Esben Holmboe Bang is the chef and co-owner of the ground-breaking three Michelin-starred restaurant, Maaemo, located in Oslo, Norway. He was born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark but has lived in Norway with his family for the past eleven years.

Jackie Kai Ellis comes from a extensive and successful background as a designer, specializing in branding, at her own design firm. After devoting ten years to this field, she uprooted her life, entirely, on a mission to experience as many of her life goals as possible, and even accomplishing her dream of studying pastry in the heart of the culinary art, France. Returning from her adventures abroad, Ellis opened her own bakery, Le Beaucoup, in San Francisco, where she was able to continue her passion of baking, and bring a little piece of Paris back home. This career chameleon just getting started, however, as she eagerly anticipates her next transformation. 

Growing up in Toronto, Canada, Jane Rabinowicz began her involvement in food and food security at an early age, working in community gardens and soup kitchens in her local community. For the past 20 years, she’s pursued her passion for food and food justice on a local and international scale. Now, living in Montreal, she works with the Bauta Initiative and USC Canada, both nationally and internationally, as the Program Director.

Anissa focuses on the cuisines and culinary heritage of the Middle East, Mediterranean and North Africa. Born and raised between Beirut, Lebanon, and Mashta el-Helou, Syria, she knows the Mediterranean as only a well-traveled native can.

So, who am I? I’m a sommelier, a cook, a writer, a researcher and a scientist but most of all I am a Creator d’Harmonie - I’m a matchmaker.

This year, chef and local food advocate, Jamie Kennedy, returns to Terroir. It’s been 10 years since he delivered the first key-note at the opening symposium back in 2007, giving him a unique perspective from other speakers and an understanding of the events evolution. Since the humble beginnings he’s remained an advocate and honorary member of the Terroir Symposium family.