Meet Our Team - Elite Personal Chefs

Professional Sommelier

Kevin Carpentieri

Greenville, SC

A Court of Master Sommeliers' Intro Sommelier with a lifelong passion for wine, Kevin brings both enthusiasm and thoughtful perspective to every glass he pours. His appreciation for wine began early and has evolved into a focused study of regional expression, tradition, and terroir, guided by formal sommelier training and years of hands‑on exploration. Kevin’s primary areas of specialization are Italian sparkling wines—with particular interest in Franciacorta, Trentodoc (and other Metodo Classico styles), and Sicilian red varietals, including Nerello Mascalese, Nero d’Avola, and Frappato. He is especially drawn to Sicily’s volcanic soils and the balance of power and elegance found in wines from Mount Etna and surrounding regions. Known for an approachable teaching style, Kevin enjoys helping guests and clients build confidence in their wine choices, whether through guided tastings, food‑pairing recommendations, or in‑depth conversations about producers and winemaking philosophies. He believes great wine should be both educational and joyful, and that the best bottles are those that tell a story worth sharing. Kevin continues to expand his studies and tasting experience, with a commitment to ongoing professional development and a deep respect for the craft and culture of winemaking.

Private Event Sommelier Services Wine Education / Tasting Classes

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Professional Bartender

Mandy Covington

Greenville, SC

Seasoned bartender and front of house professional with a strong background in high end service and extensive cocktail knowledge. Known for warm, confident hospitality, a polished bar presence, and smooth execution in fast paced settings. Offers a pop up bar experience for in home and venue events, with elevated classic cocktails, creative seasonal specials, and a service style that keeps guests feeling taken care of. From intimate gatherings to large celebrations, she brings organization, professionalism, and memorable drinks to every event.

Professional Bartending Services Pop-up Bar Front of House Service

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Professional Chef

Richie Farina

Chicago, IL

Richie Farina brings more than 20 years of culinary experience to his current role as Chef De Cuisine of RPM Seafood. Chef Farina was born in Staten Island, New York and began his culinary career at the age of 16 as a pizza maker in Florida. Chef Farina went on to attend Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Culinary Arts in 2005. With Richie’s help, the school won the National College Ice Carving Championship (secret special skill should you need!) for three consecutive years. He moved to Chicago in 2008 and began developing his molecular gastronomy skills and flexing his creativity at the nationally acclaimed, one-Michel-starred restaurant, Moto. Through his work at notable fine dining and tasting menu concepts, Chef Farina developed a fun and whimsical cooking style while honing his skills to create the award-winning dishes that he's known for today. Prior to his role at RPM Seafood, Chef Farina was most recently the Executive Chef of Adorn Bar & Restaurant at Four Seasons Chicago, the opening sous chef at two-Michelin-starred Ever, lead line cook at Monteverde, and executive chef at one-Michelin-starred Moto. He also was the concierge chef and brand ambassador for vegan food brand JUST Inc. Chef Farina was the host of Cooking Channel show, Carnival Kings, and has also been featured on 24 in 24, Chef grudge match, Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, Top Chef, Iron Chef America, Cutthroat Kitchen, Bizarre Foods, and more. These diverse culinary experiences help Chef Richie create unforgettable moments for his guests!

Healthy meal prep & private events chef Cooking classes & demonstrations

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Professional Bartender/Server

MaryKate Condon

Chicago, IL

MaryKate is a professional restaurant server and bartender with a decade of experience in the service industry. She has experience in both private in-home events and restaurant-hosted events. She brings a high level of hospitality, efficiency, and attention to detail to every setting, from intimate dinners to large-scale celebrations. Skilled in full-service dining, cocktail service, and bar operations, she focuses on creating seamless, welcoming experiences that allow guests and hosts to fully enjoy the event.

