10/10/2016

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Richard Blais to open the Expo

 

Celebrity chef, restaurateur, James Beard-nominated cookbook author and television star Richard Blais has been named the keynote speaker for the inaugural Mid-America Restaurant Expo. 

Blais's keynote speech will kick off the Expo on Sunday, Jan. 29.

Richard Blais is a successful chef, restaurateur, James Beard nominated cookbook author and television personality. The Long Island-native graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and trained at The French Laundry, Daniel, Chez Panisse,and el Bulli.

Blais currently owns and operates Trail Blais, a forward-thinking culinary company that has consulted on, designed, and operated popular eateries including multiple outposts of Flip Burger Boutique. In San Diego, where he currently resides, Blais is a partner at the popular Juniper & Ivy and Crack Shack restaurants, which will be expanding to 4 locations in the coming months. 

In addition to his recurring role on Bravo’s Top Chef, Blais regularly appears on Food Network and may be seen this season on FOX's MasterChef and MasterChef Junior. Early 2017 will bring Blais’ second cookbook, So Good (May 16, 2017), and the introduction of his new show, Man vs Master, on the FYI Network.