Mastering the culinary arts with unmistakable NOLA soul, Chef Gason Nelson is far more than a chef—he’s an experience. As the Owner and CEO of Full of Flavor and a Global Cooking Instructor for The Chef & The Dish, Chef Gason brings heart, joy, and incredible taste into every kitchen he enters.

A two-time James Beard scholar and Food Network Chopped competitor, Chef Gason was named one of the 25 Best Chefs in Louisiana. His talent has made him the go-to private chef for high-profile icons, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Matthew McConaughey, the Kardashians, Sinbad, and stars from the NFL and NBA. Featured in Sports Illustrated, Reader’s Digest, and national television, his vibrant culinary passion is recognized nationwide.

Above all, Chef Gason is a giver with a heart of gold and energy for days. As a Director on the Breaking The Chains board, he serves as the heart of The Night Out culinary team.

Read Chef Gason’s full interview here

As the Proprietor and Executive Chef of The Catering Outfit, Chef Walter Slawski stands at the forefront of Charlottesville’s vibrant food scene. A proud UVA graduate and long-time local culinary leader, Walter has earned a reputation for turning gatherings into extraordinary, immersive culinary experiences rooted in seasonality, genuine hospitality, and rich local flavor.

Under his leadership, The Catering Outfit has become one of the region’s most celebrated catering teams, consistently recognized with multiple WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards.

Chef Walter’s passion extends far beyond the kitchen. A dedicated advocate for the community, he has been a proud supporter of Breaking The Chains Foundation's Big C New Me program since 2013 and a featured chef at The Night Out since its very beginning. His long-standing commitment and culinary artistry make him a cornerstone of The Night Out family.

For over two decades, Chef Tucker Yoder has been a defining force in shaping Charlottesville’s acclaimed culinary landscape. Now at the helm of the culinary programs at The Wool Factory and Broadcloth, Tucker is widely celebrated for crafting menus that pay homage to Virginia’s rich seasonal harvest, local farming partners, and genuine hospitality.

Tucker’s deep, place-based cooking style has been honed across some of the region’s most revered kitchens—including OXO, The Clifton Inn, Red Hen, and Back 40. His approach strikes the perfect balance between refined technique and approachable, generous dining.

Known as much for his collaborative spirit as his culinary mastery, Chef Tucker makes his highly anticipated debut at The Night Out this year. We are deeply grateful for his immediate and enthusiastic support of Breaking The Chains Foundation and are thrilled to welcome him to the family!

Joining The Night Out for the first time this year, Drew Carter brings nearly two decades of experience in food service, hospitality and wine—and he is traveling from Michigan to help make this year’s Chef’s Table experience truly memorable.

Wine has been a constant passion throughout Drew’s career, inspiring him to earn both the Certified Sommelier and Certified Specialist of Wine credentials. Since then, he has worked across wine sales, restaurant management and catering management, while curating award-winning wine programs along the way.

What Drew loves most, however, is not simply what is in the glass. It is the sense of connection that forms around a table when thoughtful food, beautifully paired wine and good company come together.

Throughout the evening, Drew welcomes questions and conversation about the wines selected for the Chef’s Table pairings. His philosophy is refreshingly simple: the best wine is not always the most expensive bottle—it is the one shared with good people.