2024 Chefs and Condé Nast Participants
Condé Nast Event Lead Chef
Chef Denella Belin
Chef Denella Belin is a celebrated culinary artist from the Dine’ Navajo Nation in Arizona, renowned for her dedication to preserving and innovating Indigenous cuisine. Growing up in the rich cultural landscape of the Navajo Nation, Denella was deeply influenced by her family’s traditions and the natural bounty of the earth. Her culinary journey began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where she learned the time-honored techniques of Navajo cooking and the importance of sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.
With a passion for food that honors her heritage, Chef Denella has over 20 years of experience working in prestigious kitchens. She is in demand as a Chef, Caterer, and Educator year-round. She has developed a unique culinary style that marries traditional Navajo flavors with contemporary techniques. Her extensive knowledge of Indigenous ingredients from the Sonoran Desert shines through in her innovative dishes, which celebrate her homeland's vibrant and diverse flavors.
Chef Denella is a culinary pioneer known for her community and cultural preservation commitment. She frequently collaborates with local farmers and foragers to source the freshest ingredients, ensuring that her cuisine is sustainable and deeply connected to the land. Her culinary philosophy emphasizes the importance of food sovereignty and the revitalization of traditional foodways.
In addition to her work in the kitchen, Chef Denella is a passionate educator and mentor. She regularly conducts workshops and cooking classes, sharing her expertise with aspiring chefs and community members. Her efforts to promote Indigenous cuisine are well-received statewide.
Chef Denella Belin is the Executive Chef and owner of Nella’s Innovative Kreations, a full-service Indigenous culinary business in Arizona. There, she continues to push the boundaries of Navajo cuisine, and her inventive and heartfelt dishes are a testament to her roots and vision.
With a passion for food that honors her heritage, Chef Denella has over 20 years of experience working in prestigious kitchens. She is in demand as a Chef, Caterer, and Educator year-round. She has developed a unique culinary style that marries traditional Navajo flavors with contemporary techniques. Her extensive knowledge of Indigenous ingredients from the Sonoran Desert shines through in her innovative dishes, which celebrate her homeland's vibrant and diverse flavors.
Chef Denella is a culinary pioneer known for her community and cultural preservation commitment. She frequently collaborates with local farmers and foragers to source the freshest ingredients, ensuring that her cuisine is sustainable and deeply connected to the land. Her culinary philosophy emphasizes the importance of food sovereignty and the revitalization of traditional foodways.
In addition to her work in the kitchen, Chef Denella is a passionate educator and mentor. She regularly conducts workshops and cooking classes, sharing her expertise with aspiring chefs and community members. Her efforts to promote Indigenous cuisine are well-received statewide.
Chef Denella Belin is the Executive Chef and owner of Nella’s Innovative Kreations, a full-service Indigenous culinary business in Arizona. There, she continues to push the boundaries of Navajo cuisine, and her inventive and heartfelt dishes are a testament to her roots and vision.
Chef Jerald Tso
My name is Chef Jerald Tso. I am a Dine (Navajo) chef passionate about food, community, and my Native roots. Born to the Redhouse People and Mexican People clans, I grew up in Grand Falls, Arizona, and now reside in Phoenix. My early life on a ranch taught me the importance of our culture, language, and the harmony between land and life. Witnessing my family farm, herd cattle, and prepare traditional meals instilled a deep appreciation for sustainable living and native culinary heritage.
With over 22 years in the culinary industry, I have embraced the evolving food landscape. My journey began with the inspiration from my parents and grandparents, who ran a diner and cooked for the community. Growing up on the Navajo reservation, I was always a dreamer. I always dreamed of distant lands, the people, and the cuisines that encompass each culture's history. This blossomed into a passion for breaking culinary boundaries. Starting my professional kitchen career in 2001, I climbed the ranks and positions, absorbing valuable lessons from mentors.
As a Chef Mentor for the Careers through Culinary Arts Program since 2016, I have influenced many Navajo students to pursue culinary careers, helping them showcase their talents in competitions. I remain driven by my love for cooking and the support of my family and culinary community. I am the Chef/Owner of Nature's Kitchen Catering LLC, which has been in operation since 2008 and specializes in Southwest Faire and Indigenous Cuisine. One of my most outstanding achievements is being a three-time cancer survivor and continuing to build my business. Ah’ehee.
With over 22 years in the culinary industry, I have embraced the evolving food landscape. My journey began with the inspiration from my parents and grandparents, who ran a diner and cooked for the community. Growing up on the Navajo reservation, I was always a dreamer. I always dreamed of distant lands, the people, and the cuisines that encompass each culture's history. This blossomed into a passion for breaking culinary boundaries. Starting my professional kitchen career in 2001, I climbed the ranks and positions, absorbing valuable lessons from mentors.