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Certified Sommelier

Kevin Parks

Greenville, SC

Kevin Parks, known to many in the industry as “KP,” is a Certified Sommelier with over 15 years of experience in hospitality and beverage leadership. He has dedicated the last five years exclusively to the wine industry, working both on the floor as a sommelier and on the sales side as a representative for a boutique, family-owned distributor based in Charleston, South Carolina. Kevin’s career began in restaurants at the age of 19, where he developed a passion for hospitality and beverage service. With more than a decade of bartending experience and several years managing bar programs, he cultivated a strong foundation in service, operations, and guest engagement. His transition into wine allowed him to merge technical expertise with storytelling, making him equally effective in guiding guests through memorable dining experiences or supporting accounts in building thoughtful wine programs. Currently preparing for the Advanced Sommelier examination, Kevin continues to expand his knowledge and refine his palate. He is known for his approachable style, ability to connect with people, and commitment to elevating both the guest and client experience through wine.

Private Wine Tastings Wine Dinners Restaurant Beverage Program Consulting +1 more

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Service Team Member

Chef Kai

Madison, WI

Chef Kai is classically trained in French cuisine, has expertise in Japanese techniques, and over 13 years experience in the culinary industry across the US and in Australia. Chef Kai has cooked for celebrities, worked with Michelin chefs and James Beard winners, and has been awarded with the P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized) honor in 2021-23. Chef Kai has led multiple restaurants who were recognized as People's Choice Award winners and Michelin Guide Recommended. “I am really fortunate to be a part of the prestigious talent in the EPC team. What we are doing isn’t just representing a brand; it's a unique opportunity to use food to bring people together by combining my passion for cooking with the joy of serving.”

Healthy Meal Prep Private Events Private Cooking Classes +2 more

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Professional Server

Dane Langhans

I have worked in the service industry for six years, including as a host and full-time server, having worked at restaurants such as El Che, Brasero, and the Meadowlark restaurant group. I have worked many guest-facing jobs and I love getting to know people and connecting them with one of the great loves and delights of life: fantastic food. I continue my learning with liquor, wine, and barista trainings. I enjoy providing warm, skilled service, and I'm always pushing myself to learn more and be the most efficient I can while still giving each guest the time and attention they deserve. Let's provide people with unforgettable dining experiences.

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Professional Sommelier

Blake Morton

Nashville, TN

Originally from South Carolina, Blake Morton has spent over a decade working on the floor and building a deep, hands-on understanding of wine and hospitality. His journey began at age 21, planting vines at Eagle Mountain Winery, where he developed an early appreciation for viticulture and the work that happens long before a bottle reaches the table. Blake went on to refine his service and wine knowledge as a floor manager and sommelier at respected restaurants including Halls Chophouse and Urban Wren, and he currently serves on the floor at Urban Grub in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for his warm guest-facing style and thoughtful approach to wine pairing, Blake excels at making wine approachable while still elevating the dining experience. He holds his Level 1 Sommelier certification and brings a strong balance of technical knowledge, service leadership, and genuine hospitality to every event he works.

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Professional Bartender/Server

Jen Butt

Belvidere, IL

Hi, I’m Jen Butt, a newly certified bartender serving the Chicagoland area and Wisconsin, with a passion for craft cocktails, warm hospitality, and creating unforgettable experiences. With formal training in mixology and responsible alcohol service, I’m excited to bring my energy, professionalism, and creativity to every shift behind the bar. Before becoming a bartender, I worked as a lead server at a wide range of events—including private cheffing dinner parties, weddings, and large-scale receptions. These experiences sharpened my ability to thrive in fast-paced environments while delivering thoughtful, attentive service. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a lively celebration, I love helping guests feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to enjoy the moment. Now, I’m looking to grow in the hospitality industry with a team that values quality, collaboration, and great guest experiences—one drink (and one connection) at a time.

bartending services front of house-server

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Certified Cicerone

Jon Richards

Greenville, SC

Big Jon lives in Greenville, South Carolina where he has worked for the last 18 years, working in and watching the craft beer scene take hold and grow. He got his first job in foodservice at 14 years old and has been active in the hospitality industry ever since. He has over 30 years of experience at every level in a restaurant in both front and back of house, but he has fine tuned his focus in the business to beer since returning to Greenville in 2007. Big Jon is a Certified Cicerone and is recognized as one of the pre-eminent beer experts in South Carolina. He has organized and hosted dozens of beer dinners at restaurants and venues across the upstate, and he is the co-host of the beer2whiskey podcast. He has helped open multiple restaurants and craft beer bars in the upstate, and he now teaches beer and hosts beer-centric events all across South Carolina.

