The Lineup You’ve Been Waiting For
Meet the 2026 FLX West Demo Chefs...
The Lineup You’ve Been Waiting For🐄 Purely NY: From Pasture to Plate Elevating Local Beef with Fan-Favorite Chef RJ
Robert J. Younger, affectionately known as Chef RJ, is a dedicated Firefighter with the Henrietta Fire District. Alongside his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being as a firefighter, he also pursues his passion for the culinary arts. Chef RJ serves as a culinary instructor at The New York Kitchen, where he imparts his extensive knowledge and love for cooking to aspiring chefs. Growing up in Livingston County, Robert graduated from Avon High School in 2014. This formative period in his life helped shape his character and dedication to serving others.
Chef RJ's culinary journey began at Paul Smith's College, where he honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for the culinary arts. His education provided a solid foundation, allowing him to thrive in various culinary roles. Throughout his career, he has worked in many renowned restaurants in Rochester, New York, gaining valuable experience and refining his culinary expertise. Balancing his roles as a firefighter and a culinary instructor, Robert J. Younger exemplifies dedication, versatility, and passion. His contributions to both fields are a testament to his hard work and commitment, making him a respected figure in his community. Whether battling fires or crafting exquisite dishes, Chef RJ continues to inspire and make a significant impact in everything he does! Chef RJ will be preparing a Beef tartare Appetizer course this year! Beef tartare is a classic raw beef preparation where the quality of the meat truly shines. At its heart, it's finely chopped or hand-cut raw beef, gently seasoned with salt, pepper, lemon zest and parmesan cheese. When made with New York State beef—from cattle raised and finished under the New York State Grown & Certifiedprogram—this dish takes on a local character. NYS beef is known for its stringent quality standards, careful handling, and rich, balanced flavor, making it an ideal showcase for a raw preparation that depends on freshness and texture. The result is a vibrant, savory bite that celebrates the beef’s natural depth, enhanced by bright seasonings and a silky yolk—a simple yet elegant way to experience premium New York beef in its purest form and honor the time taken in producing a steak. Chef RJ was a crowd favorite last year! We can't wait to watch & learn from him this year!
The Art of the Pierogi Tradition, Technique, and the Perfect Filling
Presented by Partyman Catering
The Art of the Pierogi Tradition, Technique, and the Perfect FillingJoin the visionaries behind one of the
region’s most iconic catering brands for a
deep dive into comfort food excellence. Joe Yantachka III and JT Thomas are sharing the secrets of creating handmade pierogi.
From the perfect, tender dough to the art of the savory filling, you’ll watch the entire process from start to finish. Watch & learn time-honored techniques that have made Partyman Catering a staple of Western New York for over 25 years.
What you’ll learn:
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The Alchemist’s Dough: Discover the science behind the perfect, pillowy pierogi base.
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The Flavor Secret: Professional tips for creating bold, consistent fillings every time.
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The Perfect Pinch: Master the "seal of approval" techniques for a flawless, leak-proof finish.
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From Flour to Flame: Watch the full transformation from raw ingredients to golden-brown comfort.
The Alchemist’s Dough: Discover the science behind the perfect, pillowy pierogi base.
The Flavor Secret: Professional tips for creating bold, consistent fillings every time.
The Perfect Pinch: Master the "seal of approval" techniques for a flawless, leak-proof finish.
From Flour to Flame: Watch the full transformation from raw ingredients to golden-brown comfort.Meet the Experts
Joe Yantachka III
Owner & Visionary, Partyman Catering
Joe is the driving force behind a multi-venue hospitality brand that has redefined full-service catering across Rochester, Buffalo, and the Finger Lakes. With over two decades of experience, Joe blends bold culinary ideas with a deep commitment to the local community.
As a long-standing leader on the Livingston County Chamber of Commerce Board, Joe’s impact goes beyond the kitchen—earning Partyman the title of Livingston County Chamber Business of the Year in 2022. For Joe, every pierogi is an opportunity to bring people together through the spirit of hospitality.
JT Thomas
Director of Operations & Integrator, Partyman Catering
If Joe is the vision, JT is the engine. As the Director of Operations, JT is the specialist who transforms "big ideas" into flawless execution. He oversees the intricate logistics and systems that power hundreds of high-level events each year.
