Jolie Coronado Crowned 2023 Chef of the Fest at the 19th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Grand Tasting

The annual Chef of the Fest competition at the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival® Grand Tasting brings top San Diego chefs head-to-head in a fierce culinary competition.

Each year, Chef of the Fest continues to highlight outstanding local chefs, a high level of culinary artisanship, and use of new and exquisite flavors.This year brought the return of the People’s Choice Award where Chef of the Fest competitors were subject to the critiques of Grand Tasting attendees – affluent consumers of food, wine and luxury goods.

The title of 2023 Chef of the Fest went to Chef Jason Witzl with Jolie, for his flavorful Shrimp and Melon Salad dish (poached shrimp, heirloom melon, serrano chili, cucumber, fresh mint, crème fraîche vinaigrette, crispy quinoa).

“I’m beyond humbled to win this year’s Chef of the Fest at the prestigious San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival,” said Chef/owner Jason Witzl of Jolie. “It meant the world to me to have the Festival attendees vote for us, especially with the level of talented chefs also vying for the award. The positive feedback from the crowd about our shrimp and melon salad was incredible to hear. The dish provides a range of texture, flavor and spice that has become a customer favorite at Jolie Coronado. The shrimp and melon pairs beautifully with the crunch of the crispy quinoa, slight kick of heat from the serrano chili pepper and balanced with the creme fraiche, bringing it all together for a refreshing bite.”

Second place was awarded to Chef Adrian Covarrubias with Loews Coronado Bay Resort for his two featured dishes:
– Short Rib Arancini, smoked gouda, truffle aioli, and shaved Italian truffle
– Dungeness crab, Maine lobster, sweet shrimp, and cognac creme

Third place was Chef Humberto Suarez with The Blind Burro for his Quesabirria Machete: (birria, salsa verde, avocado, onion, cilantro, Oaxaca, manchego) with Birria Consomé on the side.

Chefs placing first, second, and third in the Chef of the Fest competition were awarded in cash: $5,000 First Place, $2,000 Second Place, $1,000 Third Place.