2026 Brisket Judges
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Tyler DellaRatta
Entreprenuer and owner of Morning Mugs Coffee in Otterbein and Locust Point; formerly in tech sales but now lives to brighten each customer’s day with Baltimore's best coffee and a fun experience.
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Rey Eugenio
Owner/chef of The Heritage Kitchen; formally trained through the Commercial Arts and Culinary Management program and Marriott Hotels internship; former executive chef at The Ritz Carlton, Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, and Ouzo Bay; travels the world to cook for distinguished figures including Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey; lives in Pigtown with wife Julie and three sons, Gavin, Levi and Kai.
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Kevin Irish
Co-owner of The Local Fry, a Baltimore-based restaurant concept featuring globally inspired fries, wings, sandwiches, and rice bowls; co-owner of Bar Alice Anne in Fells Point, blending Korean and Irish culinary influences in an elevated neighborhood bar setting; Irish native whose international food adventures with wife and business partner Liz have helped shape their distinctive approach to Baltimore’s dining scene.
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Liz Irish
Co-owner of The Local Fry, a Baltimore-born, globally inspired restaurant concept known for its creative flavor combinations and award-winning fries; co-owner of Bar Alice Anne in Fells Point, serving elevated bar food inspired by Korean and Irish traditions; creator of Toki Tako, a Korean-American concept celebrating her Korean heritage; passionate about sharing new food experiences and connecting people through food.
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Melanie Kerr
Owner/chef of Chauncey's, Baltimore's leading boutique catering and event planning company, graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology in Hospitality and Restaurant management and Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute; featured chef on the Food Network’s CHOPPED; winner of the Plate It Baltimore; chef for Coachella Music Festival; adjunct professor at Morgan State University in Baking and Pastry; featured chef for MD Foodbank's Weekend Backpacks charity events