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Shane McIntosh/Ocean Catering Company 

Shane McIntosh, executive chef with Ocean Catering Company, started out washing dishes in the late night Blues bars of Memphis, TN when he was just 14, and quickly moved on to the tough, exacting school of classic French cuisine. Holding his own with veteran cooks, he fell in love with the restaurant life and eventually gained the precision and discipline to complement his natural ability. This exuberant all-rounder – once compared to Julia Child with tattoos – is just as proud of his Dry-Rubbed BBQ as he is of his Caramelized Mango Foie Gras.

By age 20, Shane took over ownership of the Babylon Café, a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement, which instilled the basics of seasonal, local foods. McIntosh then went on to study a variety of flavors and techniques in some of the country’s most renowned kitchens. From the Caribbean cuisine of Automatic Slims Tonga Club, to The Main Dining Room of the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, to the prestigious James Beard House in New York City, to private dining in Paris, McIntosh pulls these influences together, creating
his own style of robust flavors.

At heart, Shane is a proud Southerner who appreciates good food and family. In 2002, he launched Ocean Catering Company – named after his eldest son Angus Ocean McIntosh – and soon established himself as one of the premier caterers in the Southeast. Whatever the event, he can always be found outside the kitchen – usually with a wide grin on his face – making sure all the guests are savoring every bite.

Krista Berutti/Singer Songwriter 

Tamara Eckles/Jem of the South 

Tamara Eckles is a dessert enthusiast who has a love for dessert and business plain and simple. Tamara married her love of desserts which includes 20 years of baking experience and her love of entrepreneurship to start her popular media company, Jem of the South, the place where you “Discover Something Sweet”. Jem of the South is the home of Jem Radio, a monthly on-line radio show highlighting small business owners in the dessert industry, Rare Jems TV and Jem of the South Events and Workshops. She is also the author of the e-book ” 7 Sweet Recipes for Dessert Business Success” as well as two dessert guides. Tamara is becoming a go to resource for discovering sweet dessert businesses and dessert trends. Join her on her mission as she “Discovers Something Sweet!”

Carmaleita Lyght/Lyght House Cocktails 

Carmaleita Willis Lyght is a native Georgia Peach from Augusta Georgia. She currently resides in the Atlanta area with her husband and son. Carmaleita is a family girl who loves her friends. She is a die hard adventurer who has never met a stranger and will have a drink with anyone. Carmaleita has been mixing drinks for 12+ years but is always ready to learn more.