Private Beer Tastings Dinners & Education

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Photographer & Hospitality Professional/Sommelier

Kevin M. Sanfilippo

Greenville, SC

A dynamic, upbeat hospitality professional with a strong sales background and a sharp creative eye. As the owner of Bear & Mason, he specializes in brand, product, and event photography for food and beverage businesses, creating content built for websites, social media, and marketing campaigns. With years of experience in wine and beer business development across the Southeast, he brings an insider understanding of what sells, what tells a story, and what makes a brand feel premium. Whether he is photographing chefs in action, capturing a wine dinner, or supporting a beverage program through education and engagement, he shows up prepared, personable, and detail-driven.

Photography Services Hospitality Professional Services Professional Sommelier

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Professional Bartender & Server

Jack Pietrus

Chicago, IL

Jack is an experienced bartender, bar lead, and customer experience extraordinaire. With over 10 years of experience, he is a vibe creator who ensures both your drinks and party go beyond expectations. A true people person, he loves to create, facilitate and anticipate your every need for a successful and memorable event. Jack is an accomplished bartender having worked in Michelin star restaurants and bars, and possesses the ability and knowledge to provide you and your guests with a vibrant and memorable experience, whatever the occasion.

Bartending Service Front of House Service

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Private Chef

LeAnn Rosado

Chicago, IL

I grew up in Arlington Heights, but have lived in Chicago for over 25 years. I have 25 years experience in the industry. My very first job was as a host, and I continued to work all positions in both the front and back of the house. Giving me a strong understanding of how important great service is is just as important as being able to cook amazing food. I first fell in love with cooking while watching and learning in my mom's kitchen. I trained at the Cooking and hospitality institute of Chicago. I focus on creating personalized menus built for specific dietary needs and personal tastes. I have a lot of experience with Caribbean, Asian, Cajun, Vegetarian/ vegan, gluten and dairy free cooking, while enjoying cooking all types of cuisines. I love exploring new foods and traveling around the world to eat!

Healthy and personalized meal prep/ Private events

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Professional Chef

Dustin Musgrave

Chicago, IL

Chef Dustin started his career at a young age while growing up in his father’s pizza spots. After working for Chef Michael Symon in Cleveland, he then ventured to Chicago to start his lengthy career at Hogsalt for the openings of Au Cheval, Dillmans, and many more. From growing up making pizzas with his father, to being the Chef De Cuisine of the Alinea Group, Chef Dustin cares about quality ingredients, sustainability and has a passion for creating the best tasting food possible. He has many cuisines under his belt such as French, Middle Eastern, Italian and many more. Chef Dustin has known Chef Austin for almost 15 years now and they finally joined forces to bring you amazing experiences through dinner parties, in-home cooking and private events.

Private Dinners Health-Focused Meal Prep In-Home Chef Experiences +1 more

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Certified Sommelier

Amy Yancey

Greenville, SC

Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Amy began working in restaurants at 15. In her early twenties she moved to Chicago, where she worked for the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group, studied wine, and became a Certified Sommelier. She returned home in 2019 to serve as Wine Director for Halls Chophouse Greenville. Amy has an incurable and rare degenerative eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa that has slowly impaired her vision over time. After grappling with and accepting her vision loss, she launched her company, Pocket Somm, and ventured out on her own. Pocket Somm is your personal sommelier at your fingertips, offering wine program consulting, personal wine procurement, and private wine education. Amy’s teaching style is fun, relaxed, and highly approachable. She is known for making wine feel easy to understand and genuinely exciting, no matter your level of experience. Through Pocket Somm she runs a retail wine program inside the Greenville Beer Exchange. Amy focuses on farmers, not commercial wineries. She champions small production, artisan, boutique, and hard to find “unicorn” wines, and hosts private tastings both at Greenville Beer Exchange and in her clients’ homes. Please reach out to book Amy for your next wine tasting or to start curating your own personalized wine collection.

