A distinguished panel of culinary experts, industry insiders, and seasoned tastemakers will take on the challenge of selecting this year’s champions. From respected chefs and food critics to media personalities and influential voices in the dining scene, our esteemed judges bring a wealth of experience and discerning palates to the table. They will determine the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners for both Best Grill Master and Best Sweets Master. Meanwhile, guests will play an essential role, casting their votes with wooden chips to crown the People’s Choice winners for Best Florida Tacos, Best Florida Wings, and Best Florida Desserts. With so much culinary talent in one place, competition will be fierce, and the flavors will be unforgettable! Grab GA Experience Pass or VIP Experience Pass Tickets
We are proud to welcome back Hugh Sinclair, a.k.a. Chef Irie, as a judge! A long-time supporter and participant in our events since 2010, Chef Irie brings a wealth of culinary expertise and passion to the table.
Born in Jamaica and raised in New York, Hugh’s journey began in architecture, earning a B.S. from the University of Florida’s School of Architecture. However, his love for cooking led him to Johnson & Wales University, where he earned a degree in Culinary Arts and launched a dynamic career as a private chef, caterer, and TV personality.
As CEO and Executive Chef of Chef Irie Spice, Inc., he has catered to entertainers, athletes, and corporate elites across South Florida. He is also the president of Chef Irie’s Food On Fiyah Charities, dedicated to supporting local communities.
Chef Irie gained national recognition with his critically acclaimed PBS mini-series, Taste the Islands with Chef Irie, making history as the first Caribbean-born chef to headline a U.S. television cooking show. His Gourmand award-winning cookbook, Taste the Islands: Culinary Adventures in a Caribbean Kitchen, is available on Amazon.
A James Beard House alum, Chef Irie has showcased his culinary talents on the Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, and as a featured chef at premier events like SOBEWFF, Taste Jamaica, and Caribbean Chefs Take Over at the United Nations.
With a deep passion for Caribbean cuisine, he has been a guest chef at international festivals, including Bayfest (St. Lucia), St. Croix’s Food & Wine Festival, and Haiti’s Gout et Saveurs Lakay. He has also been specially invited as a guest chef on Holland America Cruise Lines.
Chef Irie continues to elevate the South Florida culinary scene, blending bold flavors with innovative techniques. Whether catering private events or representing Caribbean cuisine on a global stage, his influence is undeniable.
We’re thrilled to have Chef Irie back on the judging panel— get ready for an unforgettable experience!
As a proud Florida native, I’m the founder of Common Man Eats — an authentic food blog with a fun, laid-back vibe. Having traveled nearly every inch of the state in search of great eats, my mission is to showcase and support local food establishments while sharing my culinary adventures in an approachable and entertaining way. From the freshest seafood and the smallest dive bars to splurge-worthy fine dining spots, my love for food knows no bounds.
Growing up, my dad cooked homemade meals every night. He also worked as a concierge at a high-end hotel, often receiving VIP invites to some of the city’s finest restaurants. His meals — inspired by his experience as a teenage line cook — and his access to luxury dining gave me a unique appreciation for both comforting home-cooked dishes and refined, chef-driven cuisine. This blend of influences helped develop my wide-ranging palate and deepened my passion for food.
With Common Man Eats, I highlight Florida’s vibrant food scene, from hidden gems to local legends and everything in between. As a judge, I bring a flavorful and unique perspective — shaped by years of culinary exploration, diverse food experiences, and meaningful connections with fellow food lovers and local restaurateurs.
I’m looking forward to meeting my fellow judges and seeing the crowd enjoy every flavorful bite at this epic community event in downtown Boca Raton – Sanborn Square Park!
Robert Weinroth brings a wealth of leadership and civic experience to our judging panel, along with a deep appreciation for local cuisine and culinary events. A dedicated resident of Boca Raton, he served on the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners for District 4 beginning in 2018 and held the distinguished role of Mayor during his tenure.
Having previously judged the Boca Burger Battle, Robert is no stranger to South Florida’s most exciting food competitions. His discerning palate and dedication to the community make him a valued member of our Taco, Wing & Dessert judging team.
We’re proud to welcome Robert back to help crown the next champions as we continue our search for Florida’s top chefs at the most exciting culinary competitions in the state.
Michele Bellisari is the ultimate #SoooBoca foodie aficionado—a flavor-chasing, reservation-making, Boca-based blogger, video creator, and social media maven with a passion for all things delicious. Her wing obsession began at the iconic Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY, took flight at CJ’s in Gainesville during her University of Florida days (Go Gators!), and has only grown stronger here in Boca Raton and across South Florida.
As the founder of #SoooBoca Lifestyle & Media, Michele dishes out her foodie adventures on social media, spotlighting everything from hidden food truck gems to luxe five-star dining. For her, tacos are sacred, desserts are non-negotiable, and every bite is absolutely post-worthy.
While her family loves to cook, Michele proudly owns her role as the ultimate taste tester, local restaurant supporter, and queen of the perfectly timed takeout order. She’s also your go-to local Boca Raton Realtor with Real Broker LLC, always blending community, lifestyle, and a whole lot of flavor.
Today, she’s stepping up as a judge at the Florida Wing, Taco & Dessert Battle—fork in one hand, camera in the other, ready to find the next best foodie fabulousness to share with her followers and friends!
Ron Dimpflmaier, better known as @CptnRon302, is the official Pitmaster and YouTube personality for FOGO Charcoal, where he shares his deep-rooted passion for BBQ and live fire cooking with a global community of flavor seekers.
A proud Long Island native, Ron is also a certified Big Green Egg EGGspert and a dedicated member of #BGETeamGreen — Big Green Egg’s official ambassador team. Whether he’s lighting up lump charcoal or dropping next-level grilling tips, Ron brings unmatched energy, smoky flavor, and serious technique to every cook.
Catch him LIVE at this year’s Florida Tacos, Wings & Desserts Battle, where he’ll be judging the competition to the crown the Best Taco, Best Wing and Best Dessert Masters.
Want to keep up with his fiery adventures?
👉 Follow him on YouTube
👉 And on Instagram: @cptnron302
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2025 Florida Tacos, Wings & Desserts Battle – powered by BocaRaton.com & The Bites! Network