The Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food and Brew Festival took place at California State University, Channel Islands, on Sunday, June 1. In addition to the fine food and beverages available for attendees to sample, the event highlighted the exceptional skills of local chefs with the Yummie Culinary Competition.
Abdu Romero, Eric Kopelow, Adam Hart and Jason Collis. (Submitted)
Taking top honors this year were Chef Rafael Lopez of Santa Paula’s Parque 1055, who wowed judges with his pomegranate-braised short rib, and Clemente Baking Company’s Chef Craig Hurlbut with his citrus tea cake featuring spelt, whole pureed oranges, lemon and lime zest and a citrus glaze.
The 2025 Yummie judges were Masa Shimakawa of Soko sushi bar in Santa Monica, Jason Collins (World Central Kitchen), Alex Montoya (Nurifo Solutions), Abdu Romero (Birnam Wood Golf Club), Eric Kopelow (Cedarlane Natural Foods) and Adam Hart (The Bistro at Oxnard College). Judges rated each entry in the Sweet and Savory categories on taste, creativity and culinary technique.
“Competing in the Yummie Culinary Competition has been one of the highlights of my career, and it’s been an incredible honor to come full circle as a judge this year,” said Chef Montoya, formerly the executive chef at Water’s Edge Restaurant in Ventura and past winner of the Yummie Culinary Competition. “Stepping into this new role gave me a front-row seat to the amazing talent in our community and a renewed appreciation for the heart behind this event.”
Second and third place winners in the Savory category, respectively, were Chef Victor Melchor of Woodstock Farina (chicken mole pizza) and Chef Martin Ledesma of El Encanto (ahi wonton tostada). Chef Gina Stymacher of Camarillo Cupcakes took second place in the Sweet category with her s’more’s brownie, followed by third-place winner Chef Lisa Morris of Li More Cakes with a Lemoncello cupcake.
Proceeds from the Angels Wine, Food and Brew Festival support Casa Pacifica, which provides essential mental health services for at-risk youth and families throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