Private Wine Tastings Wine Dinners Restaurant Beverage Program Consulting +1 more

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Professional Bartender and Hospitality Professional

Michele Nuccio

Chicago, IL

Michele is a seasoned server and bartender with experience in private events and in-home dining experiences. She brings a calm, friendly energy to events and is equally comfortable crafting batched cocktails, serving classic drinks, or providing seamless table service alongside a private chef. Detail-oriented and guest-focused, Michele takes pride in creating an elevated yet relaxed experience that makes clients and guests feel well taken care of.

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Professional Chef

Root to Rise

Greenville, SC

Chefs Ryan Dunn and Jennifer Cimino bring years of fine dining expertise and a shared passion for health-focused cuisine to your table. Chef Ryan honed his culinary skills at Greenville favorites like Urban Wren and the Commerce Club, and now channels his creativity into nutrient-rich, locally sourced meals. Chef Jenn’s background spans luxury hospitality at the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale to restaurant leadership in Delray Beach and Halls Chophouse Greenville. Together, they craft fresh, chef-driven menus using organic ingredients from local farms. With registered dietitian Brittany Jones, MS, RD, LD they’ve created a unique collaboration that blends culinary excellence with expert nutritional guidance. “Whether you're looking to eat cleaner, save time, or simply enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home, their service makes it effortless. The menus change monthly to keep things interesting, and each meal is fully prepared and delivered fresh—ready to heat and enjoy. It’s a simple, flexible way to nourish yourself with real, flavorful food that fits your lifestyle.”

Healthy Meal Prep & Private Event Chefs

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Professional Bartender

Christian Solis

Chicago, IL

Hi, I’m Christian Solis, a professional bartender with 4.5+ years of experience in high end hospitality, including The Langham Hotel Chicago and its restaurant, Travelle, plus 2.5+ years in catering and events. I’m known for friendly, efficient service, a polished bar presence, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for every guest. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a large celebration, I focus on smooth execution, great cocktails, and hospitality that feels effortless.

Bartending and Private Event Service

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Executive Chef / International Chef / Private Chef

Maurice Farmer

Honolulu, HI

Chef Maurice “Mo” Farmer has an extraordinary culinary resume. He earned a prestigious James Beard Award nomination, appeared on the show “Deadliest Catch,” and ran kitchens in world-class restaurants around the world from Dubai, to Norwegian Cruise Line. Also Nominated for the Craft Guild awards Uk .. 2nd place winner Culinary heights Fly Xo Private Jet Also Nominated For Food Network FavChefs 4th

Private Chef Services Also Catering For Large Groups

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Personal Mixologist/Professional Server

Justin Lutze

Chicago, IL

I have been studying mixology for twenty five years. I started in restaurants in Milwaukee WI and started working in catering events in Philadelphia, PA. I offer beverage pairings for dinner services and customized cocktails for each event based on the style of cuisine being served at dinner service.

Personalized Cocktails & Healthy Mocktails

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Professional Bartender

Vinnie Lamonica

Las Vegas, NV

Professional, experienced bartender and hospitality pro serving the Las Vegas area, known for polished service and a great guest experience.

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Beverage Professional

Jean Tomaro

Greenville, SC

As a passionate beverage and hospitality professional, I have spent the last 15 years building a single restaurant into a large scale hospitality brand. The heart of my experience lies in developing business, beverage, teams and restaurant culture.

Cocktail Coffee & Sommelier Experiences

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