st Place: Chef Craig Hurlbut, Clemente Baking Company
  • Winning Dish: Citrus Tea Cake (Whole grain spelt cake with pureed oranges, lemon and lime zest, and citrus glaze)

• 2nd Place: Chef Gina Stymacher, Camarillo Cupcake
  • Winning Dish: S’mores Brownie (Chocolate fudge brownie with graham cracker crust and toasted marshmallow cream)

• 3rd Place: Chef Lisa Morris, Li Mor Cakes
  • Winning Dish: Lemoncello Cupcake (Lemoncello-infused lemon cupcake)

“The Top Chef Yummie Culinary Competition is always a crowd favorite, and this year’s talent did not disappoint,” said Carrie Hughes, Chief Development Officer at Casa Pacifica. “Each dish reflected the incredible creativity and heart of our culinary community—and all in support of the vulnerable children and families Casa Pacifica serves.”

A Panel of Culinary Powerhouses

This year’s judging panel was stacked with renowned chefs and industry professionals, each bringing a unique lens to the competition. From sushi mastery to global fusion, the panel included:

• Chef Masa Shimakawa, Soko at Fairmont Miramar
• Chef Jason Collis, World Central Kitchen & Plated Events
• Chef Alex Montoya, NuRiFo Solutions (and the most decorated Yummie Culinary Competition winner in history!)
• Chef Abdu Romero, Birnam Wood Golf Club
• Chef Eric Kopelow, Cedarlane Natural Foods
• Chef Adam Hart, Oxnard College’s The Bistro

“Stepping into the role of judge gave me a front-row seat to the amazing talent in our community,” said Chef Montoya, reflecting on his new role after years of competing. “I’m proud to support Casa Pacifica and its life-changing work—because at the end of the day, it’s not just about great food. It’s about giving back.”

More Than a Competition

Every savory dish and sweet treat enjoyed at the Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival helps to support Casa Pacifica. Proceeds from the Festival provide essential mental health services for at-risk youth and families throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

If you missed the magic this year, don’t worry—plans for 2026 are already simmering. Until then, join us in congratulating the incredible chefs who made this year’s Yummie Competition truly unforgettable!

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