Sam the Cooking Guy Crowned 2022 Chef of the Fest at the 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.

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 2022 Chef of the Fest award went to Chef Sam Zien, also known as Sam the Cooking Guy, with Graze by Sam, for his mouthwatering Italian Beef ciabatta sandwich. The slow braised oxtail Italian beef sat atop a toasted ciabatta bread topped with garlic aioli, giardiniera, and a decadent dipping jus.

“We had so much fun at the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, we would have been happy even without the win!” said Chef Sam Zien. “Gavin Mill, our Director of Culinary, pushed us into this and really took the lead on this which we are so grateful for. Each one of us loves what we do and hope it shows. We can’t wait for next year.”

Second-place was awarded to Chef Josue Baca-Gutierrez with Death by Tequila and tied for third-place was Chef Rafael Corniel with ALBACA and Chef Quinnton Austin with Coco Maya by Miss B’s.

The Chef of the Fest competition continues to highlight outstanding local chefs, a high level of culinary artisanship, and use of new and exquisite flavors.