Known for his calm command and sharp eye for detail, JT bridges the gap between creative menu concepts and impeccable service. At FLX West, he brings that same precision to the demo stage, highlighting the teamwork and excellence that define the Partyman brand.
FLX West Food Fest is thrilled to announce that Chef Camille Le Caër is bringing his world-class talent, exuberant personality, and a little bit of FIRE to the Demo Stage this year! 🧑🍳✨
A little about why we love Chef Camille:
Food Network Heavyweight: He didn't just compete; he WON "Guy's Grocery Games" in 2022! He was the runner-up on "Chopped" (2023), finished seventh in the grueling "24 in 24" (2024), and was a semi-finalist on the "Halloween Baking Challenge" (2025). Stay tuned for this year's show debut!
Global Pedigree: Trained at the prestigious Lyceé Hôtelier of Dinard, Camille began his pastry journey at 15 with an internship at the Ritz Carlton in Paris. He later conquered the NYC food scene as Executive Pastry Chef at the famed French restaurant Bagatelle and Crêpe Sucre.
Versatile Master: While famous for his "magnificent macarons," Camille is formally trained in French, Italian, and Turkish cuisine, making him a master of both the sweet and the savory.
Hometown Hero & Elite Athlete: In 2024, Camille followed a new passion to serve as a Buffalo Firefighter. He’s also a machine outside the kitchen—training for the Buffalo Marathon, the Lake Placid Ironman, and a 2026 Ultra Marathon in Patagonia!
THE MAIN EVENT: A MASTERCLASS IN FLAMBÉ- The Art of the Caramel: Learn to build deep flavor with butter, brown sugar, and spice.
- The Flambé: Witness the proper (and spectacular!) technique using premium Rhum.
- Interactive Q&A: Get your culinary questions ready—Chef Camille will be sharing stories from his international career and life in the firehouse while he cooks!
Celebrating Local Flavors: Anthony Tringale Joins the FLX West Food Fest Lineup! 📸🍷
What to Expect
Pre-Fest Hype: Keep an eye out as Anthony sets the stage for the big day.
Live Coverage: During the fest, he’ll be on the ground capturing in-feed video and posts showing off the culinary scene in the FLX West!
The Stories: Anthony is all about the people behind the plate.
Fun Fact: Anthony's dream meal is a garbage plate, NY-style pizza, and Buffalo-sauce-drenched salt potatoes. We think he’s going to fit in just fine here in the FLX West!
Follow the Journey
Instagram: @EatLocalNewYork
Facebook: Eat Local New York
TikTok: @EatLocalNewYork
YouTube: Eat Local New York Channel
Website: eatlocalnewyork.com
Sips, Soul & Sounds
The 2026 FLX West Soundtrack Has Arrived...
Sips, Soul & SoundsTeagan & the Tweeds
If you’ve yet to experience the soul-
grooving, body-moving, spirit-soothing sound of Teagan and the Tweeds, you don’t know what you’re missing - and we CANNOT wait to have them at FLX West!
Don’t let their collegiate-clad name fool you; this band is anything but stodgy and conservative. A five-piece ensemble that includes a Hammond organ and pedal-steel guitar, the Tweeds rock a blues-country-folk vibe that fills a venue like nobody’s business. With their consistently high-energy performances and wide-ranging musical appeal, Teagan and the Tweeds have amassed an impressive following in and around Rochester, attracting new admirers at every show.
Front woman, Teagan Ward, will shake you with the power of her voice and capture you with the depth of her lyrics. No doubt, this woman is fierce. Her voice drips with sweetness and bites with grittiness all at once. And you can always count on her to rev up the energy as she grooves around the stage, tossing her luscious mane of curls all around. Her performance will reel you in and keep you dancing all night.
Teagan and the Tweeds offer a remarkable array of originals and pay due homage to greats like Janis Joplin, Patsy Cline, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder in a well-handled selection of crowd-pleasing covers. This band is the real deal.
Soulful, lively, and roaringly good, Teagan and the Tweeds is one of the best bands in Rochester. The five musicians that constitute this tour de force were brought together by their shared love of creating and performing live music, and man, does it show! Always on with the energy level turned way up, Teagan and the Tweeds is one band that is sure to please. Learn more at teaganandthetweeds.com
The Medicine Your Soul Needs: Uncle Ben’s Remedy joins the 2026 FLX West Soundtrack!
