MEET OUR CHEFS

Cast your vote for your favorite chef in the People’s Choice Award and support a great cause! Every donation goes directly to the United Way of Danville Area General Fund, helping to make a lasting impact in our community. Your contribution not only supports local programs but also gives your favorite chef a chance to win. Vote now and make a difference!

Do good. It tastes great.

  • Chris Showalter

    Chris Showalter is a Maintenance Supervisor at Bunge Milling in Danville, IL. He enjoys grilling and smoking various meats and vegetables.

  • Tom Chamberlain

    Tom Chamberlain, President of Iroquois Federal, is passionate about food and cooking. Whether experimenting with new recipes or perfecting classic dishes, he enjoys bringing people together through great meals.

  • Mike Patton

    Mike and Kasara Patton own Norah’s Smokehouse, a mobile kitchen serving Danville. They dish out soulful eats like brisket, ribs, and gumbo while enjoying family time, kayaking, nature walks, and travel.

  • Stephanie Lober

    Stephanie Lober is the owner of The Local in Covington, Indiana. She’s passionate about food, growing ingredients, and creating unique flavor profiles for my restaurant and family.

  • Nichole Lesko

    Nichole Lesko, owner of Mimi's Kitchen & Catering and Head Chef at College Fresh, is passionate about the art of food. She creates menus that tell a story, blending flavors into every bite.

  • Cassie Rhodes

    Cassie Rhodes, owner and Head Chef of The Slotted Spoon, is passionate about fresh, quality food that brings people together. She enjoys camping, crafting, and spending time with family.

  • Jason Whaling

    Jason Whaling, Loan Officer at Fischer National Bank, specializes in Residential Mortgage Lending. An active community member, he serves on local boards and enjoys golfing, DIY projects, baking, and relaxing by the fire pit.

  • Representative Brandun Schweizer

    State Representative Brandun Schweizer serves District 104. A passionate cook, he enjoys preparing meals when time allows. He is honored to represent his community in Springfield and advocate for their needs.

  • Aaron Immke

    Aaron Immke, a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in Danville, IL, enjoys cooking, grilling, and smoking signature dishes to share with family and friends.

  • Doug Ahrens

    Doug Ahrens, Executive Director at Danville Sanitary District, is an amateur chef who enjoys tasting while cooking. He loves sharing meals with others and supporting worthy causes through food and fellowship.

  • David Schnelle

    David Schnelle, Director of Engineering and Operations for the Danville Sanitary District, is a former Domino’s Pizza franchisee. His culinary interests include pizza, old-school breads, meats, and desserts, inspired by local flavors.

  • Patrick Halloran

    Patrick Halloran, Executive Director of the Wheeler Foundation, developed a love for Cajun and Creole cuisine while living in New Orleans. He enjoys sharing Southern culinary traditions and teaching his daughters to cook.

  • Shelby Baker

    Shelby Baker, founder of Sanguine Grocery, is a freelance writer and recipe developer. Passionate about fresh, local ingredients, she enjoys creating vibrant dishes and tending to her garden’s future ingredients.

  • Aaron Marcott

    Aaron Marcott, Fire Chief of Danville, Fire Department, is dedicated to serving his community. When not on duty, he enjoys cooking and sharing meals with family and friends.

  • Jim Anderson

    Jim Anderson, a retired banker and co-chair of Balloons Over Vermilion NFP, is a dedicated community advocate committed to supporting local initiatives and fostering community engagement.

  • Michael Remole

    Michael Remole, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, enjoys making Saturday morning breakfast with his sons, Jonah and Levi. His love of food inspires him to experiment and create delicious dishes.

  • Mike Marron

    Mike, President and CEO of Vermilion Advantage, has limited culinary interests but enjoys making cheesecake—despite the mess. His wife, Brandy, keeps him out of the kitchen, except for great causes like United Way.

  • Ryan Heiser

    Ryan Heiser's culinary passion began with BBQ and has expanded over time. Known as a professional tailgate chef, he enjoys creating flavorful dishes and sharing great food with others.

  • Kimberly Watson

    Kimberly Watson, General Manager of Jocko’s in Danville, is a proud hometown native who loves her community. Starting as a hostess in 2008, she grew her passion for food, leadership, and keeping Jocko’s traditions alive.

  • Tracey Coonrod

    Tracey Coonrod, owner of the Busy Bee Gourmet food truck in Danville, has over 35 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked alongside top chefs, contributing to menus in both Albany, NY, and Danville.

  • Jorge Lemont

    Jorge Lemont, a man of mystery and possibly music history, claims to have worked with The Beatles and invented paella. Neither can be confirmed. With the help of Peter Blackmon, he’s mixing drinks instead of myths.

  • Ross Webb

    Ross Webb, State Farm Insurance Agent, is a proud community supporter who loves grilling and spending time in the kitchen—when he’s not watching college football or hitting the golf course.

  • Rob Witzel

    Rob, author of the Super Penguin book series, travels nationwide to book festivals and comic cons. He enjoys quick, tasty recipes and sharing his superhero stories at SuperPenguinBook.com.

