
Gala Chef Rick Bayless
Chef Rick Bayless is a seven-time James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur and television host, best known for his acclaimed PBS series "Mexico—One Plate at a Time" and his role as the winner of "Top Chef Masters." Dedicated to spreading the joys of authentic Mexican cuisine, he has earned international recognition for his Chicago restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Topolobampo and the iconic Frontera Grill. Beyond the kitchen, he is a dedicated philanthropist, founding the Frontera Farmer Foundation to support small Midwestern farms.