NHS 2025 CELEBRITY CHEF COOK-OFF
Proudly sponsored by Monument
Hosted by Chuck’s Flavor Train
Chefs representing NHS exhibitors will go head-to-head in the NHS Backyard, competing for best slider and tastiest appetizer for a panel of judges.
Calling all fans of food, fun, and friendly competition! The exciting NHS Cook-off returns in 2025. Chefs representing exhibitors in our BBQ & Grilling category will go head-to-head in the NHS Backyard to see who has mastered the ultimate slider and appetizer. All attendees are invited to join in on the action from start to finish and enjoy some mouth-watering samples prepared by some of the world’s most gifted grillers!
The Celebrity Chef Cook-Off will take place on Wednesday, March 19 from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM. Stick around from 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM to witness the judging ceremony and see who will be crowned the winner! This event is free for everyone to attend and enjoy.
MEET THE HOST!
Chef and Social Media Star - Chuck's Flavor Train
Chuck Matto, conductor of Chucks FlavorTrain is a self-taught BBQ pitmaster. He grew up in Napa where his culinary journey began. With a flair for fire and flavors and a personality to match, Chuck has showcased his skills on The Cooking Channels "Fire Masters" and battled his way to the finals on Season 4 of Food Networks "BBQ Brawl". With over 3.5 million followers across social media, Chuck's innovative approach to BBQ ignites a passion for grilling in every dish he creates.
2025 Cook-Off Participants
Participating Companies and Chefs:
Meet the Judges:
Tony Ramirez
TFTI BBQ - Social Media Marketing | Content Creator | Influencer
My name is Tony Ramirez, aka Tone or TFTI BBQ on social media. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, and raised in the Bay Area CA, I’ve spent over 15 years perfecting my backyard barbecue skills through trial, error, and passion. What started in 2021 as sharing BBQ posts online has become a full-time career w/ over 3M followers. Now, I’m proud to add “author” to my journey with my new cookbook, Backyard BBQ with Fire and Spice.
Kathryn Emery
TV Host, Product Presenter, Home Improvement & Lifestyle Expert
With 20+ years of experience in the home improvement and lifestyle industry, Kathryn Emery is a passionate, vivacious, and knowledgeable expert who helps people create their best home space with confidence and fun. She is the founder of BeTheBestHome.com, a company that provides media and content services for home-related products, trends, innovations, trade shows and retail events. Kathryn spent 17 years in house at Home Depot telling products stories. Kathryn is a versatile and engaging storyteller who can be seen on stage, on screen, online, and in print. She can be found on social media as @kathrynemerytv
Chris Binotto
Executive Chef
Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Chris Binotto is the visionary owner of Embers & Ash. Raised by his mother, a former Food and Beverage Director at the Disneyland Hotel, Chris developed a deep appreciation for hospitality and culinary excellence at an early age. Over the years, Chef Binotto has honed his craft under some of the industry’s most esteemed talents, including Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and James Beard Award winner Jimmy Schmidt. He worked for celebrity Chef Graham Elliot, playing a pivotal role in achieving two consecutive Michelin Stars and securing the Forbes Five-Star Award at the prestigious Montage Laguna Beach. Chris has showcased his culinary prowess on Food Network’s hit shows Chopped and BBQ Brawl, with more exciting appearances on the horizon. His work has been featured in two cookbooks and celebrated by renowned publications such as Forbes, FoodBeast, Eater, and LA Weekly, among others. Chef Binotto continues to push the boundaries of fire-driven cuisine, blending innovation with a passion for authentic flavors.
Dan Correa
Papa Dan's BBQ
Hi, I’m Dan Correa, the heart and hands behind Papa Dan’s BBQ. I grew up in Vallejo, California, in the vibrant Bay Area, where I was lucky to be surrounded by a melting pot of cultural foods from around the world. My BBQ journey started about 10-15 years ago, grilling and smoking for family and friends. What began as a passion turned into a calling a few years ago when I decided to showcase my cooking on social media after some encouragement from a few close friends.. Since then, the adventure has been incredible—I’ve met amazing people, traveled across the country, and shared my love for BBQ while learning from talented cooks across the United States and beyond. For me, BBQ is more than just food; it’s about connection. Food and fire have the unique power to bring people together, turning friends into family. At Papa Dan’s BBQ, that’s exactly what we aim to do—celebrate great flavors and create unforgettable moments.
Rob Conrado Jr
Stayrootedbbq
A passionate cook dedicated to blending unique flavors to create dishes everyone can enjoy. Inspired by my close friend Tone (TFTIBBQ), I embarked on a media journey to share my love for cooking and the art of BBQ with the world.
There are 2 categories for this competition: Sliders and Appetizer. Each item will be judged separately, then all points will be added together to determine who the Grand Champion will be.
- 1st prize best slider - Winner gets $ 5,000
- 2nd prize best slider - Winner gets $ 3,000
- 3rd prize best slider - winner gets $1,000
- Best Appetizer - Winner gets $1,000
Raffle Alert! Win Big at the Cook-Off!
Tickets will be available at registration and drawings will take place from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM.
Enter the raffle for the chance to win the following items:
- GRAND PRIZE: Monument Grills Denaili 605Pro Propane Gas Grill (estimated retail value of $899!)
- Wooden handled grilling brushes - Brushtech
- Thermometer - Chefstemp
- Sauce and rub, shirt - Bone Sucking
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
Open to U.S. residents of 50 US & DC, 18+ years. Limit 1 entry per person. Odds depend on # of elig. entries. Begins 10:45 AM; ends 2:30 PM 3/19/25.
Official rules at nhs2025.com/cook-off-raffle
2024 NHS CELEBRITY CHEF COOK-OFF RECAP
The 2024 NHS Celebrity Chef Cook-Off, sponsored by Cuisinart Outdoors and hosted by Chuck Matto of ChucksFlavorTrain, took place in the NHS Backyard during the Show. NHS exhibitors appointed chefs to compete, each tasked with cooking their best slider and appetizer.
When the allotted time was up, each competitor presented their dishes to a panel of judges. The competitors with the highest rated dishes walked away with a cash prize and bragging rights – so the stakes were high!
Winners were:
- 3rd Place: Chef Robbie Rensel representing East Oak
- 2nd Place and Best Appetizer: Chef Christopher Joe representing Cuisinart Outdoors
- 1st Place: Chef Steven O'Neill representing Bryson Industries, Inc.
2023 NHS CELEBRITY CHEF COOK-OFF RECAP
Each chef presented their sliders and side dishes to the panel of judges who tasted and scored based on Flavor, Creativity, and Presentation. While the competition was tough, only three chefs could walk away victorious and one as the grand prize winner.
Coming in 3rd place and walking away with a $1,000 cash prize was Matt Lott, representing Blackstone.
In 2nd place were the infamous Grill Dads, Ryan Fey and Mark Anderson, representing SharkNinja. They received a $3,000 cash prize.
And finally, the 1st place grand prize was awarded to Tim Scheer, representing BluesHog! Tim also won the award for Best Appetizer, amounting to $6,000 in cash prizes (fun fact: Tim also won 1st place in the 2022 NHS Celebrity Chef Cook-Off!).
If you’re an exhibitor in the grilling space interested in getting involved with the NHS Celebrity Chef Cook-Off, please reach out directly to your sales representative for more info.