Talent | Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival

Join us in Paradise in 2026

Meet the talent

Enjoy unique dishes, celebrity-led cooking demonstrations, and immersive food experiences, all set in the beautiful Paradise Island Resort.

Rachael Ray

Rachael Ray is an Emmy Award–winning television personality, celebrated chef, bestselling author, and entrepreneur who has transformed the way America cooks and connects around food. Known for her approachable 30-minute meals and down-to-earth charm, Ray built an empire that spans television, publishing, and product lines—all infused with her trademark energy and warmth. Her hit programs, including The Rachael Ray Show and 30 Minute Meals, have made her a household name and an enduring force in culinary entertainment. Beyond the spotlight, Ray is a dedicated philanthropist and advocate, founding organizations that support food education, animal rescue, and community empowerment. With her infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for bringing people together, Rachael Ray continues to inspire millions to find joy in cooking, sharing, and living well.

Tom Colicchio

Tom Colicchio is a James Beard Award–winning chef, restaurateur, and culinary icon whose influence has shaped modern American dining. As the founder of Craft and several acclaimed restaurants, he’s known for his philosophy of simple, ingredient-driven cooking that highlights purity, flavor, and craftsmanship. Beyond the kitchen, Colicchio serves as the head judge on Top Chef, mentoring a new generation of culinary talent, and is a passionate advocate for food policy, sustainability, and hunger relief. His dedication to excellence and integrity has made him one of the most respected voices in the culinary world.

Michael Symon

Michael Symon is a celebrated chef known for his bold, soulful cooking influenced by his Greek and Sicilian roots. Hailing from Cleveland, Michael has made his mark with restaurants like Mabel’s BBQ, Bar Symon, and Angeline. He shares his approachable style and infectious personality on Food Network’s Symon’s Dinners and BBQ USA. Over his career, he has earned accolades, including being named a Best New Chef by Food & Wine in 1998 and winning a James Beard Award for Best Chef Great Lakes in 2009.

Beyond the kitchen, Michael’s television career has spanned decades, beginning with his debut on Food Network in 1998. He went on to win The Next Iron Chef in 2008 and co-hosted The Chew for seven seasons, earning Daytime Emmys. Michael has authored several successful cookbooks, including Live to Cook and Fix It with Food, which addresses autoimmune issues. His latest release, Simply Symon’s Suppers, offers over 150 dinner recipes. When not cooking, Michael enjoys golf, gardening, and spending time with his family.

Antonia Lofaso

Chef Antonia Lofaso is a celebrated culinary powerhouse whose bold flavors and charismatic presence have made her a standout in the world of modern dining. A graduate of the prestigious French Culinary Institute, she has built an empire of acclaimed restaurants including Scopa Italian Roots, DAMA, and Black Market Liquor Bar, each reflecting her creative spirit and deep respect for ingredients. Known for her memorable appearances on Top Chef, Restaurant Startup, and The Bachelorette, Lofaso brings both skill and heart to everything she does. Beyond her success as a chef and restaurateur, she is a mentor, author, and inspiration to countless young cooks, celebrated for her authenticity, strength, and relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.

Ian Kittichai

Chef Ian Kittichai is an internationally acclaimed Thai chef, restaurateur, and innovator known for redefining modern Thai cuisine across the globe. With a career spanning award-winning restaurants in Bangkok, New York, and beyond, he masterfully blends traditional Thai flavors with contemporary techniques and global influences. A pioneer in bringing Thai fine dining to the world stage, Kittichai continues to inspire with his artistry and vision. Most recently, his pop-up Thai restaurant Ko Sa Wan at Atlantis Paradise Island showcases his signature balance of elegance, authenticity, and bold flavor offering guests a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Glenn Rolnick

Chef Glenn Rolnick was born and raised in Rockland County, New York, where he first gained cooking experience during his preteen years, preparing meals for his family while his parents worked. His dishes received rave “family reviews,” and soon he began catering small neighborhood functions.

Recognizing his talent, Rolnick worked at a bakery during high school and community college. After earning an Associate’s Degree from Rockland Community College, he enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America, where his peers voted him “most likely to succeed.” After graduating, Rolnick landed his dream job at the Hotel Carlyle in New York City, quickly advancing to Sous Chef within six months. He later became Executive Sous Chef at the United Nations Plaza Hotel, overseeing dining rooms, banquets, events, and room service, cooking for world leaders and dignitaries.

