EXPERT JUDGES

Choosing the cream (cheese) of the crop in the world of bagels is no easy feat, especially with so many outstanding contenders in the mix. That's why the New York BagelFest brings together a distinguished panel of judges: seasoned professionals, culinary enthusiasts, and bagel aficionados.

These Expert Judges will be taking on the delectable challenge of selecting the very best across a myriad of categories. From the ultimate "Best of the Fest" title to the innovative "Bagel of the Future," our judges have their work cut out for them!

Think you have what it takes to join our esteemed panel? Drop us a line below!

Past Judges

  • Jake Cohen

    Social Media Influencer

  • Jeremy Jacobowitz

    Social Media Influencer

  • Ali Rosen

    TV Host

    Instagram: @ali_rosen

  • BenGingi

    The “YASSS” dude.

  • Jaymee Sire

    Host of “Food Network Obsessed"

  • Dara Pollak

    Founder of The Skinny Pig Inc.

    Instagram: @darapollak / @youbothsuckpodcast

  • Katie Stilo

    Emmy-Award winning Culinary Producer and Food Stylist.

  • Anthony Contrino

    Emmy-Award winning Culinary Producer and Chef.

  • Old Jewish Men

    New York's leading bagel and pickle expert (according to nobody).

  • Shannon Sarna

    Editor at Large of The Nosher and Author.

  • Dave Arnold

    Host of Cooking Issues and Operator of Booker & Dax.

    Instagram: @cookingissues

  • Willa Moore

    Staff writer at The Infatuation.

  • Carina Koeppicus

    Former Staff Writer, The Infatuation

  • Mike Varley

    Creator of EverythingIsEverything.NYC

  • Rachel Askinasi

    Food Reporter at The Messenger.

    Instagram @raskinasi

  • Reva Castillenti

    Award-winning Baker, Instructor of BagelUp’s Bagel Baking Class, Head Baker at JM Bakery

    Instagram: @eatsbreads

  • Brad Kent

    Serial Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Bagel + Slice and Original Sunshine.

  • Harvey Leeds

    Co-Founder and Co-Host of Bagel Tawk.

  • Justin Shukat

    The other half of Bagel Tawk

  • Scott Goodfriend

    Chief Eating Officer of Ultimate Food Tours.

  • Nicole Adamo

    Media Personality, Producer, Creative Director, and Serial Entrepreneur.

    Instagram: @nickilishious

  • Sam E. Goldberg

    Host of 'Respect the Chain.'

    @RespectTheChain

  • Ryan Garson

    Real Estate Agent in Manhattan and Brooklyn and Bagel Reviewer.

    Instagram: @Verysocialbroker

  • Jason Goldstein

    Cookbook Author, Recipe Developer, and Food Blogger at ChopHappy.

  • Matt Pomerantz

    Co-Founder, Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish

  • Claudia Flemming

    Author & Executive Culinary Director, Daily Provisions

    Instagram: @chefclaudiafleming

  • Randy Peers

    President and CEO, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce

  • Will Gleason

    Will Gleason, Time Out North America