The Culinary Advisory Board complements the longstanding expertise of PepsiCo Foods’ best-in-class culinary teams, including 10 full-time chefs and more than 150 globally trained Certified Culinary Scientists that embody a variety of cultural backgrounds and skillsets, including specialists in culinary arts, cooking technologies, baking and pastry, food science and nutrition.

“This dynamic Culinary Advisory Board has already been hard at work over the past few months behind-the-scenes advising on brand strategy, enriching our culinary culture, and creating meaningful new ways to connect to people through food,” said Carolyn Braff, Culinary Vice President, PepsiCo Foods North America. “We are thrilled to partner with such talented culinary experts who have immersed themselves in our iconic portfolio of brands and have an unparalleled pulse on food culture today.”

During the recent dinner Culinary Advisory Board members were able to showcase their skills. The First Course was created by Eric Adjepong, consisting of Duck Confit prepared using Mug Root beer and Tamarind Glaze,  Sabritas Salt & Lime peanuts along with Sweet Potato Puree.

This was followed by Mexican-American Chef Ellen Bennett and her Striped Bass dish with Tostitos, Mojo de Ajo, Tostitos Salsa Verde Avocado Crema, Confit Chayote and Mexican Herb Salad.

Tiffany Derry was responsible for the Third Course, which consisted of Pepsi Braised Pork Cheeks using Pepsi,  Carrots, Plantains and all spice.

Finally dessert was under the direction of Tyler Malek and included Apple Pie a la Mode, using Mascarpone Custard,  Vanilla ice cream, and Quaker Rice Snacks and Oat Crumble.

Everything was outstanding; from a colorful visual presentation, to the symphony of exciting flavors.  The evening demonstrated  how the PepsiCo Foods product line can be used in innovative ways to create original Michelin-star quality dishes. 

The Culinary Advisory Board was carefully curated with experience, influence and inspiration at the forefront. The six individuals provide comprehensive food perspectives and represent chefs, technical food experts, drivers of culinary trends, entrepreneurs and business owners.

Eric Adjepong is a professional chef, Food Network host, bestselling author and activist, best known for his fusion of Western African flavors into creative dishes.
Ellen Bennett is the founder & Chief Brand Officer of the beloved culinary apparel brand, Hedley & Bennett, as well as the TV host of Kitchen Glow Up and author of Dream First, Details Later inspiring young chefs to make their dreams happen.
Ali Bouzari is a culinary scientist and the co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Pilot R&D, where he combines his culinary creativity and scientific expertise to develop new products and techniques.
Tiffany Derry is the co-founder of T2D Concepts and owner of critically acclaimed Dallas restaurants Roots Chicken Shak, Roots Southern Table and Radici Wood Fired Grill, as well as a TV personality.
Andrew “Kappy” Kaplan is a professionally trained chef who serves as the host of Beyond the Plate Podcast and EVP of Culinary Operations at Rachael Ray.
Tyler Malek is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at Salt & Straw, where he is best known for developing over 2,000 inventive, delicious ice cream flavors.

Stay on the lookout for upcoming offerings from PepsiCo Foods and their Culinary Advisory Board, whatever the future holds it’s sure to bring joy to your palate.