Inaugural Savor East Sac Chef's Challenge
Presented by The Cannery Place & East Sacramento Chamber of Commerce
Friday, July 25, 2025
TICKETS ARE NOW SOLD OUT OF THE INAUGURAL SAVOR EAST SAC CHEF'S CHALLENGE. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
Join us for an elevated culinary competition as five of East Sacramento’s top chefs battle it out for the title of Top Chef of East Sac.
We are thrilled to announce five local, award-winning chefs representing some of East Sacramento’s best restaurants:
• Canon
• Cervecería by Urban Roots
• Chów at SacYard
• Hawks Provisions and Public House
• THAI - The House of Authentic Ingredients
This elegant summer evening will feature:
5:30–6:00 PM | Welcoming toast & light bites
6:00–7:45 PM | Chef stations open, food served, and voting begins
7:45–8:30 PM | Dessert is served, ballots are counted, and the winner is announced
Additional information:
Beer & wine included | No-host signature batch cocktail
Open table seating (unreserved)
Dress code: Summer Elegant
Come hungry, bring your palate, and help us crown a champion! Must be 21+ to attend.
Meet The Chefs
Sean Rumery
Canon
Rafael "Rafi" Salmeron
Cerveceria by Urban Roots
Chef Rafael "Rafi" Salmeron was one of the winning chefs during one of last year's Farm-to-Fork Festival competitions.
Chef Rafi has been with the Urban Roots Restaurant Group for a number of years. He came to Urban Roots with experience in everything from Pizza to Steakhouse to Mexican food and everything in between. Rafi worked his way into a Sous Chef Role at Urban Roots Smokehouse, then became the head chef of Bawk Fried Chicken and is currently the Head Chef at Cerveceria.
He loves to cook the Mexican food he grew up with and loves pairing it with Agave spirits!
Aimal Formoli
Chow at SacYard
Mike Fagnoni
Hawks Provisions and Public House
Mike Fagnoni is the Chef and Owner of Hawks Restaurant in Granite Bay and Hawks Provisions + Public House in East Sacramento. A New York native, Mike’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he helped craft Northern Italian feasts before stepping into professional kitchens at age 15. He graduated with high honors from the Culinary Institute of America and went on to train under celebrated chefs including Rick Moonen, Traci Des Jardins, and Mark Sullivan at the Michelin-starred Village Pub in Woodside, where he also met his wife and culinary partner, Molly Hawks.
Rooted in classic technique and inspired by the bounty of Northern California, Mike’s ingredient-driven approach has helped make the Hawks restaurants beloved staples in the region. Hawks Provisions + Public House is proudly recognized in the Michelin Guide California.
When he’s not behind the line, Mike enjoys cycling, tending to his tomato garden, and has even ridden in Chef Cycle to support No Kid Hungry.
Wongworaman Jankhuen
THAI - The House of Authentic Ingredients
Chef Wong, formally known as Wongworaman Jankhuen, is the heart and soul of THAI – The House of Authentic Ingredients. An award-winning executive chef sponsored from Thailand, Chef Wong has been delighting Sacramento since 2017 with his dedication to authentic Thai cuisine.
Starting his culinary journey at just 20 years old, Chef Wong honed his craft by mastering traditional techniques and discovering ways to push Thai cuisine beyond its limits. His signature style lies in marrying bold, vibrant flavors with authentic Thai ingredients sourced directly from Thailand, creating dishes that feel both familiar and adventurous.
Under Chef Wong’s leadership, THAI has become a local favorite for its true-to-Bangkok dishes and innovative twists that honor tradition while sparking curiosity. Every plate is a reflection of his belief: Thai food should be bold, fresh, and unforgettable.