We are thrilled to welcome the incredible Uncle Ben’s Remedy to the stage for a day defined by Sips, Soul & Sounds. 
“These are story songs. Songs about the people we grew up with; grew together with and grew apart from. This music is medicine.” 
The sound of Uncle Ben’s Remedy is rooted deeply in the small towns of Western New York, where community still matters and music is the heartbeat of every event. Ben Westlund, Harmony Griffin, Shawn Huestis, Brendan O’Connor, and Josh Mullin learned to play and sing in this small-town atmosphere, giving their performance the honest, back-porch feel of the country music they love. Whether they are stomping the floors or playing a wide array of traditional and rock n’ roll instruments, these boys sing their hearts out in total service to the song. 
Their journey has been nothing short of impressive. After winning the 2014 Battle of the Bands at Buffalo’s Canalside and the 2015 Battle of Original Music (BOOM), UBR landed a slot at the sold-out Kerfuffle on the Lake. Since then, they’ve piled into their bus to hit the festival circuit from Nashville to Atlanta, all while staying true to their regional roots across New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. 
With successful releases like their debut EP Yesterday’s Clothes and the full-length album Not Far From the Tree, the band has become a staple on the airwaves. In fact, spurred on by the success of their single “Fire in the Field,” they famously sold their first 2,500 records directly out of their converted school bus while playing every small town and honky-tonk they could find. 
Get ready for an afternoon of soulful storytelling and high-energy roots rock that perfectly captures the spirit of the Finger Lakes. 
Connect with the Band
Connect with the BandCheck out their sound and follow their journey before they hit the FLX West stage:
Website: unclebensremedy.com 
Facebook: facebook.com/unclebensremedy
Instagram: @unclebensremedy 
High Stakes, Hot Pans! - The VIP Experience!
The Rochester Chapter of the American Culinary Federation
“Bradford Yearwood Tournament of Champions”
50th Anniversary Chef of the Year Competition Cook-Off - VIP Event!
The FLX West Food Fest is excited to turn up the heat for a milestone showdown: the ACFR “Bradford Yearwood Tournament of Champions.” This isn’t just a cook-off; it is the historic 50th Anniversary of the ACF Rochester Chapter Chef of the Year Competition, and we are giving our VIP ticket holders an exclusive front-row seat to the culinary drama. VIPs will enjoy early admission to the event, securing the best vantage point to witness some of the region's culinary titans battle for the ultimate title. From the frantic clatter of pans to the final, exquisite plating, this exclusive competition event offers an intimate look at culinary mastery under pressure.
At 11:00 am, local radio celebrity and emcee Dino Kay will kick off the competition on the FLX West Food Fest Demo Stage at the Genesee Country Village & Museum. There, the competitors will each have a station and ingredients available for them to cook their entrées. The competition ends with the chefs stepping back from their stations and presenting to the judges to determine the “Tournament Champion – 2026 ACF Rochester Chef of the Year”
A prestigious panel of judges will score the dishes based on taste, presentation, use of selected protein, nutritional components, and the chef’s adherence to food safety rules and ACF standards. Competitor bios coming soon!
Get your VIP tickets today—don’t miss this chance to witness culinary history in the making!
About the ACF Rochester (ACFR)
The American Culinary Federation Rochester Chapter (ACFR) is a professional organization of chefs, cooks, and culinary educators dedicated to the advancement of the culinary arts in the Greater Rochester area. As a local chapter of the American Culinary Federation—the largest professional chefs' association in North America—ACFR focuses on promoting the professional image of American chefs through education, certification, and community service. The annual "Chef of the Year" award is the chapter's highest honor, recognizing a member chef for their culinary skill, industry leadership, and commitment to the community.
Welcome, Dino Kay - Chef of the Year Competition Emcee
Canandaigua native, to now a West Irondequoit resident for over 20 years, and lover of all things Rochester.
Dino graduated from Canandaigua Academy in 1979, attended SUNY Geneseo as a Speech Communication major and played Lacrosse.
