Celebrity Chef: Patrick O’Halloran
Executive Chef, The Deliciouser
Patrick O’Halloran is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin native who’s been cooking for the past 30 years. He started his training as a chef’s apprentice with chef Scott Shully of Shully’s catering. O’Halloran studied culinary arts at Milwaukee Area Technical College and has spent time cooking in Switzerland, Italy, Mexico, England, Portugal, Spain and France. In 2000, he purchased Lombardino’s Restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin where he served as partner and executive chef from 2000-2022.
O’Halloran now serves as executive chef, partner and chief spice curator for The Deliciouser, a small batch, hand crafted spice blending business in Madison. In his spare time, he loves to travel, cook and eat with family and friends.
Celebrity Chef & Emcee: Luke Zahm
Chef/Owner, The Driftless Cafe and Host, Wisconsin Foodie
Luke Zahm grew up in La Farge, Wisconsin. He opened “The Driftless Cafe” which became the stage for an ever-changing menu of local foods, showcasing farmers from the region. Zahm was named a two-time Edible Madison “Local Hero Award” Winner and a 2017 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef Midwest. He also has spent time in Washington D.C. lobbying Tom Colicchio’s “Plate of the Union” campaigns.
Zahm also is a beloved television personality. He hosts Wisconsin Foodie, an Emmy® Award-winning television series dedicated to discovering the stories behind the food we eat.
Vintner: Cynthia Lohr
Co-Owner/Chief Brand Officer, J. Lohr
As the daughter of California wine pioneer Jerry Lohr, Cynthia Lohr spent part of her youth in the vineyards and cellars, absorbing aspects of the wine industry firsthand. As an adult, she chose her own path, establishing a reputation for excellence in strategic marketing communications and brand and business development. In 2002, she joined the family business as director of communications for J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines; in 2019, she was named chief brand officer.
Her efforts led to J. Lohr being recognized as the 2010 “American Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. She is also responsible for the J. Lohr Touching Lives program, which has helped fund more than 8,000 mammograms for women in need.
Cheesemaker: Pam Hodgson
Master Cheesemaker, Sartori®
If anyone could be considered the paragon for cheesemaking in Plymouth, Wisconsin, it’s Sartori’s Pam Hodgson. Hodgson’s family have been farmers in the area since the 1840s, and their legacy of cheesemaking dates to her grandfather. Though she initially wanted to follow in her parents’ footsteps managing a dairy farm, looking back it almost seems fated that she would join the exclusive ranks of the Master Cheesemakers of Wisconsin.
Hodgson is one of only two women Master Cheesemakers in the world. She leads the team at Sartori in developing and launching award-winning products, including Sartori® Cheddars (MontAmore®, Old World, Farmhouse and Heritage).
Auctioneer: Daven Claerbout
Daven Claerbout is a life-long resident of Oostburg, Wisconsin and graduate of Oostburg High School, Hope College in Holland, Michigan and the World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa, He is the Director of Business Development at Dutchland Plastics, a division of Tank Holding Corp. Annually, Claerbout auctions and/or emcees at over 50 non-profit events.