We're excited to see the field of competitors who have already won their golden ticket and registered to compete at the 2024 World Food Championships. And we are always proud to announce our special guests and celebrity judges participating in our judging events across the nation - we're sure the championship food certainly helps! Best of luck to our 2024 competitors!
COMPETITOR
Gladstones
HEAD COOK: Pete Lehmar
COMPETITION: World Seafood Championship
QUALIFYING EVENT: West Coast Chowder Cookoff
Prior to culinary school, like a lot of us, I started working in the restaurant business as a dishwasher, quickly moving to the cook line and as I was finishing high school I was all ready a kitchen manger for a small bistro. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, 1987, in Hyde Park, New York, I found myself at the famed Westgate Hotel in San Diego. From there I moved to Long Beach and worked at the 555 East Restaurant, Watergrill, Igugini and eventually an 8 year employ with McCormick and Schmick's Seafood restaurants in downtown Los Angeles and on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Today, I am with 'Gladstones for Fish' in Long Beach. I opened the store as Executive Chef and we are celebrating ten years next month. We have won numerous awards including Best Seafood Restaurant in Long Beach and surrounding cities by readers of the Press Telegram.