Dino was hired at WCMF radio in 1982 as a promotions lackey. Dino worked his way up to the fulltime overnight DJ on 98 PXY in 1987. He’s just kept rolling with the punches through the year where he is now the afternoon DJ on iHearts Country 100.5. (1-4pm)
While working at PXY Dino met my lovely wife of 34+ years, Tammy. She’s the mother of their two sons Billy (wife Erin) & Dean Jr. (wife Bridget) who have two sons, Connor (2) and Rory (10mos). Billy is a manufacturer sales rep for Keyence and Dean is an Irondequoit Police officer.
Dino is very fond of Happy Hours and is an avid, but so so golfer!
Dino spends a great deal of time emceeing charitable events and volunteering on committees for Lollypop Farm, Al Sigl Community of Agencies, Mercy Flight Central, Veterans Outreach Center, Camp Good Days & Special Times, ALS, Honor Flight of Rochester, ACF Rochester, Holy Childhood, ARC of Monroe, and many more!!!
He's also the Main Music Stage emcee for the Rochester Lilac Festival every May, Party in the Park, Bands on the Bricks, Bands at Barnard, Concerts at Perinton Amphitheater, Fairport Music Festival and various concert venues in the area every Summer.
As his wife Tammy would say, Dino’s never met a mic he didn’t like!
Meet the Competitors!
🔪 Chef Sean Flaherty, CEC, AAC 🧑🍳
We are honored to introduce a true titan of the Rochester culinary scene to the stage: Chef Sean Flaherty!
Elite Training: A graduate of Johnson and Wales University with experience in top-tier kitchens from Providence to Rochester.
Award-Winning Excellence: A multi-medal winner in ACF sanctioned events and the 2017 ACF Rochester Chef of the Year.
Highest Honors: In 2025, he reached the pinnacle of his career by being inducted as a fellow into the American Academy of Chefs.
Leadership: Now the Executive Chef at Shadow Lake, Sean is a Certified Executive Chef (CEC) and a Certification Examiner who believes in pushing his team to reach their fullest potential.
The FLX West Food Fest 2026 is heating up, and we are thrilled to announce that this year’s lineup includes a brand-new series of expert-led workshops!
We’ve curated an incredible schedule designed to turn every attendee into a culinary pro. Whether you’re looking to master the art of the pizza. make a new sauce, learn how to grill a summer feast or want to impress at your next dinner party with local pairings, there is a seat at the table for you. Keep checking in for all the updates!!
Get Saucy at the FLX West: A Workshop with Chef Elisha Tate
We are thrilled to level up this year’s FLX West Food Fest with our brand-new Foodie Workshops! We are bringing you a session that is equal parts chemistry, culinary art, and pure finger-licking fun.
Join us for "Getting Saucy with Elisha Tate," an interactive deep dive into the world of barbecue sauce. Whether you’re a backyard griller or a kitchen novice, this workshop will transform how you look at that bottle in your fridge.
What’s Simmering?
What’s Simmering?Chef Elisha isn't just giving a lecture; he's handing you the keys to the flavor kingdom. In this session, you’ll explore:
- The Sauce Spectrum: Learn the secrets behind the four pillars of BBQ: Tangy Vinegar-based, creamy Mayonnaise-based (Alabama style!), and the classic, crowd-pleasing Ketchup or Brown Sugar-based sauces.
- The "Pantry Raid" Method: Discover how to grab common household ingredients to whip up a professional-grade sauce in minutes.
- The "Choose Your Own Adventure" Build: This is where it gets fun. Chef Elisha will craft a live sauce with the audience, letting you vote on the ingredients to determine the final flavor profile. Will it be spicy, smoky, or sweet? You decide!
- Pro vs. Kitchen: Ever wonder why homemade sauce tastes different than store-bought? Elisha will break down the fascinating differences between fresh homemade creation and shelf-stable manufacturing.
The Grand Finale: Once the "crowd-sourced" sauce is finished, everyone gets a taste! Plus, you’ll have the chance to compare it to his signature FLX Barbecue Sauce at Chef Elisha’s FLX West Food Fest station.
Knead, Stretch, & Bloom: Focaccia Art with Kara Reid
Knead, Stretch, & Bloom: Focaccia Art with Kara Reid
We are continuing our Foodie Workshop reveals with a session that celebrates the art of the "slow bake." Please join us in welcoming Kara Reid, the heart and hands behind Reid, White & Blue Homestead Bakery, for a masterclass in artisanal bread.
