Our Paella Competition Chefs
Meet the chefs bringing international experience, creativity, and a passion for paella to the competition.
John Noble Masi
Head Judge
John Noble Masi is a chef, educator, and hospitality consultant with over 30 years of industry experience. As Lead Culinary Faculty at Florida International University and founder of Hospitality Performance Partners, he brings expertise in culinary education, kitchen leadership, and hospitality operations.
Andrés Felipe Otálvaro
Paella Chef
Andrés Felipe Otálvaro is a culinary entrepreneur from Medellín, Colombia, with over 10 years of experience specializing in rice dishes and paella. Through his catering brand, Andrés Paellas, he shares Colombian flavors, ingredients, and identity at culinary events and festivals around the world.
Vsevolod Leonov
Paella Chef
Vsevolod Leonov is a Ukrainian chef from Odesa with over 16 years of culinary experience across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. A Ukrainian Culinary Cup finalist, he brings expertise in international cuisines, restaurant openings, menu development, and kitchen leadership.
Sofya Seropyan
Paella Chef
Sofya Seropyan is an award-winning pastry chef, artisan baker, and founder of Sofya’s Bakery, with over 13 years of experience. A two-time National Pie Championships winner and seven-time American Culinary Federation medalist, she brings expertise in artisan baking, pastry innovation, and culinary competitions.