As a Chef Mentor for the Careers through Culinary Arts Program since 2016, I have influenced many Navajo students to pursue culinary careers, helping them showcase their talents in competitions. I remain driven by my love for cooking and the support of my family and culinary community. I am the Chef/Owner of Nature's Kitchen Catering LLC, which has been in operation since 2008 and specializes in Southwest Faire and Indigenous Cuisine. One of my most outstanding achievements is being a three-time cancer survivor and continuing to build my business. Ah’ehee.
Chef Apollon Lewis
Chef Apollon Lewis is a visionary culinary artist passionate about creating innovative and delectable dishes. Born and raised in Arizona, Chef Apollon was immersed in the rich culinary traditions of the South, Soul Food, and the Southwest from a young age. His love for food and cooking was ignited in his great-grandmother’s kitchen, where he learned the art of making something from nothing and blending flavors to create soul-warming meals.
Chef Apollon honed his culinary skills in many prestigious restaurants in the Valley of the Sun; with over 30 years of professional experience, his culinary journey has taken him from the bustling streets of San Francisco to the serene landscapes of rural Arizona, each location adding a unique flavor to his repertoire.
Specializing in fusion cuisine, Chef Apollon is known for his creativity and dedication to using locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. He has an extensive background and knowledge of incorporating indigenous ingredients of the Sonoran Desert into his menus. His dishes celebrate tradition and innovation, each telling a story of his culinary heritage and personal experiences.
Chef Apollon’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the kitchen. He mentors aspiring chefs and has worked with the Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience since its inception. He also advocates for culinary education, regularly participating in community outreach programs. His passion for food and innovative spirit have earned him numerous accolades and a loyal following of food enthusiasts.
Chef Apollon honed his culinary skills in many prestigious restaurants in the Valley of the Sun; with over 30 years of professional experience, his culinary journey has taken him from the bustling streets of San Francisco to the serene landscapes of rural Arizona, each location adding a unique flavor to his repertoire.
Specializing in fusion cuisine, Chef Apollon is known for his creativity and dedication to using locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. He has an extensive background and knowledge of incorporating indigenous ingredients of the Sonoran Desert into his menus. His dishes celebrate tradition and innovation, each telling a story of his culinary heritage and personal experiences.
Chef Apollon’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the kitchen. He mentors aspiring chefs and has worked with the Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience since its inception. He also advocates for culinary education, regularly participating in community outreach programs. His passion for food and innovative spirit have earned him numerous accolades and a loyal following of food enthusiasts.
2023 Chefs and
Food Ways Participants
We are excited and honored to announce the Indigenous Chefs and Food Way Demonstrators for our 2023 Indigenous Culinary Experience. We are thankful to Bleu Adams Chef and Director of IndieHub who is curating and working with our chef line-up this year. We welcome Chef Denella Belin representing the Dine, Chef Renetto-Mario Etsitty of the Navajo Nation, James Beard Nominee Chef Jaren Bates Dine, Chef Roxanne Wilson of Emerson Frybread, Pastry Chef Reina Cruz with Spirit Mountain Coffee, the Hualapai Community, and Native Health Arizona. In addition we welcome back Fashion Designer Joan Miles-Long R.R. Raid with her models and a new collection on sustainable Native Fashion.
ARIZONA INDIGENOUS CULINARY EXPERIENCE 2022
On Saturday November 18, 2023, The Arizona American Indian Festival delivers a unique Arizona Native Experience in a cocktail format setting, with contemporary Native Arts/Artists including exquisite Native Chef tasting stations featuring traditional and fusion foods and cocktails. The award-winning venue “Western Spirit” Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is host to this one of a kind and only in Scottsdale event.
This curated evening will reflect the rich tapestry of Native Arizona with its history, foods, music, people, and cultures. The event brings together many Native communities with traditional and contemporary elements that highlight and celebrate the beauty and important contributions of Arizona’s Native Peoples to Arizona culture.
Traditional and Contemporary Native Arts, arts and craft demonstrations, a silent auction and live performances are scheduled throughout the evening.
Foodies, culture enthusiasts, and Arizona lovers won’t want to miss this chance to explore the tastes, sights and highlights from our Native Arizona communities presented in a format that engages and elevates the rich living tapestry of our first peoples’ heritage. Pair this with cooking demos from local, indigenous and contemporary chefs and a vibrant, rich elevated arts program and you have a sensational multi-sensory and “Only in Arizona” experience!
This curated evening will reflect the rich tapestry of Native Arizona with its history, foods, music, people, and cultures. The event brings together many Native communities with traditional and contemporary elements that highlight and celebrate the beauty and important contributions of Arizona’s Native Peoples to Arizona culture.
Traditional and Contemporary Native Arts, arts and craft demonstrations, a silent auction and live performances are scheduled throughout the evening.
Foodies, culture enthusiasts, and Arizona lovers won’t want to miss this chance to explore the tastes, sights and highlights from our Native Arizona communities presented in a format that engages and elevates the rich living tapestry of our first peoples’ heritage. Pair this with cooking demos from local, indigenous and contemporary chefs and a vibrant, rich elevated arts program and you have a sensational multi-sensory and “Only in Arizona” experience!