In a world that moves fast, Kara’s workshop is an invitation to slow down, work with intention, and rediscover the joy of gathering around a table of fresh bread.
What’s Baking?
What’s Baking?Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough pro or someone who has never touched dough in your life, this workshop is designed to be approachable, tactile, and inspiring. Kara will guide you through:
- The Foundation: The secrets to mixing and stretching dough to achieve that iconic, airy focaccia texture.
- The Art of the Dimple: Mastering the traditional techniques that make focaccia as beautiful as it is delicious.
- The Seasonal Finish: How to choose and arrange fresh, vibrant toppings to create a "garden on a loaf."
- Homestead Skills: Take home the confidence and the "why" behind traditional baking methods so you can recreate the magic in your own kitchen.
Meet Kara Reid: Reid, White & Blue Homestead Bakery
Meet Kara Reid: Reid, White & Blue Homestead BakeryKara Reid is the sole baker behind Reid, White & Blue Homestead Bakery, a small-batch, in-home bakery specializing in artisanal sourdough and classic, handcrafted goods. For Kara, baking isn't just a business—it’s a way to bring people together through wholesome simplicity.
From rustic sourdough and hand-shaped bagels to chewy cookies and brownies, every item in Kara’s kitchen is made from scratch using quality ingredients and traditional methods. Her mission is to keep it real: real ingredients, real flavor, and the real joy of baking shared with the community. Her bakes reflect the warmth of the homestead, designed to turn everyday breakfasts and cozy gatherings into something special.
"I’m honored to share my love of handcrafted bread with the FLX community. Let’s bake something beautiful together!" — Kara Reid
Catch, Cook, and Connect with Conrad Baker!
Catch, Cook, and Connect with Conrad Baker!Are you ready to stop being intimidated by the "tricky" trout? Join us at the FLX West Food Fest for a unique workshop with Conrad Baker
for a deep dive into one of our region’s greatest national treasures: the Genesee Valley.
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The FLX West: Conrad is a hunter, trapper, and gardener dedicated to showing us that we don’t live in "the middle of nowhere"—we live in a wild, vibrant landscape worth rediscovering.
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Taming the Trout - From Stream to Skillet: Trout can be tricky and intimidating, but Conrad is breaking it down step-by-step. Learn everything from handling live fish to plating a world-class wild dish.
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The Art of the Whole Trout: There is no meal more impressive - or more sustainable - than a perfectly cooked whole trout. Master the techniques needed to create a stunning, flavorful whole-trout meal that celebrates our local waters.
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Local Secrets: Get insider tips on exploring the nationally-known trout streams located just a stone’s throw away from the festival venue!
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The Grand Finale: Reconnect with our unique local identity and leave inspired to find "big picture" flavors in your own backyard.
The FLX West: Conrad is a hunter, trapper, and gardener dedicated to showing us that we don’t live in "the middle of nowhere"—we live in a wild, vibrant landscape worth rediscovering.
Taming the Trout - From Stream to Skillet: Trout can be tricky and intimidating, but Conrad is breaking it down step-by-step. Learn everything from handling live fish to plating a world-class wild dish.
The Art of the Whole Trout: There is no meal more impressive - or more sustainable - than a perfectly cooked whole trout. Master the techniques needed to create a stunning, flavorful whole-trout meal that celebrates our local waters.
Local Secrets: Get insider tips on exploring the nationally-known trout streams located just a stone’s throw away from the festival venue!
The Grand Finale: Reconnect with our unique local identity and leave inspired to find "big picture" flavors in your own backyard.Follow the Journey: 
Facebook: Conrad Baker 
Instagram: @ConradInTheGeneseeValley
Meet the Makers: The 2026 FLX West Culinary Line-Up
At the heart of FLX West Food Fest is the incredible community of small businesses that make our region a premier foodie destination. We are proud to showcase local restaurants, gourmet specialty shops, and award-winning wineries, cideries, distilleries and breweries. Explore the full list below and discover the faces (and flavors) behind your favorite local eats. Check back often as vendors are added daily!
PAST EVENTS