For the past 20 years, Chef Rolnick has been Director of Culinary Operations for the Alicart Restaurant Group. He has appeared on Good Morning America, Fox News, and PIX11, and been featured in Time Magazine, The New York Times, and Food Arts Magazine. He has styled food shoots for Gourmet Magazine and The New York Post, and been heard on Martha Stewart Radio and Z100 Elvis Duran’s Morning Show.

jj johnson

JJ Johnson is an award-winning Chef, TV Personality, and Author. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including a James Beard Foundation Award for the best American cookbook for Between Harlem and Heaven. He has also been featured on multiple television shows, including Food Network’s Chopped, Netflix’s Street Food, and has his television show called Just Eats with Chef JJ on TV One's network Cleo TV.

JJ founded the quick-casual rice bowl shop Fieldtrip, which has taken NYC by storm with 4 locations and the newest location at Atlantis Paradise Island. JJ believes some of the most dynamic cultures are linked to rice, and with America being a diverse nation, we all grew up within a "rice culture." Henceforth the slogan, “Rice is Culture" at Fieldtrip.

Aaron Sanchez

Renowned for his bold flavors and deep connection to Latin culinary traditions, Chef Aarón Sánchez stands as one of the most dynamic and influential figures in today’s food world. His passion for storytelling through food shines in every dish, blending authentic Mexican heritage with modern creativity and flair. As a judge on MasterChef and the visionary behind Johnny Sánchez restaurant, he brings heart, culture, and artistry to the plate. Beyond his culinary achievements, Sánchez is a devoted mentor and philanthropist, using his foundation to provide education and opportunities for aspiring Latino chefs, ensuring the next generation continues to rise and redefine the culinary landscape.

José Andrés

Named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” in both 2012 and 2018 and awarded “Outstanding Chef” and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation, José Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, New York Times bestselling author, educator, television personality, humanitarian and founder of World Central Kitchen, and chef/owner of José Andrés Group.

A pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States, he is also known for his groundbreaking avant-garde cuisine and his award-winning group of restaurants. Located in The Cove at Atlantis, Fish by José Andrés pays creative homage to traditional Bahamian cuisine and the ocean that surrounds the islands. The menu highlights sustainable Bahamian fishing practices and features the freshest possible seafood, such as local Bahamian conch and lionfish.

michael white

Michael White is an award-winning chef, TV personality, author, and restauranteur who recently opened Paranza at Atlantis. Most recently, he also opened Lido Restaurant at The Four Seasons at The Surfside Club in Miami. For The Lambs Club relaunch this year, Chef White partnered with Grand Tour Hospitality, whose notable team is behind some of New York City’s most popular destinations like American Bar and Saint Theo’s, and The Lambs Club founding partner David Rabin (Sona, Temple Bar, and American Bar).

In 2023, Michael White opened, Paranza at the iconic Bahamian resort, Atlantis Paradise Island. A love letter to Italy, the menu is an innovative expression of Italian regional cuisines with a focus on seafood. Chef White will join chefs Nobu Matsuhisa (Nobu) and José Andrés (Fish) in establishing Atlantis as the only resort destination in the region with three Michelin star-rated chefs.

Sugar Ray

Sugar Ray is a multi-platinum rock band whose signature blend of pop, rock, and breezy California spirit helped define the sound of the late ’90s and early 2000s. Fronted by the magnetic Mark McGrath, the band skyrocketed to fame with chart-topping anthems like Fly, Every Morning, Someday, and When It’s Over, earning them international acclaim and a devoted fan base. Known for their infectious energy, playful charm, and sun-soaked sound, Sugar Ray continues to light up stages around the world, bringing audiences together through music that feels timeless, joyful, and unapologetically fun. From beach festivals to major concert tours, their performances are a celebration of nostalgia, good vibes, and the enduring magic of rock and roll.

Tony Abou-Ganim

Tony Abou-Ganim is widely regarded as one of the pioneering and leading bar professionals in the world. He has made dozens of national TV appearances on shows including TODAY, Iron Chef America, Good Morning America, CNBC, Fox News and more. Abou-Ganim is the author of The Modern Mixologist: Contemporary Classic Cocktails (Agate, 2010) which offers readers an in-depth look into spirits and ingredients available to today’s mixologist, both professional and amateur alike.

In 1998, Abou-Ganim was selected by Steve Wynn to develop the cocktail program at Bellagio Las Vegas. He not only implemented his philosophy of bartending and drink preparation, stressing both quality ingredients and proper technique, but also created several original cocktails for the resorts 22 bars. In 2002, he won the Bacardi Martini World Grand Prix – one of only two Americans to ever win this title.