Ventura Vegan Challenge, 2024 + 2025 + 2026

We are beyond thrilled to share some exciting news: Chef Kelly is the Ventura County Vegan Chef Challenge Winner… for the third year in a row!

Yes, three years running. Third time’s the charm, and what a delicious charm it is.

What makes this win even more inspiring is Chef Kelly’s unique path. She is not classically trained. She comes from what she lovingly calls a “burn and learn” school of cooking: hands-on, fearless, and fueled by curiosity. That freedom from rigid rules allows her to push boundaries, trust her instincts, and fuse unexpected flavors into dishes that surprise and delight.

Alongside our incredibly talented kitchen team, Chef Kelly continuously refines and perfects every recipe. Together, they taste, test, and tweak until each dish delivers bold flavor, thoughtful balance, and pure satisfaction.

Her creativity, passion, and willingness to explore new ideas are what make her vegan creations not just award-winning, but truly memorable.

We couldn’t be prouder. And we couldn’t do it without you, your votes, your support, and your enthusiasm for what comes out of our kitchen every day.

Come celebrate with us and taste what a three-time champion can do.

“If you are choosing to pair, the beverage is now part of your dish. Think of it the same way you might about the seasonings you add to the food.”

Do you ever feel out of your depth when it comes to picking the best beverage to pair with your dinner? Do you struggle to choose just the right wine to serve dinner guests? Do you secretly worry that you will select the wrong drink and mess up a dining experience?

Pairing is part of human nature: We love to put things together to see if we can create something greater than the individual items. When it comes to food and wine (or beer, cider, coffee, tea, etc.) we are always searching for a combination that takes things to a level beyond. With that as a goal, it can be intimidating trying to decide what to drink with what we are eating.

> SEE THE FULL ARTICLE

Chef Kelly Briglio, Paradise Pantry

For Chef Kelly Briglio, one half of the dynamic duo (with partner Tina Thayer) behind Paradise Pantry, her culinary adventures started at home. Raised first in rural Madera and later Ojai (she moved to the valley when she was just 6 years old), Briglio grew up among a family that lived, loved and ate well together.  > READ MORE

Cover: A Seasonal Dinner Special with Halibut is served with fresh local produce. All of Chef Kelly’s delicious food is paired with wines, cheeses and more. Take Out, Patio Dining and Indoor Dining. Photography by Viktor Budnik for Paradise Pantry.