Meet the Guest Chefs

This year’s guest master chefs at the Napa Truffle Festival represent a variety of different regions and influences. From Texas comes Dean Fearing, from Chicago, Matthias Merges, both graduates of the Culinary Institute of America and all the way from Italy, Luca Veritti, a modern master from the ancient city of Venice.

Known as the “Father of Southwestern Cuisine,” guest chef Dean Fearing has spent his life cooking for people who love good food. After 20-plus years at The Mansion on Turtle Creek, he opened the highly acclaimed Fearing’s Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Dallas that boasts a popular interactive display kitchen. Exuberant and ever-friendly, he is a well-known television personality and the recipient of countless awards.

Chef Dean Fearing will be presenting a cooking demo as well as collaborating with chef Mark Caldwell from Davis Estates at the Winery Truffle Lunch on Sunday January 15, 2017. He will also be participating in the Truffles & Wine Dinner on Saturday January 14th, 2017.

Prolific and innovative, guest master chef Matthias Merges runs a group of exciting restaurants in the Chicago area, including Japanese-inspired Yusho (with a new location in Las Vegas); Billy Sunday, reminiscent of speakeasies; and A10, featuring the simple and delicious food of the small restaurants lining the A-10 motorway linking Italy to France. Merge also offers a culinary approach to beverages.

Chef Matthias Merges will be collaborating with Nickel & Nickel chef Trevor Eliason for the Winery Truffle Lunch & Wine Pairing on Saturday January 14th, 2017. He will also be participating in the Truffles & Wine Dinner on Saturday January 14th, 2017.

Versatile and creative, guest master chef Luca Veritti transforms food into stories, colors and compositions. Elaborating on traditions and styles, he ushered in a new culinary concept he calls Tracontemporary cuisine. This honors the beloved foods of Italy with an eye to contemporaneity, expressing them both in colorful, unexpected geometric forms with an invitation to delight in the experience.

Chef Luca Veritti will be participating in the Truffles & Wine Dinner on Saturday January 14th, 2017.