Special Guests
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The Remixologists |
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After a decade of rocking parties and clubs in NYC and Philadelphia, most recently Marquee/Griffin/Soho Grand/Susie Wong's/Crimson, the DJs of The Remixologists now specialize in spinning weddings, bringing their versatile mixing skills and genuine excitement to a more personal setting as they formulate the ideal soundtrack for any bride & groom and their guests to dance the night away! Representing The Remixologists,DJ 9-Volt will be bringing the party to Taste of Success. |
Joe (Chef JJ) Johnson
Taste of Success is proud to host Chef JJ who will be sampling one of his signature dishes in the Madeira Suite!
Recently, Chef JJ was the first winner of Rocco’s Dinner Party competition, which aired on Bravo
Television Network. With his amazing charm and high confidence it was very easy for viewers
to take a liking to him. Chef JJ is currently displaying his culinary talents in an executive dining institute
while hosting events, and teaching others to live a healthy lifestyle..
In the midst of his busy schedule, Chef JJ has also cooked for individuals such as Sue Phillips, owner of
Scenter Prises, Governor Patterson, lucratives of Hillary Clinton and also the CEO of Perry Ellis. Chef JJ
also makes guest appearances at various food and wine festivals in Newport and Hartford.
In an effort to get individuals more conscious of what they put into their bodies and to increase
awareness of childhood obesity, Chef JJ is working on a television show called Kids Love Cooking with
Chef JJ. In the filming of the show, Chef JJ works with children to teach them various techniques on
how to eat healthier. Chef JJ believes food is an expression and cooking is the greatest stimulator. He
incorporates local ingredients, modern cooking techniques, and laces them with a sense of love and
humor..
Chef John B
Chef John B will be back this year! We are thrilled to have snagged this talented executive chef TWO years in a row! All guests will enjoy samples of one of Chef John B's signature dishes!
Chef John Berninzoni got his start at an early age as he grew up surrounded by a family of great cooks. His
parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles instilled his passion for
cooking; and growing up much of his free time was spent in the kitchen. By six years old he was
the family star holiday gnocchi maker; his little fingers shaped the gnocchi just right; of course,
this was short lived until his younger brother’s fingers were just the right size and he got
promoted to more tedious sous chef jobs.
Chef John B attributes his diverse heritage of: Mexican, Native American and Italian lineage as
the foundation of his cooking. Genoa, Calabria, Mexico City and the South Dakota Black Hills
Reservations have influenced the way he feels about the importance of food, their flavors and
the inherent value of sharing a meal. Mexican and Italian influenced dishes were often coexisting
on the table; bringing the two sides of his family together.
“Heritage Cooking,” as he likes to call it, inspires Chef John B to take traditional cooking
techniques and flavors from the old country and blend them with a modern, fresh twist; creating
new and exciting dishes. He relishes in the ability to bring people together to share a great meal;
something he believes nourishes the body and spirit.
After receiving his Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts, he moved forward to his formal culinary
training in New York at the Institute of Culinary Education. For his exceptional culinary
leadership and creativity, he won a scholarship and was noted for his accomplishments at the
leadership conference for Share Our Strength, the landmark charity in Ending Childhood
Hunger.
After cooking side by side with the infamous David Waltuck, owner and Executive Chef of
Chanterelle, a New York City restaurant legend, Chef John B now creates fabulous dishes daily
for the top executives in Manhattan.
Chef John B’s catering business is revered and sought after by some of New York City’s most
successful and interesting people, including Gotham Magazine’s Top 40 Most Eligible Bachelors;
Mathew Blesso, who recently hosted a “Summers Night Eve” fundraiser for the World Wide
Orphans Foundation.
Gianni Russo
Meet Gianni Russo, the actor best known for his role in The Godfather, and sample prosecco from his line of wines in the VIP Lounge!
Although remembered most for his portrayal of Carlo Rizzi in The Godfather, his first acting job, his career has spanned more than 40 films including such hits as The Freshman, Rush Hour, Any Given Sunday and Seabiscuit.
Today, Mr. Russo can be seen at various locations including Le Cirque, Lorenzo's at the Hilton and other venues performing songs from his debut CD "Reflections." Reflections paid homage to such legendary singers as Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.
His follow up CD was released in June 2010, and his self titled wine label Gianni Russo Wines launched nationally in 2009.
Mr. Russo currently resides in New York.
Photographers
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