THE JUDGES

Heather Carr
Executive Chef Footer's Catering
Chopped Champion

​Chef Heather Carr is as enthusiastic about food as she is on educating people about why food matters.  Her unique style of cooking includes the utilization of every piece of edible trim that normally finds its way into the trash. Chef Carr is the Executive Chef at Footers Catering in Denver, CO and gives back to the community through volunteering her time and skills at organizations such as Cooking Matters CO, Work Options for Women, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Catholic Charities Sam House, and Colorado Open Lands among many others.  She found success on the Food Network's Chopped in 2017 as the episode's Champion and returned for Chopped Champions in 2018. In 2019, Chef Heather was awarded as ColoradoBiz Magazine's Top 25 Most Influential Young Professionals. 

Denise Mickelsen
​Food Editor, 5280 Magazine

Denise Mickelsen is responsible for overseeing all of 5280’s food and drink coverage, which encompasses everything delicious that’s grown, crafted, and cooked in Colorado. She holds a culinary arts degree from the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York City, and cooked in renowned Manhattan restaurants before entering food media. Mickelsen is an award-winning editor who has worked in the test kitchens at Saveur and Martha Stewart Living, and on the editorial staff at Fine Cooking. In 2014, Mickelsen moved to Denver to manage culinary acquisitions at Craftsy (now Bluprint), a digital media company, and in 2016, she joined the 5280 magazine team as food editor.

When she’s not dining in local restaurants or writing about the whirlwind that is the Centennial State food scene, Mickelsen can be found cooking (seafood) and baking (pies); reading cookbooks as if they’re novels; and hiking, skiing, and camping with her husband and son.

Kraig Weaver
Head Distiller/Co-Owner
The Block Distilling Co

Kraig Weaver’s passion for distilling began by chance. An avid fan of cocktails and spirits, he decided to take his fascination to new level by experimenting with distilling for his friends and family. An engineer by trade, Kraig took a scientific approach to distilling using nods from his former chemistry courses. After debuting his spirits at a dinner party, he was convinced that this side project could be a full-time career. A party goer had a building for rent in the up-and-coming RiNo district and thought that a distillery would be the perfect tenant. In December 2017, Kraig along with his partners Michelle and Kameron Weaver, opened The Block Distilling Co’s tasting room. Currently, the distillery offers gin, vodka, and coffee liqueur but will be debuting their whiskey and bourbon this December. 

In addition to The Block, Kraig is the owner and founder of AND collaborative, a design and fabrication company. He designs custom furniture using metal and wood mediums. His work is showcased throughout The Block’s tasting room – from the railing to the furniture to the shelves.

THE PROS

​Keith Bailey
​Emcee

From Sporting Events to Multi Day Conferences Keith Bailey is the consummate professional brand representative.  His objective is to deliver the clients message and brand while elevating the audience's experience.  Drawing upon a lifetime of service experience ranging from the Marine Corps, Hospitality Industry and Global Sales; Keith naturally keeps his audiences engaged and a part of the event experience.

Libby Pollack
Auctioneer

Libby Pollack of Libby Live Auctions turns galas into powerful moments of philanthropy as a live benefit auctioneer. She is honored to be a member of the team for Scleroderma 2019 Food Fight. 
​www.libbyliveauctions.com

Justin LeVett
Photographer

Justin LeVett is a commercial photographer based in Denver. With a wide range of experience from architecture to healthcare to food and beverage and action sports, he can capture moments of any kind. Justin considers any day behind the camera taking photos – whether it be for his clients or himself – a good day. Justin LeVett Photography streamlined a steamlined post-production workflow that allows him to provide his clients with the highest-quality photos in the shortest amount of turnaround time. 

Justin strives to build long-lasting relationships with his clients to help them create their brand identity. He works alongside his clients to create the best photo to fit their needs. Justin’s goal on every photo he takes is to leave clients thinking, “how did you get that photo?”