  • Pete Goodwin

    Pete Goodwin, Financial Representative at COUNTRY Financial, is an amateur chef who enjoys good food and great company—especially when it’s for a worthwhile cause.

  • LaRisha Exum

    LaRisha “RiRi” is the owner of RiPoppedIt, a Champaign-based popcorn biz serving up bold, bougie flavors. From sweet to savory, she’s adding a POP to events all over Central Illinois.

  • Rick Rotramel

    Rick Rotramel, retired Agency Manager for COUNTRY Financial, is a devoted fan of his wife’s amazing cooking and enjoys supporting Danville’s many wonderful restaurants—one delicious bite at a time.

  • Mayor Rickey Williams

    Mayor Williams loves cooking—especially with fresh finds from the Danville Farmer’s Market. He shares his creations online to promote local businesses. His favorite dish? Surprisingly, chocolate chili (thanks, Mom!).

  • Larry Baughn

    Larry Baughn has spent 27 years as a morning show host on WHPO Radio in Hoopeston. He’s also General Manager of The Legion Bar and a former Vermilion County Board Chairman.

  • Tyler Steinbaugh

    Tyler Steinbaugh’s love of cooking began early, helping his mom and grandma in the kitchen. He especially enjoys designing and creating custom cakes for the special people in his life.

  • Mark Woods

    Mark has taught developmentally disabled adults at Crosspoint Human Services for nearly 43 years. With a Food Manager’s License, he shares his love of cooking through teaching, events, and community gatherings.

  • Gent Julips

    The Gent Julep’s are a pair of local Brothers celebrating spring while delivering the richly sweet tradition of the Kentucky Derby.

  • LuAnn Grimm

    LuAnn Grimm works in the Oakwood Junior High Library and serves as student council advisor. A two-time Golden Ruler winner, she’s known for her community service, award-winning cooking, and love of libraries.

  • Matt Arteaga

    Chef Matt Arteaga, an engineer by trade, crafts small-batch hot sauces using locally grown peppers. This hobby-turned-heat is available occasionally—whenever he gets around to making a new batch.

  • Kristen Kinney

    Kristin Kinney is the Memories of the Heart Coordinator and quite possibly the busiest dog nanny in Vermilion County. She’s known for her caring heart, quick wit, and endless energy.

  • Jakob Dazey

    Jakob Dazey, owner of Dazey’s Hair Lab in Danville, has been cutting hair for 10 years and cooking even longer. He loves combining travel, food, and service to care for his community.

  • David Nicholson

    David Nicholson of Catlin, IL, is a proud recipient of the unofficial “Best Papa” award. He’s known for his love of family, good food, and making every gathering special.

  • Candice Della Sala

    Candice Della Sala, founder of Overflow Wellness LLC, is a wife, mother of four, and caregiver. Her passion for food wellness led to Grains of Grace, offering nutritious, all-natural baked goods by subscription.

  • Shirley Harlan

    Shirley Harlan, a semi-retired hair designer, has a longtime love of cooking. She enjoys hosting dinner parties and delights in cooking for friends on a regular—and delicious—basis.

  • Emily Stone

    Emily Stone, Program Coordinator at the Vermilion Housing Authority, attended culinary school after high school. Though no longer in food service, she still loves creating recipes and sharing meals with loved ones.

  • Con Bateman

    Con Bateman, President of Faulstich Printing, is proud to support the impactful work of United Way and its partner agencies, helping strengthen the community through service, collaboration, and generosity.

  • Jake Lazzell

    Jake Lazzell, Senior Controller at Ironclad Consulting Services, always brings a plan to his work—but not the kitchen. There, he enjoys improvising meals for his family without recipes or rules.

  • Pat O'Shaughnessy

    Pat O’Shaughnessy, retired small business owner, is a dedicated community supporter and proud grandpa. He’s known for lending a hand, sharing a laugh, and showing up for the people around him.

  • Michael Gregory

    Michael Gregory, former PepsiCo Finance exec and past owner of The Big Four, now works in real estate with FRIDY Realty. He enjoys Mediterranean and healthy cooking in his free time.

  • Shannon Smith

    Shannon Smith, Membership Coordinator at the Danville Family YMCA, loves making and enjoying comfort food. She treats recipes as flexible guides and lets the aroma of spices lead the way.

  • Jonathan Mason

    Jonathan Mason

    Jonathan Mason has been cooking professionally for 13 years. A two-time culinary graduate with experience in healthcare food service, he’s excited to showcase his skills and passion for great cooking.

  • Stevenson Harby

    Stevenson Harb, COUNTRY Financial Insurance Agent, is known for his air fryer finesse and expert cocktail mixing. He brings flavor and fun to gatherings with friends and clients alike.

  • Emre Ozmen

    Emre Ozmen, Director of Development at Earthrise Energy, has over a decade of experience in renewable energy. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, camping, exploring parks, and cooking great meals.

  • Jeff Saylor

    Jeff Saylor works in Human Resources at Ray O’Herron Co. Inc. He’s passionate about supporting people, building strong teams—and whipping up something tasty when he’s off the clock.