Ellie Krieger

New York Times bestselling author and host of the Food Network's hit show "Healthy Appetite," now on the Cooking Channel, Ellie's warmth and charisma have made her the leading go-to nutritionist with a lifestyle emphasis.  She offers real life advice without the gimmicks and crash diets that fill the media today.  As a registered dietician, Ellie educates others on eating healthy in a realistic, delicious, and easy way.

Ellie will be presenting on the Meijer Food Stage on SATURDAY - CLICK HERE for the complete schedule

Immediately following her demonstration, Ellie will host a book signing in the Meijer Booth Area from 4pm - 5pm, showcasing her latest title:  Comfort Food Fix.  You may also purchase a copy of her book at the Meijer Booth Area.

John Concannon

John is a fourth generation vintner of the Concannon Vineyard.  Growing up, he worked in every aspect of the winery, from the vineyards to the bottling line to the tasting room.  He is passionate about environmental stewardship and the preservation of Concannon's heritage through sustainable vineyard practices, green technology and community leadership.  John is currently the president of P.S. I Love You, a national Petite Sirah Advocacy group, part of the management and winemaking teams at Concannon Vineyards, and travels the country speaking on behalf of the winery and wine industry.

John will be presenting at the Wine, Beer & Spirits Seminar Stage C - CLICK HERE for the complete schedule

WINE, BEER & SPIRITS SEMINAR STAGES

These tutored seminars will showcase wines from specific countries and regions.  Joe Borrello of Tasters Guild International will host our wine stage and conduct seminars and tastings along with specialists from other esteemed organizations, attracting both wine connoisseurs and adventurous novices to the world of wines, beers and spirits.

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE WINE, BEER & SPIRITS SEMINAR SCHEDULE

Sponsored by Michigan Radio and Tasters Guild International

Michael Schafer

Michael is a charismatic wine educator, consultant and sommelier who entertains while teaching.  His humorous and fun approach to wine is reflected in his trademark phrase, "I taste bad wine so you don't have to."  Michael has studied wine around the world for over 25 years.  He has been featured on CNN, ABC, WTVS-public television, the Detroit News and the Oakland Press.  As an instructor at the International Culinary School of the Art Institute of Michigan, he teaches classes in Viticulture & Enology and in Food & Beverage Operations Management.  Michael judges in international competitions and has taught classes with Madame Charity Suczek at Le Petite Cordon Bleu School of Haute Cuisine.  He is also a board member of the Detroit Wine Organization, which is a non-profit group dedicated to wine education and children's charities.

Michael will be presenting at Wine, Beer & Spirits Seminar Stage E - CLICK HERE for the complete schedule

Fred Bueltmann

Fred is a Beervangelist and Partner at the New Holland Brewing Company and Past-President of the Michigan Brewers Guild.  He is responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing the brewery's approach to market, or as he likes to put it, "bringing beer to the people".  In his past 17 plus years in the world of beer, Fred has pursued his passion for discovering, renovating and presenting beer pairings and recipes.  An avid home-cook, Fred encourages you to uncover what eating and drinking can do for one another. 

Fred will be presenting at Wine, Beer & Spirits Seminar Stage D - CLICK HERE for the complete schedule

MEIJER FOOD STAGE

Learn the latest in culinary trends and techniques.  Attend our complimentary seminars on the Meijer Food Stage where experts will share the latest in preparation, plating, variety and flavors!  Don't miss this opportunity to take in our diverse line-up of speakers.  You will be given the expertise to WOW your holiday guests and entertain all year long.

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE MEIJER FOOD STAGE SEMINAR SCHEDULE

The Meijer Food Stage will be furnished by Williams Kitchen

Amanda Leatherman

"The Fresh Chef" Amanda Leatherman is an independent business owner and native of Grand Rapids who attended the Culinary Arts School at Grand Rapids Community College.  She offers personal, in-home chef services, whether it's a whole week of prepared fresh meals of just a few evenings' worth.  In a world that is constantly pressing us to rush, rush, rush, Amanda encourages you to take a moment with your family to stop and enjoy the purity and freshness of an in-season, locally sourced, healthy meal in the comfort or your own home.

Amanda will be presenting on the Meijer Food Stage -  CLICK HERE for the complete schedule

Shari Steinbach, Tina Miller and Kristen Johnson

Shari, Tina and Kristen serve as Meijer spokespersons on food and nutrition issues and they conduct regular media spots on several Michigan, Ohio and Indiana TV stations, as well as numerous presentations to community groups and professional organizations.  Their timely nutrition and food product information is distributed through a variety of educational brochures and on their popular website, meijermealbox.com.  The goal of Healthy Living is to help consumers live healthier with easy and affordable recipes and solutions.

Shari, Tina and Kristen will present on the Meijer Food Stage - CLICK HERE for the complete schedule

Angus Campbell

A City and Guilds Master Craftsman, with over 29 years of experience, Chef Angus Campbell was born and raised on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland.  Beginning his professional career, Chef Campbell worked at the Bahamas Hotel Training College where he became the Department Chair for their Culinary Arts Department before moving to Grand Rapids where he currently teaches in the Culinary Arts program as Chef-Instructor in the Heritage Restaurant for Lunch Service.

Angus will be presenting at the Food Workshop Stage throughout the Festival - CLICK HERE for the complete schedule

David Stanley

David Stanley has over 20 years of professional experience in fine wines, specialty beverages and quality foods.  At the young age of 15, he had his first unglamorous step in the field as a bus boy for a local restaurant.  After graduation he took his years of kitchen experience west working for a bustling winery in Napa, California, where he was "bit by the bug" and became a consummate foodie and beverage enthusiast.  David moved on to take a Food & Beverage Manager position with a prominent hotel chain in Oregon, which gave him the chance to bring his passion for well paired food and beverage to the public at large.  David eventually made his way back to Grand Rapids where he spent a few years working in the wine and beverage retail field downtown before returning to restaurant management for several years.  He joined the Meijer team in 2007 as the Wine & Beverage Steward.  David will be speaking on both the Meijer Food Stage and the Wine, Beer & Spirits Stages.

MEIJER FOOD STAGE SEMINAR SCHEDULE

WINE, BEER & SPIRITS SEMINAR SCHEDULE

Ray Sierengowski

Chef Ray Sierengowski is one of the most innovative and recognizable Research Chefs working today and is as renowned for his well honed culinary skills as he is for his food science knowledge.  A native of Michigan, Sierengowski holds degrees in Culinary Arts and Food Science and has created products for Kellogg's, Vienna Beef, Sara Lee, and others.  He is a food writer for culinary and food science trade magazines and author of both Fire in the Kitchen: A Cookbook for Couples, and the soon to be released The Step by Step Chef.  Chef Ray is the Corporate Research Chef for Meijer and leads the food science and Culinary Innovation Team.

Ray will be presenting on the Meijer Food Stage - CLICK HERE for the complete schedule